If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and a little bit of spice, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy buns swirled with rich cream cheese filling and a warm apple-cinnamon mixture that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. These homemade buns are the comforting treat you never knew you needed, combining the best of breakfast pastries and dessert in a way that’s both elegant and delightfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe plays a crucial role, from the soft dough to the creamy filling and the luscious apple topping. The simplicity of these components means you don’t need anything fancy, just good quality basics to bring this dish to life.
- Active dry yeast (1 package about 2 1/4 teaspoons): This magical ingredient makes the dough light and fluffy, giving the buns their perfect rise.
- Warm water (1/4 cup at 110°F to 115°F): Activates the yeast so your dough starts bubbling to life.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and enrich the dough.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup at 110°F to 115°F): Keeps the dough tender and moist with a subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s depth.
- Large egg (1): Brings structure and a lovely golden color to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Forms the sturdy base of the dough, allowing for that chewy but soft texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the decadent, creamy filling that’s essential to this recipe’s charm.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese just right without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the cream cheese filling with a warm, fragrant note.
- Diced apples (2 cups, about 2 medium): Adds freshness and a lovely bite that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that iconic fall spice that warms the palate.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness to the apple mixture.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté apples until they’re tender and luscious.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water and letting it become frothy. This little step is key because it signals that the yeast is awake and ready to work its magic on your dough, making it airy and soft.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
Next, stir in sugar, warm milk, melted butter, salt, and egg. This blend creates a rich, flavorful base that will transform simple flour into your perfect dough.
Step 3: Incorporate the flour
Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until your dough is soft with a slight stickiness. This measured addition prevents your dough from becoming too tough or too sticky – a balance every baker seeks!
Step 4: Knead the dough
On a floured surface, knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step builds the gluten network, which results in that satisfying bounce and chewiness in the final bun.
Step 5: Let the dough rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Patience here will reward you with a soft, airy bun that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Prepare the cheesecake filling
While the dough takes its growth break, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. This luscious spread is going to add that irresistible tang and richness inside each bun.
Step 7: Cook the apple mixture
Combine diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Then sauté in melted butter until tender—about 5 minutes. This warm, spiced filling is the superstar flavor that lifts these buns to something truly special.
Step 8: Roll out the dough
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. This creates the perfect canvas for layering your fillings.
Step 9: Layer the cheesecake filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border so the filling stays put when rolled up.
Step 10: Add the apple topping
Distribute the softened apples over the cream cheese, making sure each bite has that warm, spiced sweetness.
Step 11: Roll and seal
Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough log and pinch to seal the seam. This step ensures the fillings stay tucked inside as they bake.
Step 12: Slice the buns
Cut your rolled log into 12 to 15 slices depending on how thick you like your buns—thicker slices make a more decadent treat!
Step 13: Let the buns rise again
Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is what gives them their light, fluffy texture inside.
Step 14: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your buns to a golden perfection.
Step 15: Bake the buns
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the buns are beautifully golden, signaling that they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Step 16: Cool before serving
Let the buns cool slightly so the cream cheese filling sets nicely and you don’t burn your fingers getting that first bite.
How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates these buns with a delicate sweetness and makes them look as gorgeous as they taste. For extra flair, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of milk to add a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
These buns pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. If you want to turn it into a full brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with something savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe delights warm right out of the oven in a rustic basket lined with a cozy napkin for a charming, inviting touch. Alternatively, stack a couple on a dessert plate with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert twist that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the buns before the second rise or after baking. For best results, wrap them individually and place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them gently in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To enjoy your buns warm after storage, pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough tough or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh for the Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe?
Yes, frozen apples will work just fine. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking them to avoid soggy buns.
Is cream cheese necessary for the filling?
Cream cheese is key to capturing that luscious, tangy flavor that defines these buns. While you could experiment, it’s hard to replicate the creamy texture and taste without it.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Also, use vegan cream cheese alternatives for the filling.
How long will the dough rise if my kitchen is cool?
In cooler environments, the dough can take up to twice as long to rise. To speed this up, place the dough in a warm spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on or near a warm radiator.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make excellent additions to the filling for extra texture and bursts of flavor. Just sprinkle them over the apple layer before rolling.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe is one of those heartwarming treats you’ll want to bake again and again, especially when you want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect way to bring a little cozy sweetness into your kitchen and onto your plate. Trust me, once you try making these buns, they’ll become your go-to for breakfast, snacks, or any time you need that little slice of comforting joy.
Print
Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 buns
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Apple Cheesecake Buns, featuring a tangy cream cheese filling layered with sweet cinnamon-sugar sautéed apples. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack, these buns combine the comforting flavors of classic apple pie and creamy cheesecake in a tender yeast dough.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F to 115°F). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the sugar, warm milk, melted butter, salt, and egg into the yeast mixture until combined well.
- Add Flour: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a little at a time until manageable.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the dough rises, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, combine diced apples, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the apple mixture for about 5 minutes until the apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle.
- Spread Cheesecake Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Spread Apple Filling: Distribute the cooled apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Slice Buns: Cut the rolled dough into 12 to 15 slices depending on the desired bun thickness.
- Second Rise: Arrange the buns cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise again for about 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the buns are rising.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, soft dough with cream cheese and spiced apple filling.
Notes
- Using warm water and milk helps activate the yeast effectively.
- Adjust flour quantity to achieve a slightly sticky but manageable dough for the softest buns.
- You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- For easier slicing, chill the rolled dough slightly before cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; they taste great reheated gently.
