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Apple Crumble Cheesecake Buns

Three freshly baked apple crumble cheesecake buns with creamy filling and streusel topping on a white plate.
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Soft, bakery-style buns filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and sweet apple filling, topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

  • For the Dough: 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F), 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Apple Filling: 2 cups diced peeled apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Cheesecake Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Crumble Topping: ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • For the Glaze (Optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the dough rises, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until apples are slightly softened. Let cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Assemble the Buns: Punch down the risen dough. Divide into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc. Place a spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center of half the discs, then top with a spoonful of apple filling. Cover with the remaining dough discs, pinching the edges to seal. Alternatively, roll out dough, spread fillings, and cut into squares. Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until coarse crumbs form.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the assembled buns and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the buns. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled buns.

Notes

  • For make-ahead: Assemble the buns, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  • You can freeze baked and cooled buns. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
  • Ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened for the smoothest fillings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/apple-crumble-cheesecake-buns/