Apple Cheesecake Buns Crumble

These apple cheesecake buns with a crumble topping and sweet glaze combine soft, fluffy bread with a luscious cream cheese and apple filling. They are perfect for a cozy dessert or a special breakfast treat when you want something comforting yet a little indulgent.

I first made these buns on a chilly autumn weekend and they quickly became a family favorite. Now they often appear during lazy weekend mornings and special gatherings.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Three cups to create a tender but sturdy dough for shaping
• Sugar: A quarter cup to subtly sweeten the dough
• Active dry yeast: One package which makes the buns light and fluffy (check the expiration date for best rise)
• Warm milk: Half a cup to activate the yeast and add moisture without killing it
• Melted butter: A quarter cup for richness and softness
• Egg: One egg to bind the dough and add structure
• Salt: Half a teaspoon to balance sweetness and enhance flavor
• Cream cheese: Eight ounces softened as the creamy base for the filling
• Granulated sugar: Half a cup to sweeten the cheesecake filling
• Egg yolk: One egg yolk to enrich the filling and help it hold together
• Diced apples: One cup, preferably tart for a nice contrast to the sweet filling
• Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon to bring warmth and spice
• All-purpose flour (for crumble topping): Half a cup to give the topping structure
• Brown sugar: A quarter cup to add caramel-like sweetness to the crumble
• Cold butter: A quarter cup cut into cubes for that signature crisp topping texture
• Powdered sugar: Half a cup for the glaze to add sweetness without graininess
• Milk (for glaze): One to two tablespoons to adjust glaze consistency
• Vanilla extract: A quarter teaspoon to flavor the glaze naturally

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sponge the Yeast:

In a bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it gets foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise perfectly.

Mix the Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead this mixture gently but thoroughly until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about one hour.

Prepare the Filling:

While the dough rises, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and egg yolk together until you have a smooth mixture. Stir in the diced apples and cinnamon evenly so every bun will have a delicious filling with a hint of spice.

Make the Crumble Topping:

Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter cubes with your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. This topping adds a delightful crunch after baking.

Preheat the Oven:

Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it's ready once the buns are assembled.

Shape the Buns:

Punch down the risen dough to remove excess air and divide it into eight equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk and spoon the cream cheese filling onto the center. Carefully fold the edges over the filling to seal it inside.

Arrange and Top:

Place the filled buns seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each bun.

Bake:

Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes or until the buns are golden brown and the crumble is crisp.

Prepare the Glaze:

While the buns bake, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust milk quantity to get a drizzle-friendly consistency.

Finish and Serve:

Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. Let them cool slightly before serving so the glaze sets and the filling firms up without losing its creaminess.

Save

My favorite part is the filling with tart apples mixed into the sweet cream cheese. The first time I shared these buns with family, the melt-in-your-mouth texture had everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe brings back memories of cozy autumn mornings and smiles around the breakfast table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. For longer storage, flash freeze the buns individually wrapped and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh the crumble topping and bring back that fresh-baked aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole milk instead of warm milk for a richer dough but be careful not to use hot milk or it will kill the yeast. For the apples, Granny Smith are ideal because their tartness balances the filling sweetness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp also work nicely if you prefer a sweeter bite. If you are out of cream cheese, mascarpone can be a good substitute though it may be slightly less tangy.

Serving Suggestions

These apple cheesecake buns are amazing warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat. You can serve them at brunch or bring them to potlucks where their unique combination of sweet and tart with a crunchy topping always impresses guests.

Cultural Context

This recipe reflects a fusion of classic American sweet bread techniques with elements borrowed from cheesecake desserts. Many American bakeries feature fruit-filled buns but adding the creamy cheesecake filling makes them extra special. Apple desserts have a strong traditional place in American fall cuisine which makes these buns perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Recipe FAQs

→ What apples work best for these buns?

Tart apple varieties like Granny Smith are ideal to balance the sweetness of the cream cheese filling and crumble topping.

→ How can I achieve a soft bun texture?

Allowing the dough to rise until doubled and kneading until smooth helps create a tender, fluffy bun.

→ What gives the crumble topping its texture?

The topping is made by combining cold butter cubes with flour and brown sugar, mixed until crumbly to add a crunchy contrast.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract ahead and drizzle over buns just before serving for maximum freshness.

→ How should leftover buns be stored?

Place buns in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain softness and flavor.