Indulge in Delight: Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze

Fall is the perfect time to embrace the warm flavors of apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese. If you’re looking for a dessert that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for the recipe, look no further than the delightful Apple Cheesecake Buns. This twist on the classic cinnamon roll combines creamy cheesecake and spiced apple filling, all crowned with a crunchy crumble topping and finished with a sweet glaze. Let’s dive into this scrumptious treat!

The Allure of Apple Cheesecake Buns

These bakery-style buns are a harmonization of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy dough serves as the perfect canvas for luscious cheesecake filling and spiced apples. The addition of a crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, while the sweet glaze elevates each bite to heavenly perfection. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, Apple Cheesecake Buns are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delectable treats, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Sweet Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until combined.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice until well combined.

Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Buns

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12 x 18 inches).
2. Spread the cheesecake filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle the apple filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
4. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the buns.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 8: Finish the Buns

1. Once the buns are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the sweet glaze over the top before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

These Apple Cheesecake Buns are the perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. Serve them warm and watch as your family and friends dive in with delight. With each bite, they will experience the creamy cheesecake, sweet and spiced apples, a crunchy topping, and a luscious glaze—creating a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.

Conclusion

Try these Apple Cheesecake Buns at your next gathering or simply enjoy them as a weekend treat. With their inviting aroma and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Happy baking!