There’s something truly irresistible about biting into a soft, pillowy bun that’s filled to the brim with creamy cheesecake and spiced apple goodness. These Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze are exactly that: a delightful dance of textures and flavors. The tender yeast dough acts like a gentle cloud, wrapping around a rich, velvety cheesecake filling that melts on your tongue. Just when you think you’ve experienced pure bliss, a layer of warm, caramel-kissed apple pieces adds a hint of tartness and spice, evoking memories of cozy autumn mornings and holiday gatherings. Topping it all off is a buttery, cinnamon-scented crumble that gives you that satisfying crunch, crowned by a sweet vanilla glaze that laces through every crevice. It’s comfort baking at its finest—part breakfast treat, part dessert indulgence, and entirely moreish.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, seeking a special holiday bake, or simply craving a homemade pick-me-up, these little beauties deliver on every front. They’re intermediate in difficulty, packing in layers of flavor without overwhelming you with complex techniques. You’ll spend about 30 minutes prepping, let the dough rest for an hour to achieve its fluffy rise, bake for 25–30 minutes, and then drizzle that glossy glaze as they come out of the oven. At roughly 350 calories each, they’re an indulgence worth savoring. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to create a treat that will have family and friends lining up for seconds—perhaps even thirds!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CHEESECAKE BUNS WITH A CRUMBLE TOPPING AND SWEET GLAZE
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s meet the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the backbone of the dough to the finishing drizzle, here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
Provides structure and chew to the buns while also forming the base of the crumble topping, creating that perfect balance between tender dough and crispy crumbs.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the dough and the cheesecake filling, helping the yeast to bloom and lending a touch of caramelization during baking.
- Active dry yeast
The magic agent that gives the dough its rise, making it light and airy. It needs warmth and sugar to activate fully.
- Salt
Enhances flavor complexity and controls yeast activity so the dough doesn’t rise too quickly.
- Warm milk
Feeds the yeast and adds moisture, ensuring a soft, tender crumb in the final buns.
- Unsalted butter
Adds richness to the dough and a buttery note to the apple filling; cold butter in the crumble creates those irresistible, flaky bits.
- Egg
Binds the dough and enriches it with additional fat, giving the buns a golden hue and tender texture.
- Cream cheese
The creamy heart of the cheesecake layer; its tanginess contrasts beautifully with the sweet apple filling.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses the cheesecake and glaze with warm, floral aromatics that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Apples
Provide natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. When cooked down with spices, they add a juicy, fruity layer to the buns.
- Brown sugar
Caramelizes with the apples, deepening the flavor with molasses notes, and adds a rich sweetness to the crumble topping.
- Cinnamon
Brings warmth and spice to both the apple filling and the crumble, tying all the flavors together.
- Lemon juice
Balances the sweetness in the apple filling, brightening the fruit flavors and preventing it from tasting cloying.
- Powdered sugar
Creates a smooth, glossy sweet glaze that contrasts with the crunchy crumble and soft dough.
- Milk (for glaze)
Adjusts the consistency of the glaze, making it pourable yet thick enough to cling to each bun.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CHEESECAKE BUNS WITH A CRUMBLE TOPPING AND SWEET GLAZE
Now that our ingredients are front and center, let’s roll up our sleeves and create some magic in the kitchen. We’ll start by crafting the soft dough, move on to silky cheesecake and caramel apple fillings, build our crumble, then assemble and bake these irresistible buns.
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and crack in the egg. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch. Shape it into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—approximately 1 hour.
3. While the dough is proofing, whisk together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until velvety and smooth. Transfer this cheesecake filling to a bowl and set aside.
4. For the apple filling, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sauté until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
5. Make the crumble topping by mixing together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Dollop and gently press the cooled apple filling on top of the cheesecake layer.
8. Starting from one long edge, tighten the dough into a neat log, pinching the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal slices and arrange them cut-side-up on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over each bun. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown and the crumble is crisp.
10. While the buns bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is silky smooth. Drizzle it over the buns as soon as they emerge from the oven, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CHEESECAKE BUNS WITH A CRUMBLE TOPPING AND SWEET GLAZE
When these buns come out golden and smelling divine, you’ll want to serve them in ways that highlight their gooey centers and crunchy tops. Here are some fun ideas to make your presentation shine and elevate every bite:
- Brunch Spread Centerpiece: Arrange the warm buns on a wooden board alongside fresh berries, sliced cheeses, and small dishes of honey and jam. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory will have guests swooning as they reach for seconds.
- Mini Dessert Plates: Place one or two buns on a dessert plate, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side, and drizzle with extra warm caramel or a dusting of cinnamon. It’s the perfect dessert duo that balances warm and cold sensations.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve each bun with a steaming mug of coffee—espresso, latte, or even a chai tea latte. The cinnamon and apple flavors pair beautifully with the rich bitterness of coffee, creating an indulgent morning pick-me-up.
- Picnic-Style Snack: Wrap individual buns in parchment and tie them with twine for a portable treat. Pack them alongside sliced apples, a handful of nuts, and sparkling cider for an al fresco snack that’s both practical and delicious.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CHEESECAKE BUNS WITH A CRUMBLE TOPPING AND SWEET GLAZE
Keeping these Apple Cheesecake Buns at their best means preserving their soft interiors, crunchy tops, and sweet glaze. Whether you’re stashing leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast or meal-prepping for the week, here’s how to maintain maximum freshness:
- Room Temperature (1–2 Days): Once cooled completely, store the buns in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature. The glaze may soften slightly, but the buns will stay tender and flavorful for up to two days.
- Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): Place buns in a single layer in a container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. The cooler environment will help the cheesecake layer stay creamy. Bring to room temperature before serving or give them a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
- Freezing (Up to 3 Months): Freeze cooled buns in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of the sweet glaze after reheating to restore that signature shine.
- Reheating Tips: For a just-baked experience, pop a chilled or thawed bun in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. This revives the crumble’s crunch and warms the cheesecake center without overcooking.
CONCLUSION
These Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze have journeyed from pantry staples to an extraordinary treat that blends cozy flavors with playful textures. We started by crafting a tender yeast dough, then layered it with creamy cheesecake filling and spiced, caramelized apples. A cinnamon-infused crumble blanket adds just the right amount of crunch, and a sweet vanilla glaze finishes them off with irresistible shine. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, enjoying them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or plating them as an elegant dessert with a scoop of ice cream, these buns promise to delight in every bite. The recipe is intermediate in difficulty, but each step—from kneading the dough to slicing the dough log—offers an opportunity to connect with the joy of baking. With about 30 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of baking, and an hour of resting time, you’ll end up with twelve delicious buns that yield roughly 350 calories each.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later, tucking it into your recipe binder or setting it aside on your countertop for easy reference. We’ve also included a FAQ below to tackle any burning questions you might have while making these buns. If you decide to give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Leave a comment with your results, share any tweaks you made, or ask for help if you hit a snag. Your feedback and questions keep our kitchen conversations going, and I can’t wait to see your own scrumptious creations!
Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze
Description
These irresistible Apple Cheesecake Buns offer a delicious blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples, all wrapped in soft, fluffy dough and topped with a crispy crumble and a sugary glaze. A treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
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Prepare the cheesecake filling by beating together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
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For the apple filling, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
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Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
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Spread the cheesecake filling over the dough, leaving a small border. Evenly distribute the apple filling on top of the cheesecake layer.
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Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping over each bun. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
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While the buns are baking, prepare the sweet glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm buns.
Note
- Granny Smith apples work well for a tart contrast to the sweet fillings.
- The dough can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
- These buns freeze well; be sure to glaze them after reheating.
- Adding nuts to the crumble topping, like pecans or walnuts, can provide extra texture.
