Dreamy Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Magic

Soft, pillowy dough cradles a decadent apple cheesecake filling that will make taste buds dance with pure delight.

Each golden-brown bun bursts with rich cream cheese and tender apple chunks.

Warm spices weave through the delicate pastry, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Baking these treats becomes a delightful culinary adventure that connects comfort and creativity.

Weekend brunch or afternoon tea suddenly transforms into a special moment with these heavenly buns.

The balance of sweet apples and tangy cream cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile you’ll crave again and again.

Bake these buns and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Highlights of Apple Cheesecake Buns

• Unlock Bakery-Style Comfort: Dive into a homemade treat that rivals professional pastry shops, combining soft dough, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apple goodness in every delightful bite.
• Master Impressive Baking Skills: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a showstopping dessert, perfect for bakers wanting to level up their kitchen confidence without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast or Dessert: Versatile enough for weekend brunches, potlucks, or sweet afternoon snacks, these apple cheesecake buns guarantee smiles and second helpings from family and friends.
• Seasonal Flavor Celebration: Capture the warmth of autumn with a delectable combination of tender apples, warm spices, and rich cream cheese that brings cozy comfort to your table.

Ingredients for Apple Cheesecake Buns

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the soft, fluffy buns.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the buns.
• Warm Milk, Water: Helps activate the yeast and create a soft dough.
• Butter: Contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the buns.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
• Vanilla: Provides a classic, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Apples: Adds a fresh, sweet, and slightly tart fruit element to the buns.
• Butter: Helps cook and soften the apples.
• Spices: Enhances the apple flavor with warm, comforting notes.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling and prevents excess moisture.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: Combines to create a sweet, smooth drizzle that adds a finishing touch to the buns.

Apple Cheesecake Buns: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create Fluffy Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Slowly incorporate warm milk, water, melted butter, and a beaten egg.

Knead the mixture thoroughly for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes silky and elastic.

Allow the dough to rest and rise in a warm spot for approximately one hour, during which it will double in size.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Create Spiced Apple Mixture

• Butter
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Cook until apples become tender.

Stir in cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy appearance.

Step 4: Roll and Construct Buns

Carefully roll out the dough into a rectangular shape measuring 12×16 inches.

Spread the prepared cheesecake filling evenly across the surface, followed by the spiced apple mixture.

Gently roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 equal portions.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the rolled buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 6: Finish with Sweet Glaze

Prepare a delectable glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm buns, allowing it to cascade and create an enticing finish.

Handy Tips for Apple Cheesecake Buns

• Take time to develop gluten by kneading the dough thoroughly, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture for your buns.
• Cook apple filling slowly to reduce excess liquid, preventing soggy buns and maintaining a perfect filling consistency.
• Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Drizzle glaze when buns are slightly warm to help it set beautifully without becoming too runny or absorbing completely.

Tasty Apple Cheesecake Bun Twists

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free yeast and check all ingredients for gluten contamination.
• Vegan Comfort: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use flax egg as a binding agent.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free apple filling by cooking with cinnamon and a small amount of sugar-free syrup.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream cheese, oat milk, and plant-based butter. Keep the same preparation method while eliminating all dairy ingredients.

Serving Ideas for Cheesecake Buns

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve these warm cheesecake buns alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Morning Brunch Star: Plate these golden buns with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to create an elegant weekend brunch centerpiece.
• Dessert Transformation: Elevate the buns as a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package these buns in cute bakery boxes with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Storing Apple Cheesecake Buns for Later

• Store apple cheesecake buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm refrigerated buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh texture.
• Leave buns at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and add it directly to the dry ingredients.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and when you gently press it, the indentation should slowly spring back.

• Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, the liquid is warm (not hot), and the environment is draft-free and slightly warm for optimal rising.

Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet apple cheesecake buns blend comforting bakery magic with nostalgic American dessert charm. Warm spices and creamy filling promise delightful moments that invite pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients for Dough:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the enriched dough by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Incorporate warm liquid elements, softened butter, and egg. Knead the mixture for 8-10 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic texture. Allow dough to rest and expand in a warm environment for approximately one hour.
2. Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency for the cheesecake component.
3. Sauté diced apples in butter with sugar and aromatic spices. Simmer until fruit softens and caramelizes. Introduce cornstarch mixture to create a luscious, thickened filling.
4. Gently roll prepared dough into a generous rectangular shape. Evenly distribute cheesecake mixture across surface, followed by apple filling. Carefully roll into a compact cylindrical form and slice into 12 uniform segments.
5. Arrange rolled portions onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Position in preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until achieving golden-brown coloration and complete internal cooking.
6. Construct a glossy topping by blending powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. Delicately drizzle glaze over freshly baked, warm buns.

Notes

• Choose warm ingredients at room temperature to help dough rise smoothly and create tender, soft buns.
• Test yeast’s freshness by dissolving it in warm milk – it should foam within 5-10 minutes, indicating active fermentation.
• Prevent tough dough by kneading gently and avoiding over-mixing, which develops excess gluten and makes buns dense.
• Roll dough on lightly floured surface to maintain soft texture and prevent sticking during assembly.
• Chill cheesecake filling briefly before spreading to make it easier to handle and prevent mixing with apple layer.
• Slice log evenly using dental floss or sharp knife for uniform bun sizes and consistent baking.
• Allow buns to cool slightly before glazing to prevent runny, absorbed icing and maintain crisp drizzle pattern.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg