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Apple Cheesecake Buns

Soft, fluffy buns filled with creamy cheesecake and tender apples, topped with a buttery crumble and sweet glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • ¾ cup ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
  • teaspoons 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • cups 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 6 oz 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk 1 egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping
  • 2 medium 2 medium apples (peeled and diced)
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Crumble Topping
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons cold butter (diced)
For the Glaze
  • ½ cup ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow to sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, large egg, and softened unsalted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and diced cold butter until crumbly.
Assembly
  1. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round and press in the center to create an indention.
  2. Spoon the cheesecake filling into the center, then top with the apple mixture. Sprinkle the crumble on top.
  3. Place filled buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Baking and Finishing Touches
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Once baked, drizzle the glaze over the warm buns and serve either warm or cooled.

Notes

Apple Cheesecake Buns are perfect while warm, with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a charming presentation, serve them on a platter drizzled with extra glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this indulgent treat even further! Dough can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight.