Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Can you believe it? A blend of creamy cheesecake and warm cinnamon apples, all nestled in a soft, fluffy bun!” That’s exactly what these Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze bring to your kitchen—a cozy, bakery-worthy treat! Whipping up this recipe not only fills your home with comforting aromas but also offers the perfect solution for brunch gatherings or simply indulging your sweet tooth. These buns are quick to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying sweet moments with loved ones. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile; you can easily mix and match fillings or glazes to suit your taste. Ready to bring a little bakery magic into your home? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make your baking dreams come true! Why You’ll Love These Buns Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples results in a deliciously indulgent treat that will satisfy all your cravings. Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these Apple Cheesecake Buns with ease, making it a perfect activity for the whole family. Perfect for Any Occasion: These buns shine at brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy tea times, effortlessly impressing your guests and making any meal a special occasion. Versatile Recipe: Easily customize your buns by swapping apples for pears or adding walnuts to the crumble—your kitchen, your rules! A Warm Cozy Treat: The delightful aroma wafting through your home while baking these buns is simply unbeatable and creates the ultimate cozy atmosphere, ideal for snuggling up with a good book or loved ones. Ready to explore more delightful recipes? Check out Honey Cheesecake Salted or try the deliciously easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for a satisfying twist on dessert! Apple Cheesecake Buns Ingredients • Get ready to create something amazing! For the Dough Warm Milk – Provides moisture and activates the yeast; consider using non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version. Active Dry Yeast – Leavens the dough for a light and airy texture; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and nourishes the yeast; coconut sugar can be a lower-glycemic option. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the dough’s structure; for gluten-free needs, try a suitable flour blend. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and controls yeast activity. Large Egg – Binds the ingredients and enriches the dough; substituting with a flax egg is a great vegan option. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the dough; use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – Creates that deliciously creamy cheesecake filling; vegan cream cheese works perfectly as a substitute. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake mixture nicely. Egg Yolk – Contributes richness and helps set the filling. Vanilla Extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor. For the Apple Topping Apples – Infuse natural sweetness and delightful texture; mix it up by using pears or mixed berries instead. Brown Sugar – Ensures that the apple topping is perfectly sweetened and caramelized. Cinnamon/Nutmeg – Brings a warm and inviting spice to the apples. Cornstarch – Helps thicken the apple mixture for optimal filling consistency. For the Crumble Topping Cold Butter – When mixed with flour and sugar, it creates that perfect crumbly topping. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crumble mixture beautifully. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the crumble topping to achieve the desired texture. For the Sweet Glaze Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze; consider using almond milk for a dairy-free option. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly; drizzle over warm buns for the best effect. Now that you have everything you need, let’s get baking! These Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping will surely warm your heart and delight your taste buds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Next, stir in all-purpose flour, salt, a large egg, and softened butter. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, then cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Step 2: Cook the Apples While the dough rises, peel and dice your apples. In a medium skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and add the diced apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the apples are tender. Once done, remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling. Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps, achieving a silky texture that will complement your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Once combined, set the mixture aside while you prepare the crumble topping. Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping In a separate mixing bowl, combine cold butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you achieve a crumbly texture, resembling coarse crumbs. This crumble will add a delightful crunch to your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Set it aside for assembly. Step 5: Assemble the Buns Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle and press the center down slightly. Spoon in the cooled apple mixture and a dollop of the cheesecake filling, then fold the edges over to seal. Place the filled buns seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle generously with the crumble topping. Step 6: Second Rise Cover the assembled Apple Cheesecake Buns with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again in a warm area for about 30 minutes until they’ve puffed up. This second rise is crucial for that soft and fluffy texture you’ll love, so be patient as they get bigger and more inviting. Step 7: Bake the Buns Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your buns have completed their second rise, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the crumble topping is crisp. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-browning. Step 8: Prepare the Sweet Glaze While the buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar to your liking. This sweet glaze will be the perfect finishing touch for your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Step 9: Glaze the Buns Once baked, allow the Apple Cheesecake Buns to cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle the sweet glaze over the buns while they are still warm for a delightful, sticky finish that enhances their flavor and appearance. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy indulgence! Apple Cheesecake Buns Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity flow with these delightful twists on the classic Apple Cheesecake Buns. Pear or Mixed Berries: Swap apples for juicy pears or a medley of mixed berries to give your buns a fresh twist. Dairy-Free Delights: Use coconut oil instead of butter and vegan cream cheese in the filling to create a dairy-free version everyone will love. Nutty Crumble: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to your crumble topping. The added crunch brings texture and a delightful nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the buns. Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger in the apple mixture. This adds a unique zip, making each bite a surprise! Ricotta Filling: Swap cream cheese for ricotta in the filling for a lighter, fluffier texture that pairs beautifully with the apples. Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent spin, drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the buns instead of glaze for an indulgent treat. Cinnamon Roll Inspired: Incorporate cinnamon sugar into the dough before rolling it out. This sweet addition ups the flavor and can be a delightful alternative to the cheesecake filling for a classic cinnamon roll twist. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these buns friendly for those with gluten sensitivities, without sacrificing taste or texture. For more recipe inspiration, don’t miss out on the rich flavors of Honey Cheesecake Salted or the refreshing taste of Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. Each offers a delightful culinary experience that you can easily make at home! Make Ahead Options These Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze are truly a time-saver, perfect for busy mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply allow it to rise, punch it down, and then store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. The apple mixture can be cooked and cooled up to 3 days ahead—just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, assemble the buns with the cheesecake filling and crumble topping and let them rise once more for about 30 minutes. Bake as instructed, and you’ll have fresh, delightful treats with minimal effort, making your baking experience just as enjoyable as the delicious results! What to Serve with Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Indulging in warm, pillowy buns is just the beginning! Let’s elevate your baking experience with the perfect pairings that will enhance every delightful bite. Freshly Brewed Coffee: A classic pairing, the rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the buns, creating the ultimate cozy morning treat. Homemade Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream on the side for a heavenly contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar brings an extra layer of warmth, enhancing the spices in the apple topping beautifully. Apple Cider: Serve these buns with a glass of chilled apple cider for a refreshing twist that harmonizes with the apple flavors and adds celebratory charm. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over warm buns creates a luscious, dessert-like experience that’s hard to resist. Nutty Granola: For a delightful texture contrast, a side of crunchy nutty granola adds a satisfying crunch to each soft bite of the buns. Herbal Tea: Brewed herbal teas like chamomile or mint offer a soothing accompaniment, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and glaze. Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote can brighten each bun, adding a refreshing and fruity layer, making for a vibrant dessert or treat. These pairings beautifully enhance the magical experience of Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family moments. Enjoy the smiles they bring! Expert Tips for Apple Cheesecake Buns Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh and bubbly in warm milk; stale yeast can lead to dense buns. Even Dough Rolling: Roll out your dough uniformly for consistent baking. Uneven rolls can result in some buns being undercooked. Cool Fillings: Always allow the apple mixture to cool before assembling. Hot filling can make the dough soggy and difficult to seal. Crumbly Topping: For the best crumble texture, use cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures a delightful crunch on top of the buns. Glaze at the Right Time: Drizzle the sweet glaze over the buns when they’re still slightly warm. This helps the glaze adhere better and enhances the flavor of your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Storage Tips for Apple Cheesecake Buns Room Temperature: Keep your Apple Cheesecake Buns covered for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor, enjoying them at their best all weekend long. Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For that fresh-baked warmth, just warm them slightly before serving for a delightful experience. Freezer: Freeze unglazed buns for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them before glazing for a cozy treat. Reheating: For an irresistible, warm bite, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes after thawing, ensuring they stay soft and delicious! Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze Recipe FAQs How do I select the best apples for this recipe? Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling. Look for apples that are free from bruises or dark spots to ensure they are fresh and flavorful. What’s the best way to store leftover Apple Cheesecake Buns? Very simple! Keep your Apple Cheesecake Buns covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, warm them up slightly for that fresh-baked taste! Can I freeze these buns, and if so, how? Absolutely! To freeze, I recommend freezing unglazed Apple Cheesecake Buns. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they are firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes before glazing. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise? If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and bubbles in warm milk during the activation step. If the dough still doesn’t rise, try moving it to a warmer area. Cover it well and let it sit longer—sometimes yeast just needs a little extra time to work its magic! Are there any dietary considerations I need to keep in mind? Very much so! If you’re making these buns for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap out ingredients. For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk, coconut oil, and vegan cream cheese. If someone has egg allergies, a flax egg can be a great substitute. Adjustments to accommodate gluten allergies are also available by using gluten-free flour blends! Can I customize the crumble topping? The more the merrier! You can absolutely customize the crumble topping. Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Additionally, experimenting with spices—like ginger or allspice—can bring new dimensions to the flavor, making it your own unique creation! Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping You’ll Love No ratings yet Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze combine creamy cheesecake with warm cinnamon apples in a delightful treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsRising Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 bunsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Warm Milk consider using non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast make sure it's fresh for the best rise1/4 cup Granulated Sugar coconut sugar can be a lower-glycemic option3 cups All-Purpose Flour for gluten-free needs, try a suitable flour blend1 teaspoon Salt1 large Egg substituting with a flax egg is a great vegan option1/4 cup Unsalted Butter use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternativeFor the Cheesecake Filling8 oz Cream Cheese vegan cream cheese works perfectly as a substitute1/2 cup Powdered Sugar1 large Egg Yolk1 teaspoon Vanilla ExtractFor the Apple Topping3 cups Apples mix it up by using pears or mixed berries instead1/4 cup Brown Sugar1 teaspoon Cinnamon1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg1 tablespoon CornstarchFor the Crumble Topping1/4 cup Cold Butter1/4 cup Granulated Sugar1 cup All-Purpose FlourFor the Sweet Glaze2 tablespoons Milk consider using almond milk for a dairy-free option1 cup Powdered Sugar Equipment Mixing BowlSkilletBaking SheetPastry CutterWire Rack Method Preparation StepsIn a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.Stir in all-purpose flour, salt, a large egg, and softened butter. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.Peel and dice your apples. In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender, then remove from heat and let cool.In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.In a separate bowl, combine cold butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour until crumbly.Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, press the center down, and add the cooled apple mixture and cheesecake filling.Fold the edges to seal and place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with crumble topping.Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise again for about 30 minutes.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.After baking, let the buns cool for about 10 minutes and drizzle with sweet glaze. Nutrition Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesUse fresh yeast to avoid dense buns. Roll dough evenly for consistent baking. Cool fillings before assembly. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
