Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze Recipe
Delight in these soft and fluffy Apple Cheesecake Buns topped with a sweet crumble and a smooth powdered sugar glaze. The buns combine the tartness of fresh apples with creamy cheesecake filling, all wrapped in a tender yeast dough and finished with a buttery crumble topping. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an indulgent snack.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons warm milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, peel and finely chop the apples. In a bowl, mix chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese by stirring it until creamy. Set both aside.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: Combine cold cubed butter, flour, and sugar in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shape the Buns: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, then distribute the apple mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking pan.
- Add the Crumble Topping and Proof: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each bun. Cover the pan with a cloth and let the buns proof for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with warm milk or water one tablespoon at a time until smooth and pourable. Add vanilla if desired.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove buns from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with the sweet glaze and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious apple cheesecake buns!
Notes
- Use warm milk (not hot) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- For best texture, chill crumble topping before sprinkling.
- Substitute apples with pears or other firm fruits if desired.
- The glaze can be thickened or thinned according to preference by adjusting milk quantity.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Keywords: apple cheesecake buns, crumble topping, sweet glaze, yeast buns, baked desserts, breakfast buns, cream cheese filling