Introduction

These Apple Cheesecake Buns combine soft, fluffy dough with a creamy cheesecake center and warm, spiced apple filling. Topped with a buttery crumble and a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert treat.

A slice of layered apple crumb cheesecake on a white plate, showing four distinct layers: a thick golden brown crumbly crust at the bottom, a pale creamy cheesecake layer above it, topped with a warm light brown apple filling with visible apple chunks, and finished with a crumbly streusel topping sprinkled with a light glaze. In the background, a second similar slice sits blurred on another white plate, with three whole red apples and a half apple also blurred behind, all resting on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups of flour (400g)
1 cup of warm milk (200ml)
1 egg
65g of softened butter
10g instant yeast
3 tablespoons of sugar (60g)
1 packet of vanilla sugar
A pinch of salt
2 apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons of brown or white sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
Half a cup of water
200g cream cheese
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 packet of vanilla sugar (for cheesecake filling)
1 tablespoon of butter (20g, for crumble)
1 tablespoon of sugar (for crumble)
Half a cup of flour (for crumble)
Egg yolk (for egg wash)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons of milk (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, warm milk, egg, softened butter, instant yeast, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Knead until you get a soft, elastic dough. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. Melt butter in a heated pan, add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and release juices.
Step 3: Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add to the apple mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes until the filling thickens. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: For the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 5: After the dough has risen, divide it into 9 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Make the crumble topping by mixing butter, sugar, and flour together with your hands until crumbly.
Step 7: Press the center of each dough ball with the bottom of a glass, leaving a thick border around the edges. Brush the edges with the egg yolk.
Step 8: Spoon a portion of cheesecake filling into each indentation, then add a spoonful of apple filling on top. Sprinkle the crumble topping over each bun.
Step 9: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over the buns and let set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet cheesecake filling.
Add chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
If you prefer, swap brown sugar for white sugar in the apple filling for a milder taste.
Ensure the dough edges are thick enough to hold the filling without spilling during baking.

Storage

Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them after baking and glazing, then thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in the oven to restore freshness.

How to Serve

A round layered cake with three visible layers sits on a white cake stand. The bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust, the middle layer is thick and creamy white with pieces of apple embedded inside, and the top layer is a crumbly, crumb-topped surface with a light drizzle of white icing. The cake stand is on a white marbled surface, with red apples and a beige cloth nearby. A white plate and a woman's hand are partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after kneading, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I use regular sugar instead of vanilla sugar?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla sugar with regular sugar and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain the flavor contrast.

Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Buns featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with creamy cheesecake and cinnamon-spiced apple filling, topped with a buttery crumble and finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect as a comforting dessert or an indulgent snack.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 9 buns 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

4 cups of flour (400g)
1 cup of warm milk (200ml)
1 egg
65g of softened butter
10g instant yeast
3 tablespoons of sugar (60g)
1 packet of vanilla sugar
A pinch of salt

Apple Filling

2 apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons of brown or white sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
Half a cup of water
1 tablespoon of butter

Cheesecake Filling

200g cream cheese
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 packet of vanilla sugar

Crumble Topping

1 tablespoon of butter (20g)
1 tablespoon of sugar
Half a cup of flour

Egg Wash

Egg yolk

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of milk

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour, warm milk, egg, softened butter, instant yeast, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Knead the mixture until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Cook the Apple Filling: In a heated pan, melt the butter and add the peeled and diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, then add this to the apple mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside.
Shape the Dough Balls: After the dough has risen, divide it into 9 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 15 minutes.
Prepare the Crumble: Mix the butter, sugar, and flour with your hands until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
Form the Buns and Add Fillings: Using the bottom of a glass, press the center of each dough ball to create an indentation, leaving a thick border. Brush the edges with egg yolk. Spoon a portion of cheesecake filling into the center, then add a spoonful of the apple filling on top. Finally, sprinkle the crumble topping over each bun.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Glaze and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy your delicious apple cheesecake buns!

Notes

The dough needs sufficient rising time for best texture—do not rush this step.
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal flavor and texture in the filling.
The crumble topping adds a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a softer bun.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
You can prepare the dough and fillings a day ahead and assemble before baking for convenience.

Keywords: Apple bun, Cheesecake bun, Cinnamon apple dessert, Crumble topping, Sweet glazed buns, Homemade baked goods