Description
Enjoy these warm Apple Cheesecake Buns, the perfect dessert for cozy family breakfasts or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast (activate active dry yeast in warm milk first if needed)
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (reduce for less sweetness)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup whole milk (almond or oat milk as non-dairy alternative)
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter (substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1 large egg (use a flaxseed egg for vegan option)
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (mascarpone is a substitute for slightly different flavor)
- 0.33 cup powdered sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (almond extract can be used for a twist)
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium diced apples (Granny Smith enhances tartness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (substitute coconut oil for non-dairy alternative)
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar (honey can be a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (nutmeg complements well)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (vinegar can be a substitute)
For the Streusel Topping
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (oat flour can be used)
- 0.33 cup light brown sugar (white sugar or coconut sugar can work)
- 0.25 cup cold unsalted butter (ghee can be used for richer flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (add nutmeg or ginger for extra spice)
For the Glaze
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (use agave or maple syrup for liquid texture)
- 1 tablespoon whole milk (non-dairy alternatives work)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (maple extract can be substituted)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cheesecake Buns
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2¼ teaspoons of instant yeast, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Pour in ¾ cup of warm milk, followed by ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 room temperature large egg. Mix until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for 60 minutes.
- Peel, core, and finely dice 2 medium apples. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the apples, ¼ cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, place 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, add â…“ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of light brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in another bowl. Add ¼ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter and rub until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down, divide into 9 equal portions, and shape into smooth buns. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. After resting, press down the center of each bun to create indentations, spoon the cheesecake filling into each, and add the cooled apple filling.
- Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over each bun. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Whisk together ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of whole milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle over the buns and let it set for 5 minutes.
- Serve slightly warm and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Allow the dough ample rise time for fluffy buns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American