Name: Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast; ½ cup warm milk; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 egg; ½ tsp salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped; ½ cup flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp cold butter

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If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen with a dessert that perfectly marries fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, this Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, pillowy buns hugging a luscious cheesecake center mixed with sweet, tender apple filling, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy crumble. It’s the ultimate comfort treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite—think of it as the delightful lovechild of apple pie and cheesecake, baked into portable, hand-held happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four cinnamon rolls with a golden brown, shiny crust are arranged on a white plate. Each roll has a spiral shape with a thick layer of white icing drizzled over the top, creating uneven lines that drip slightly down the sides. On top of the icing are crumbly pieces of streusel and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a few crumbs scattered around. In the background, some red apples are slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together in harmony to create a dessert that’s as inviting in flavor as it is comforting in texture. From creamy cheesecake to the crisp crumble, each component plays a vital role in balancing sweetness, richness, and that perfect fall flair.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, fluffy buns with just the right chew.
¼ cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, enhancing flavor and aiding browning.
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast: The magic behind the dough’s rise and airy texture.
½ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
¼ cup melted butter: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the buns.
1 egg: Binds the dough and enriches flavor and color.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy and tangy cheesecake filling.
2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mix just right.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
1 cup apple pie filling, chopped: Provides juicy sweetness and classic fall spice notes.
½ cup flour (for crumble): Gives the crumble topping its structure.
¼ cup brown sugar: Imparts caramel-like sweetness for the crumble.
3 tbsp cold butter: Creates a buttery, crisp texture when baked.

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl, then let it rest for 5 minutes so the yeast can bloom and get all bubbly — this ensures your buns rise beautifully. Next, stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt to enrich the dough. Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead this for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size. This step is crucial for that light and fluffy texture that makes every bite a delight.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Apple Filling

While the dough is rising, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth. Gently fold in the chopped apple pie filling. This mixture will be the luscious heart of your buns that contrasts perfectly with the soft dough and crunchy topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumble will add that irresistible buttery crunch that makes these buns stand out.

Step 4: Assemble the Buns

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal balls. Flatten each slightly and press an indentation in the center large enough to hold the cheesecake and apple mixture. Spoon a generous amount of filling into each indent, then sprinkle the crumble topping liberally over the filled dough. This layered assembly is what makes the Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Recipe such a showstopper.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as they puff up and the crumble turns golden. Fresh out of the oven, these buns smell like autumn happiness and promise a delightful combination of textures and flavors with every bite.

How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Recipe

A slice of cheesecake sits on a white plate with a smooth creamy off-white base layer. On top of the cheesecake is a layer of small golden brown nuts that add texture. A thick caramel sauce is drizzled over the nuts and cheesecake, some of it pooling on the plate with a shiny, rich amber color. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface and a woman's hand is holding the plate from the edge. The background shows blurred greenery. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider drizzling the buns with warm caramel sauce for that extra bakery-style touch—this adds a luscious sweetness and enhances the apple flavors beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also give them a pretty finish that’s perfect for special occasions or just because.

Side Dishes

These buns are versatile enough to pair with a variety of accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm, creamy filling and crunchy topping wonderfully. For a cozy drink, nothing beats a cup of chai tea or a warm apple cider, which harmonize perfectly with the autumnal flavors in the buns.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these buns on a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter lined with a festive cloth to elevate their homey charm. You can also place them in individual cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go dessert at parties or afternoon tea. Adding fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks around the platter amps up the seasonal vibe and invites friends to indulge guilt-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any buns left after the first delicious day, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their soft texture intact and prevents the crumble from getting soggy. Just make sure to cover them tightly so they stay fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

These buns freeze well and are perfect for making ahead of a busy week. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or gently warm them in the oven for that fresh-baked feeling all over again.

Reheating

When reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the perfect texture. Instead, pop the buns in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, tented loosely with foil if you want to keep the crumble from over-browning. This will refresh the buns’ softness and bring back the crumble’s crispy charm, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Absolutely! If using fresh apples, dice them finely and cook them down with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until tender to mimic the texture and flavor of apple pie filling. This will keep your filling juicy and flavorful.

Is it possible to make the dough without instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to substitute with active dry yeast and allow extra time for proofing. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with the sugar and let it activate for 10 minutes before mixing the dough.

Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta?

Mascarpone can be used as it has a similar creamy structure, but ricotta is grainier and less tangy, which will slightly change the texture and flavor. If using ricotta, consider blending it with a bit of cream cheese for best results.

How do I make the crumble topping crunchy and not soggy?

Using cold butter and handling the crumble mixture with your fingers to create coarse crumbs helps keep it from melting too quickly. Also, baking it on top of the buns allows it to crisp up nicely in the oven’s dry heat.

Can I make these buns vegan?

With some modifications, yes! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, a vegan butter substitute, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. For the cheesecake filling, a dairy-free cream cheese works well, though the texture will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping Recipe that makes it a standout comfort dessert, especially when the world outside is crisp and cool. From the fluffy dough to the creamy filling and crunchy topping, this recipe is an absolute joy to make and enjoy. So gather these simple ingredients, get your hands a little floury, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the warm embrace of autumn in every bite.