Description
These Apple Cheesecake Buns are a cozy bakery-style treat made with soft yeast dough, a creamy cheesecake center, and warm cinnamon-spiced apples on top. Perfect for fall mornings, weekend baking, or any time you want something sweet and comforting. Easy enough for beginners and full of delicious layers!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- Substitute: Use store-bought crescent or pizza dough for convenience
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Variation: Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used
- For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or chopped pecans
- For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until dough is smooth. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Cook the Apples: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Let cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill if needed.
- Shape the Buns: Roll dough into 8–10 balls. Flatten the center of each ball to form a well.
- Fill: Spoon cheesecake mixture into each bun’s center. Top with a spoonful of apples.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns on parchment-lined tray for 18–22 minutes or until golden.
- Cool and Glaze: Let cool slightly. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over buns (optional).
Notes
These buns are best enjoyed warm, but they can be made ahead and reheated. For extra texture, add crushed pecans or oats on top before baking. Store in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg