Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I opened the oven door, the warm, inviting aroma of spiced apples and creamy cheesecake filled my kitchen, instantly whisking me back to my grandmother’s cozy home. These Apple Cheesecake Buns are a delightful fusion of sweet nostalgia and indulgence, where fluffy dough cradles a luscious cheesecake filling and tender apple pieces, all topped with a buttery crumble. They’re not just a treat; they’re a quick and easy way to bring a slice of comfort to your family gatherings or even a special weekend brunch. Plus, the sweet glaze adds a finishing touch that makes these buns irresistible—who can say no to that? Ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe! Why are these Apple Cheesecake Buns a must-try? Irresistible flavor: These buns offer the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet apple, enhanced by warm spices that transport you to a cozy kitchen. Effortless prep: With store-bought dough, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time, making it ideal for busy bakers. Crowd-pleaser appeal: Whether at family gatherings or casual brunches, everyone will be reaching for seconds! Versatile variations: Feel free to swap apples for pears or add nuts for an exciting twist. For an extra tasty dessert, consider pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! Dazzling finish: The sweet glaze drizzled atop each bun not only looks stunning but also adds that final touch of sweetness, making them irresistible to your guests. Apple Cheesecake Buns Ingredients For the Dough • Pre-made Dough – A convenient base for the buns; store-bought saves time without compromising taste. For the Cheesecake Filling • Cream Cheese – This rich ingredient adds creaminess and depth; feel free to substitute with mascarpone for a different flavor. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly; adjust to your preferred level of sweetness. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile beautifully; no substitutions recommended. • Diced Apples – These provide moisture and a fresh fruit flavor; pears are a great alternative if you’re feeling adventurous. • Cinnamon – This warm spice elevates the filling; consider using nutmeg or pumpkin spice for an added twist. • Nutmeg – A complementary spice for the cinnamon; optional but recommended for a richer flavor profile. For the Crumble Topping • Flour – The backbone of this crumbly topping; no substitutions recommended for maintaining texture. • Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a depth of flavor to the crumble; white sugar works in a pinch but alters the taste slightly. • Cold Butter – Critical for achieving that perfect crumbly texture; keep it cold to prevent melting. For the Sweet Glaze • Milk – Used to create a smooth glaze; adjust the quantity for your desired consistency. • Powdered Sugar – Combines with milk to create a sweet drizzled topping; feel free to adjust for taste. These Apple Cheesecake Buns are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas and smiles all around! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cheesecake Buns Step 1: Prepare Dough Start by rolling out your pre-made dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into squares or circles, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking. Set aside the cut dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet while you prepare the filling. Step 2: Make Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Once the mixture is velvety, gently fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring everything is well coated. This luscious filling will be encased within each of your Apple Cheesecake Buns. Step 3: Fill Buns Take one piece of the prepared dough and place a generous spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center. Carefully fold or roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges firmly to seal it and prevent any filling from oozing out during baking. Repeat this process until all dough pieces are filled, arranging them back on the baking sheet. Step 4: Prepare Crumble In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cubed cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This buttery crumble will add a delightful crunch on top of the Apple Cheesecake Buns; sprinkle it generously over the filled buns on the baking sheet. Step 5: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, place the baking sheet with the buns in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and the crumble topping is crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they brown evenly without burning. Step 6: Prepare Glaze While the buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency; it should be pourable yet thick enough to cling to the buns. Set the glaze aside until the buns are out of the oven. Step 7: Finish Buns Once the Apple Cheesecake Buns are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Drizzle the prepared sweet glaze over the warm buns, allowing it to settle into the crumble topping. Allow the glaze to set a bit before serving these delightful treats warm. What to Serve with Apple Cheesecake Buns These delightful treats aren’t just a standalone indulgence; they make a stunning centerpiece that can be wonderfully complemented by other dishes. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla flavor enhances the sweet apple and cheesecake filling, adding a cool contrast to the warm buns. A scoop on the side is sheer bliss! Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream brings a lovely lightness to the rich flavors of the buns, making each bite even more heavenly. Fresh Berry Salad: A mix of juicy berries offers a fresh burst of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the buns while adding a splash of color to your plate. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over the warm buns adds an extra layer of decadence, providing a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the cream cheese filling. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea pairs perfectly, enhancing the cozy experience of enjoying these buns fresh out of the oven. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider with a hint of cinnamon mirrors the apple flavor in the buns while inviting festive vibes to your gathering. Tips for the Best Apple Cheesecake Buns Dough Thickness: Roll the pre-made dough to 1/4 inch thick to ensure a fluffy bun. Too thin will lead to crispy, less enjoyable bites. Chill the Butter: Keep your cold butter for the crumble topping out until just before you mix. This keeps it from melting, ensuring a perfect crumbly texture. Filling Amount: Be careful not to overfill each bun with the cheesecake mixture. A heaping tablespoon is ideal; too much can lead to overflow while baking. Oven Watch: Keep a close eye on the buns during the last few minutes of baking. The perfect golden brown color will indicate they’re ready—too dark, and the flavor will sour. Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in your glaze for the perfect drizzle. It should be pourable yet thick enough to stay on top of the buns without running off. Flavor Twists: Don’t hesitate to swap out the diced apples for pears or mix in nuts for extra texture. This creativity elevates your Apple Cheesecake Buns to a whole new level! How to Store and Freeze Apple Cheesecake Buns Room Temperature: Store cooked Apple Cheesecake Buns at room temperature for up to 1 day in a sealed container to maintain their freshness. Fridge: Keep these buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore warmth. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked Apple Cheesecake Buns on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and let rise before baking as per the instructions. Reheating: To enjoy leftover buns, reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. A quick glaze drizzle afterward will freshen them up beautifully! Make Ahead Options These Apple Cheesecake Buns are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance—simply store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can fill the buns and place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, fresh Apple Cheesecake Buns with minimal effort, maintaining that delicious flavor and tempting aroma that your family will love! Apple Cheesecake Buns Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and make these Apple Cheesecake Buns your own with these delightful variations that inspire your culinary imagination! Fruit Swap: Try using pears or berries for a refreshing twist, each bringing their unique sweetness to the filling. Whether you choose juicy blackberries or ripe peaches, they’ll add their own charm and flavor. Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Nuts add richness that complements the sweet and creamy filling beautifully, creating a luxurious experience with every bite. Alternative Sweetener: Consider using maple syrup instead of powdered sugar in the filling for a more natural sweetness. It brings an extra warmth that pairs wonderfully with the spices and apples. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the flour in the crumble with a gluten-free flour blend for a suitable option without gluten. This ensures everyone gets to enjoy the treat while preserving that buttery, crumbly texture we all love. Vegan Variation: Use plant-based cream cheese along with almond milk for the glaze to create a vegan-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor. The swap might bring out new layers of taste while keeping the indulgence intact! Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the filling for a spicy kick that contrasts the sweetness beautifully. It’s a surprising twist that adventurous eaters will adore! Extra Smooth Glaze: Mix in vanilla extract with your glaze for an enhanced flavor that beautifully complements the buns. This extra touch elevates the sweetness and creates a beloved classic flavor profile. Looking for more delicious ideas? Pair these scrumptious buns with an Apple Iced Tea for a refreshing drink or serve alongside a delightful Honeycrisp Apple Feta salad for a vibrant contrast of flavors! Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe FAQs How do I select the right apples for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor. They maintain their shape well when baked and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Avoid overly ripe apples, as they may turn mushy in the filling. How should I store leftover Apple Cheesecake Buns? You can keep these scrumptious buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, allowing them to regain their fluffiness. Can I freeze Apple Cheesecake Buns, and how do I do it? Certainly! To freeze unbaked Apple Cheesecake Buns, arrange them on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then allow to rise at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking according to the original instructions. What should I do if the buns overflow while baking? If that happens, don’t worry! The next time, try using a slightly smaller amount of filling in each bun—about a heaping tablespoon works perfectly. Also, make sure to pinch the edges tightly to prevent any leaking during baking. Keep an eye on them as they cook, as an overflowing filling can lead to some tasty caramelization on the baking sheet! Are these buns suitable for special dietary needs? Very much so! These Apple Cheesecake Buns can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free dough and flour for the crumble topping. For those who are lactose intolerant, substituting cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based butter can work wonders as well. Always check your specific ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary requirements. What if I want to use different fruits instead of apples? The more the merrier! Feel free to substitute diced apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries for a delightful twist. Just remember that the moisture content may vary, so adjust your baking time slightly to avoid overly soggy buns. Enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations! Irresistible Apple Cheesecake Buns to Brighten Your Day Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Buns that blend creamy cheesecake with tender apples and a sweet glaze. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 bunsCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 package Pre-made Dough Store-bought saves time without compromising taste.For the Cheesecake Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Feel free to substitute with mascarpone for a different flavor.1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.1 tsp Vanilla Extract No substitutions recommended.2 cups Diced Apples Pears are a great alternative.1 tsp Cinnamon Consider using nutmeg or pumpkin spice for an added twist.1/4 tsp Nutmeg Optional but recommended for a richer flavor profile.For the Crumble Topping1 cup Flour No substitutions recommended for maintaining texture.1/2 cup Brown Sugar White sugar works in a pinch but alters the taste slightly.1/2 cup Cold Butter Keep it cold to prevent melting.For the Sweet Glaze2 tbsp Milk Adjust the quantity for your desired consistency.1 cup Powdered Sugar Feel free to adjust for taste. Equipment mixing bowlRolling Pinbaking sheetpastry blender Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cheesecake BunsRoll out your pre-made dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares or circles.In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg.Take a piece of dough, place a spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center, and fold or roll the dough around it, sealing the edges.Combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs and sprinkle over filled buns.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze; set aside.Remove buns from the oven, cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze. Nutrition Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese buns are perfect for family gatherings and special brunches, with options for flavor variations. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
