Name: Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 ml) warm milk; 1 egg; 65 g softened butter; 10 g instant yeast; 3 tablespoons (60 g) sugar; 1 packet vanilla sugar (or ½ tsp vanilla extract); Pinch of salt; 2 apples, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons brown or white sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ cup water; Butter for cooking apples; 200 g cream cheese; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 packet vanilla sugar (or ½ tsp vanilla extract); 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter (for crumble); 1 tablespoon sugar (for crumble); ½ cup flour (for crumble); 1 egg yolk (for egg wash); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

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Soft, pillowy buns filled with creamy cheesecake and tender apples, finished with a buttery crumble and sweet glaze—these festive delights are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy treat anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Triple filling indulgence — Creamy cheesecake, spiced apple compote, and crumb topping in every bite.
Soft, homemade dough — Tender and fluffy, beautifully complemented by flavorful fillings.
Balanced textures — Smooth cheesecake, juicy apple filling, and crisp crumble work in harmony.
Perfect for sharing — Great for brunch spreads, holiday tables, or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

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

Apple Filling

2 apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons brown or white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ cup water
Butter for cooking

Cheesecake Filling

200 g cream cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar

Crumble Topping

1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup flour

Egg Wash

Egg yolk

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, warm milk, egg, softened butter, yeast, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Knead until the dough is soft and elastic. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Apple Filling

In a heated pan, melt a small knob of butter and add diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples soften and release juices. Mix cornstarch with water, pour into the apples, and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

3. Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 9 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for another 15 minutes.

5. Prepare the Crumble

Using your fingertips, blend butter, sugar, and flour until crumbly. Keep ready.

6. Assemble the Buns

Gently press the center of each dough ball with the bottom of a glass to create an indentation, leaving a thick edge. Lightly brush the edges with egg yolk. Add a spoonful of cheesecake filling, then a spoonful of apple filling into the cavity. Top each with crumble.

7. Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top.

8. Glaze

Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over the buns and allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings & Timing

Yields: 9 buns
Prep time: ~30 minutes (plus rising time)
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising)

Variations

Apple substitutions: Use tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for different flavor notes.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the crumble or apple filling.
Gluten-free option: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast doughs.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Freeze the baked buns in an airtight container for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat gently before glazing.
Reheat: Warm briefly in a low oven or microwave for a fresh, soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes—prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.

2. What if my filling seeps?
Ensure your apple filling is fully cooled and thickened before filling the buns. Chill slightly if too loose.

3. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely—buns are delicious plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

4. How do I keep the crumble from getting soggy?
Add crumble right before baking; it stays crisp beneath the glaze and on the surface.

5. Any swap for vanilla sugar?
Use ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in both dough and cheesecake filling as an alternative.

Conclusion

These Apple Cheesecake Buns are soft, flavorful, and delightfully layered with cheesecake, apple, and crumble. A perfect treat for special breakfasts, dessert tables, or simply satisfying your crave for something cozy. Let me know if you’d like mini muffin suggestions or vegan adaptations!

Maggie

Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe