Description
There’s nothing like the comforting combination of apples and cream cheese baked into soft, golden buns. These Apple Cheesecake Buns are a delightful treat that blend the sweetness of spiced apples with the creaminess of cheesecake filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, they’re sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, water, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
- Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
- Apple Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until thickened. Let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Buns
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough.
- Spread the apple filling on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the buns bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for their tart and crisp texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Spread the filling evenly to avoid leaks while baking.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked rolls and bake fresh when needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American