Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that feels both cozy and fancy, this Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine biting into soft, pillowy brioche dough wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, with warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled inside the center. It’s a perfect mix of sweet, tart, and creamy all in one bite — kind of like the best brunch or afternoon snack you didn’t know you desperately needed.

What makes this Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe really shine is how approachable it is, despite feeling like a bakery-level delight. I love making these when I want to impress family or friends without lots of stress — the dough is forgiving, and the apple cream cheese filling keeps things moist and flavorful. Plus, fresh apples paired with cinnamon and a buttery crumble make the whole thing irresistible, especially when served warm out of the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in balancing flavors and textures — soft and rich brioche pairs beautifully with tart-sweet apple filling and that velvety cream cheese layer. When you shop, focus on fresh apples that are crisp but sweet, and use good-quality butter for the best flavor.

• Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and ensures tender dough — don’t skip the temperature check (aim for about 110°F).
• Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes your buns rise — make sure it’s fresh and bloom it in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar.
• Bread flour: Gives the brioche structure but still keeps it soft and airy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough and filling.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Egg yolks: They enrich the dough with fat and color for that signature brioche softness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic note that ties everything together.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for brioche’s richness and the apple filling’s lusciousness — keep some softened and some melted for different parts.
• Large apples: I recommend a sweet-tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the filling.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel-like sweetness in your apple filling and crumble topping.
• Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg: Classic warm spices that elevate the apple filling to something special.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s at room temp so it blends smoothly with sugar and vanilla for that creamy, dreamy center.
• All-purpose flour: Used in the crumble topping to create that slightly crunchy texture.

Variations

I love that this Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe is a solid base for fun tweaks depending on the season or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment — it’s all about making the recipe your own and having fun with it.

• Spice it up: I sometimes swap the allspice and nutmeg for cardamom or ginger for a bit more warmth and complexity. It’s surprising how a pinch of different spices changes the vibe.
• Fruit swap: Feeling adventurous? Pears or peaches work beautifully instead of apples — just adjust cooking times slightly so the filling isn’t too watery.
• Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter to accommodate dietary needs without losing the richness.
• Miniature buns: Make smaller versions for cute party bites or lunchbox treats.
• Nutty crunch: Scatter chopped walnuts or pecans in the crumble topping — I love the extra texture!

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the yeast and mix the dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F — warm enough to wake up the yeast but not so hot it kills it. Stir in active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This is your sign the yeast is alive and kicking, which sets your dough up for a great rise.

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, and salt, then add your egg yolks, vanilla, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Either use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or mix by hand — whichever you like! Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough that’s slightly sticky but pulls away from the sides.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling

While your dough is resting, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the diced apples. Sprinkle in brown sugar and warm spices — cinnamon, allspice, and a bit of nutmeg — then cook until the apples are just tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. Let this cool a bit while the dough rises, so it’s easier to handle when assembling.

Step 3: Make the sweet cream cheese filling

In a small bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This keeps the center of the buns rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced against the sweetness of the apples and dough.

Step 4: Assemble your brioche buns

Once your dough has doubled in size (usually about 1 to 1.5 hours), punch it down gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the dough, then distribute your cooled apple filling on top.

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into equal pieces — I usually get about 12 buns. Place each cut side up in a greased baking pan, giving them just enough room to rise again but keeping them cozy.

Step 5: Add crumble and bake

Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the crumble topping. Sprinkle generously over the buns before popping them into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.

The crumble adds such a lovely crunch contrast to the soft brioche and creamy filling — it’s one of my favorite parts!

How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple — a light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders right after they come out of the oven. If you want to go extra, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the apples and cream cheese perfectly.

Side Dishes

These buns are great enjoyed solo with a cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch gathering, they pair beautifully with crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance. I’ve also served them with warm spiced cider or chai lattes, and it’s heavenly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try placing the buns in a wreath shape on a large serving platter, garnished with thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks around the edges. Another fun idea is to present them individually in small ramekins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them soft, add a slice of bread in the container — it helps keep moisture in. For longer storage, refrigeration works but can dry them out slightly, so reheat gently.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months — perfect for making ahead or saving for a rainy day.

Reheating

To reheat, I unwrap the buns and warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and warms the cream cheese filling without drying the bun out. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave does the trick (just be careful not to overdo it).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe holds a very special place in my baking rotation because it hits all those cozy comfort notes with a bit of elegance. I always feel a little proud serving them, especially on lazy weekend mornings or when friends drop by unexpectedly. If you decide to give it a try, remember it’s all about enjoying the process and savoring every buttery, cinnamon-spiced bite. You’re going to love having these on your recipe list — trust me!

Print