These Apple Cheesecake Buns are a perfect blend of soft, buttery dough, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet, spiced apple topping. Each bun is topped with a crunchy streusel crumble, adding an irresistible texture contrast to the soft interior. Finally, a smooth glaze drizzled over the top adds a finishing touch of sweetness, making these buns a delightful treat for any occasion. Combining the warmth of cinnamon apples and the richness of cheesecake, these buns are indulgent, flavorful, and visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This:
These buns bring together all the comforting flavors of apple pie and cheesecake into a single, irresistible bite. The soft dough pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese filling, while the apple and cinnamon mixture adds a natural sweetness and warmth. The crunchy topping contrasts the creamy and fluffy interior, making each bite exciting and flavorful. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these buns offer a decadent twist on a classic dessert, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon indulgence.
Perfect Occasion:
Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a weekend dessert, these Apple Cheesecake Buns shine at any gathering. Their warm, spiced apple filling makes them a favorite during fall and winter, but they’re just as delightful year-round. Serve them at family breakfasts, holiday feasts, or casual coffee dates with friends. Their inviting aroma and comforting flavors make them the star of any table, offering a homemade touch that feels both special and familiar.
Decoration Tips:
To elevate the presentation of these buns, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar once the glaze has set. For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, on top of the crumble before baking. You can even add a drizzle of caramel sauce to make them even more indulgent. For a festive touch, a few thin apple slices on top of the glaze would make them stand out beautifully at any event.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 4 cups of flour (400g)
- 1 cup of warm milk (200ml)
- 1 egg
- 65g of softened butter
- 10g instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (60g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Apple Filling:
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons of brown or white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- Half a cup of water
Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling:
- 200g cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
Ingredients for the Crumble:
- 1 tablespoon of butter (20g)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Half a cup of flour
For the Egg Wash:
- Egg yolk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the dough. Combine all the dough ingredients in a large bowl and knead until you have a soft, elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. In a heated pan, melt the butter, then add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the apple mixture, cooking for another 2 minutes until thickened. Set the filling aside to cool.
- For the cheesecake filling, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 9 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
- In the meantime, make the crumble topping. Mix the butter, sugar, and flour with your hands until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Press the center of each dough ball with the bottom of a glass to create an indentation, making sure to leave a thick border. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg yolk.
- Fill the center of each dough ball with a spoonful of the cheesecake filling, followed by a spoonful of the apple filling. Sprinkle the crumble on top of each bun.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
- After the buns have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Enjoy!