Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I wandered through the local farmer’s market, the scent of apples mingling with warm cinnamon wafted through the air, instantly igniting my autumn spirit. It was in that moment that I decided to create something special—Apple Cheesecake Buns that would perfectly capture the cozy essence of the season. These delightful buns are not only a sweet and comforting treat but also a fantastic crowd-pleaser that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy dough filled with luscious cream cheese and spiced apple filling, then topped off with a crunchy crumble and a sweet icing drizzle. Whether you’re celebrating a festive gathering or simply savoring a moment at home, these Apple Cheesecake Buns are sure to bring a warm smile to your face. Are you ready to bake up this fall-inspired delight? Why Are These Apple Cheesecake Buns Special? Irresistible Flavors: The delightful pairing of spiced apple filling and rich cream cheese ensures each bite is packed with warmth and sweetness. Perfect for Sharing: These buns are a showstopper for gatherings, making them a fantastic treat to share with friends and family. Consider serving them alongside a warm drink, like apple cider, for a cozy experience! Simplicity: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert without stress. Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment! Try swapping in juicy peaches or seasonal pears, or mix in some nuts for an added crunch. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and freeze for an easy dessert ready to impress on busy days; just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy! Apple Cheesecake Buns Ingredients For the Dough All-purpose flour – This provides the structure for the buns; ensure you measure correctly for best results. Milk – Brings richness; feel free to substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option. Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness; you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Yeast – Essential for that fluffy texture; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise. Salt – Balances the sweetness; don’t skip it for optimal flavor. Butter – Adds richness; using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content. Egg – Contributes to the dough’s structure and richness. For the Apple Filling Granny Smith apples – Their tartness complements the sweetness of the cream cheese; feel free to substitute with pears for a milder taste. Brown sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the filling; you might also use maple syrup for a unique twist. Cinnamon – Adds a comforting warmth; nutmeg can also be a lovely addition for a spiced flavor. Lemon juice – Helps prevent apple browning and adds a bit of tanginess to the filling. For the Cream Cheese Filling Cream cheese – Provides a rich, creamy texture that counterbalances the sweetness; consider using ricotta for a lighter filling. Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese; you can adjust to your desired level of sweetness. Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note; pure vanilla extract is best for flavor. For the Crumble Topping Oats – Provide a hearty crunch; use rolled oats for best texture. Brown sugar – Infuses warmth and depth; white sugar can be substituted if needed. Butter – Binds the topping together while adding richness; use cold butter for a crumblier texture. Cinnamon – Enhances the flavor of the topping; a hint of nutmeg or allspice can add wonderful complexity. For the Icing Drizzle Powdered sugar – Forms the base of your icing; adjust the amount of milk for desired consistency. Milk – Used to thin the icing; you can also use heavy cream for a richer frosting. Vanilla extract – Elevates the sweetness of the icing; this makes the Apple Cheesecake Buns shine even more! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cheesecake Buns Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and an egg, then gradually incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes, then cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—approximately 1 hour. Step 2: Make Apple Filling While the dough is rising, peel and dice your Granny Smith apples. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Step 3: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Ensure no lumps remain, as this creamy filling will create a delightful contrast to the spiced apple filling in your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Step 4: Shape the Buns Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, followed by the cooled apple filling. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into equal pieces, about 1½ inches thick. Step 5: Add Crumble Topping Prepare the crumble topping by mixing oats, brown sugar, flour, and cold diced butter in a bowl until it resembles coarse crumbs. After placing the sliced buns in a greased baking dish, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the top. This will provide a delightful crunch when baked. Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the Apple Cheesecake Buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes, as you want them perfectly baked without over-browning! Step 7: Drizzle Icing After removing the buns from the oven, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm buns for a sweet finishing touch, enhancing their appearance and flavor. How to Store and Freeze Apple Cheesecake Buns Airtight Container: Store your Apple Cheesecake Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the buns for a longer shelf life—up to a week—though this may affect the texture slightly. Freezing: Freeze the buns in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheating: To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that delightful softness. What to Serve with Apple Cheesecake Buns? Imagine cozying up with a plate of warm Apple Cheesecake Buns and pairing them with delightful sides and drinks that enhance their comforting flavors. Warm Apple Cider: The smooth, spiced notes of apple cider perfectly echo the apple filling, warming your soul on a chilly day. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey buns, creating an indulgent experience. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite introduces cozy flavors of pumpkin and spice, creating a festive harmony with the sweet and rich profile of the buns. Maple-Glazed Pecans: The crunch of maple-glazed pecans adds a delightful texture and nutty sweetness that complements the soft, fruity filling beautifully. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel over your buns introduces an extra layer of sweetness, elevating each bite into a decadent treat. Pecan Pie Bars: The rich, buttery sweetness of pecan pie bars pairs wonderfully, offering a delightful variety in flavors and textures for dessert lovers. Spiced Herbal Tea: A cozy cup of spiced tea provides warmth and comfort, making it an ideal beverage choice alongside your delicious buns. Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream can be dolloped on top of the buns for an extra indulgent touch that balances out the rich cream cheese filling. Make Ahead Options These Apple Cheesecake Buns are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the coziness of fall without stress! You can prepare the dough and apple filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all the dough ingredients, knead, and let it rise, then refrigerate it in a covered bowl. The apple filling can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, take the dough out, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then shape the buns and add the crumble topping. This ensures you’ll have delicious, homemade Apple Cheesecake Buns ready to impress with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Apple Cheesecake Buns Knead for Success: Kneading the dough well develops gluten, which is essential for that fluffy texture. Don’t skip this step! Cool Before Icing: Let the buns cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling icing to prevent it from melting into the buns, affecting the presentation. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always check the yeast’s expiration date. Using fresh yeast is crucial for achieving the perfect rise in your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Dough Rising Tips: If your dough isn’t rising, ensure you’re using warm milk (not hot) as it helps activate the yeast, leading to a nice airy texture. Crunchy Crumble: Use cold butter for the crumble topping; this will create a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender buns. Apple Cheesecake Buns Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful buns; there are so many fun twists to try! Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use almond milk for a delicious non-dairy treat. Experience the same creamy texture without the dairy, allowing everyone to indulge! Fruity Variations: Try peaches or berries instead of apples for unexpected bursts of flavor. Each fruit brings its unique charm, creating a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra layer of crunch. These nuts introduce a satisfying texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet filling. Spice It Up: Incorporate cardamom or nutmeg along with cinnamon for a warming spice blend. The complexity of flavors adds depth and warmth, making each bite a comforting experience. Maple Glaze: Swap the icing for a maple glaze using powdered sugar and maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist. This brings a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple filling. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences. You can enjoy the same fluffy texture without worrying about gluten! Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent flair, drizzle melted chocolate instead of icing over the buns. The rich chocolate adds a luxurious twist, ideal for chocolate lovers craving something sweet. Savory Touch: Mix in crumbled bacon or add a hint of cheddar cheese to the filling for a sweet-savory contrast. This unexpected combination can turn dessert into a standout brunch option. These variations provide perfect opportunities to explore and elevate your Apple Cheesecake Buns, transforming them into something uniquely yours! For more delicious inspirations, check out these Salted Caramel Apple and Strawberry Cheesecake Dump recipes! Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe FAQs When is the best time to use apples for the filling? Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Apple Cheesecake Buns, use apples that are firm and fresh, preferably Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cream cheese. Look for apples that are free of bruises or dark spots for optimal taste. How should I store Apple Cheesecake Buns after baking? The more the merrier when it comes to storage! Keep your Apple Cheesecake Buns fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also refrigerate them, where they will last for about a week—though the texture might change slightly. Can I freeze Apple Cheesecake Buns for later? Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooled buns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and delicious again. What should I do if my dough isn’t rising properly? Don’t fret! If your dough isn’t rising, first check the freshness of your yeast. Expired yeast will not activate as it should. Make sure you are using warm (not hot) milk, as that helps activate the yeast. I recommend letting the dough rest in a warm place—like an oven preheated to its lowest setting for a few minutes—until it has doubled in size, usually about 1 hour. Can I make these buns gluten-free or vegan? Very much so! For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. For a vegan alternative, swap the milk for almond milk, the butter for vegan butter, and use a flax egg in place of the egg—just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until thickened. Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe? Absolutely worth noting! Be cautious of allergies: the cream cheese filling contains dairy, and the buns contain gluten. If you’re baking for someone with a dairy allergy, you can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. It’s always best to let your guests know about potential allergens in your baked goods! Heavenly Apple Cheesecake Buns for Cozy Autumn Moments Delightful Apple Cheesecake Buns are a sweet and comforting treat, perfect for gatherings and capturing the essence of autumn. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsRising Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 12 bunsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough4 cups all-purpose flour Measure correctly for best results.1 cup milk Can be substituted with almond milk.1/4 cup sugar Can use brown sugar for deeper flavor.2 teaspoons yeast Make sure it's fresh.1 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.1/2 cup butter Use unsalted for more control.1 large egg Adds structure and richness.For the Apple Filling3 cups Granny Smith apples Can substitute with pears.1/2 cup brown sugar Maple syrup can also be used.2 teaspoons cinnamon Nutmeg can be added for extra flavor.1 tablespoon lemon juice Prevents browning of apples.For the Cream Cheese Filling8 ounces cream cheese Use ricotta for lighter filling.1/2 cup powdered sugar Adjust to desired sweetness.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla is best for flavor.For the Crumble Topping1 cup oats Use rolled oats for best texture.1/2 cup brown sugar White sugar can be substituted.1/2 cup butter Cold butter creates better crumble.1 teaspoon cinnamon Can add nutmeg or allspice.For the Icing Drizzle1 cup powdered sugar Adjust milk for consistency.2 tablespoons milk Heavy cream can be used for richness.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness of icing. Equipment mixing bowlElectric MixerSaucepanRolling PinBaking Dishwire rack Method Prepare the DoughIn a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and an egg, then gradually incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes, then cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—approximately 1 hour.Make Apple FillingWhile the dough is rising, peel and dice your Granny Smith apples. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.Prepare Cream Cheese MixtureIn a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Ensure no lumps remain.Shape the BunsOnce the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the surface, followed by the cooled apple filling. Roll tightly into a log, then slice into equal pieces, about 1½ inches thick.Add Crumble ToppingMix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cold diced butter in a bowl until it resembles coarse crumbs. Place the sliced buns in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the crumble topping.BakePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Monitor closely to avoid over-browning.Drizzle IcingAfter removing from the oven, cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over warm buns. Nutrition Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg NotesKneading develops gluten for fluffiness, and let the buns cool before icing to maintain presentation. Use fresh ingredients for the best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
