Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze: A Cozy Bakery Treat You Can Make at Home

There’s something about the smell of warm apples, sweet glaze, and soft bread rising in your oven that instantly makes a house feel like home. These Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze combine the best of three beloved desserts—fluffy yeast buns, creamy cheesecake, and classic apple crumble—all in one handheld pastry.

With pillowy dough, a luscious cheesecake filling, spiced apple topping, buttery crumble, and a dreamy vanilla glaze, these buns are perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or cozy afternoons with a mug of tea. They look like something from a boutique bakery window, but they’re easier to make than you think—and absolutely worth the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of texture and flavor:

• Fluffy yeast buns that are soft and tender
• A rich cheesecake layer that bakes right into the center
• Warm cinnamon apples that bring a comforting, seasonal touch
• A buttery crumble topping for a crisp, golden finish
• Vanilla glaze for sweetness and shine

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting, these buns are a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter.

Ingredient List (With Purpose & Function)

For the Sweet Yeast Dough:

• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds softness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the buns rise and become light and fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough slightly.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure while staying tender and airy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Butter: Adds moisture, flavor, and soft texture to the dough.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese: The base of the filling, rich and tangy.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without grittiness.
• Egg yolk: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling as it bakes.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.

For the Apple Topping:

• Apples (peeled and diced): The star of the topping—sweet and tart.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that highlight the apple flavor.
• Cornstarch or flour: Helps thicken the mixture so it doesn’t leak.
• Butter: Helps soften and caramelize the apples.

For the Crumble Topping:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the crumb.
• Cold butter: Creates that classic crumbly texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and slight chew to the topping.

For the Sweet Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: The base of a smooth glaze.
• Milk or cream: Thins the glaze to drizzle consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, warm aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Warm the milk until lukewarm (not hot). Stir in yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat.
3. Sprinkle in cornstarch and cook until apples are tender and sauce thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Chill until ready to use.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

1. Mix flour and brown sugar in a small bowl.
2. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Chill until ready to top.

Step 5: Assemble the Buns

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 10–12 equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten slightly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Use a glass or fingers to gently press a deep well into the center of each dough round.
4. Fill the center with a spoonful of cheesecake mixture, followed by a scoop of the cooled apple mixture.
5. Sprinkle crumble topping generously over each bun.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Let buns rise for another 20–30 minutes while the oven heats.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle.
4. Let cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable.
2. Drizzle over warm or fully cooled buns.

Tips for Success

• Use firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to balance the sweet cheesecake and glaze.
• Don’t overfill the buns—just enough to keep the centers moist without overflowing.
• Let all fillings cool before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
• Chilling the crumble and cheesecake filling makes them easier to handle.
• These taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Freezer: Freeze baked, unglazed buns for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven, then glaze before serving.

Enjoy!

These Apple Cheesecake Buns are the kind of bake that makes a regular day feel special. Between the creamy filling, spiced apples, buttery crumble, and sweet glaze, every bite is a little celebration of comfort and creativity.

Perfect for holidays, brunches, or just because, these buns will make you the star of any breakfast table. Once you’ve tried them, don’t be surprised if they become part of your cozy baking traditions.