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Apple Cheesecake Buns

Irresistibly Soft Apple Cheesecake Buns for Cozy Autumn Days

These Apple Cheesecake Buns combine creamy filling and tender brioche for a delightful autumn treat.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 9 buns
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for extra chewiness
  • 1 cup whole milk warm to activate yeast
  • 1 large egg or flax egg for vegan option
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter or salted butter, reduce added salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast can substitute with active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar coconut sugar for deeper flavor
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar or regular sugar with vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt for flavor enhancement
For the Filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese or ricotta for lighter texture
  • 3 cups apples e.g., Granny Smith, firm varieties
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar maple syrup is an alternative
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon nutmeg can be used for variation
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water or arrowroot powder
For the Crumble Topping
  • 1/2 cup cold butter or margarine for a dairy-free option
  • 1/2 cup sugar brown sugar adds nuttiness
  • 1 cup flour or whole wheat flour for flavor
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar blended smooth
  • 2 tablespoons milk almond or oat milk can be used
For the Egg Wash
  • 1 large egg yolk for shine; skip for vegan option

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • floured surface
  • Parchment paper
  • glass

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cheesecake Buns
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, warmed whole milk, a large egg, instant yeast, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Knead the mixture for 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  2. Peel, core, and dice the apples. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add the apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water, cooking until thickened. Cool completely.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
  4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 9 equal portions. Roll into smooth balls and let rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Use a floured glass to press down in the center of each dough ball, creating deep wells.
  6. Brush edges of the indented dough with beaten egg yolk. Carefully dollop 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture followed by 1 tablespoon of cooled apple filling into each well.
  7. In a bowl, combine cold butter, flour, and sugar to create a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this topping over each filled bun.
  8. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled buns.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For added flavor, consider drizzling with a little more glaze just before serving. These buns can be paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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