There’s nothing quite like a warm, sweet treat fresh from the oven, and these Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns are just that. Soft, fluffy buns filled with a creamy cheesecake layer and tender, spiced apples, then topped with a buttery crumble, make every bite feel like a little celebration. It’s the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary morning into something special, or a regular afternoon into a cozy coffee break.
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
These Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a symphony of flavors. Tart, tender apples mix with creamy cheesecake filling, while the buttery crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch. Every bite offers a little contrast: soft buns, smooth cheesecake, and crisp crumble, making it impossible to stop at just one. This combination is what elevates these buns from ordinary dessert to a memorable indulgence.
Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a dessert for guests, these buns fit perfectly. They’re elegant enough to serve at a brunch but cozy enough to enjoy with a cup of tea at home. Because they’re made with simple ingredients, you don’t need a fancy kitchen or special tools—just a little patience and love, and you’ll get bakery-style results at home.
Simple Yet Impressive
Even if you’ve never baked with yeast before, this recipe is approachable. Step-by-step instructions guide you through preparing the dough, assembling the cheesecake layer, filling the buns with spiced apples, and topping with crumble. The method ensures success even for beginners, while still producing buns that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery.
Why Fresh Ingredients Matter
Using fresh apples, quality cream cheese, and real butter makes all the difference. Fresh ingredients create vibrant flavors, a tender dough, and a crumble topping that melts in your mouth, making these buns an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients for Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns
Main Ingredients
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are all you need to create the soft, flavorful buns filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet apples.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups | For soft, fluffy buns |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Adds sweetness to dough |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | For dough rising |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp | Melted, for dough |
| Whole milk | ¾ cup | Warm, for activating yeast |
| Eggs | 2 large | Adds richness to dough |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Softened, for cheesecake filling |
| Powdered sugar | ¼ cup | Sweetens cheesecake layer |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Apples | 2 cups | Peeled, cored, diced for filling |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warmth to apple filling |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | Sweetens apple filling |
| Butter (for crumble) | 3 tbsp | Cold, for topping |
| All-purpose flour (for crumble) | 2 tbsp | Makes crumble crisp |
Optional Add-Ins
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped walnuts | ¼ cup | Adds crunch to crumble |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp | Brightens apple flavor |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Enhances spiced filling |
Notes on Ingredients
- Use fresh, crisp apples for best texture.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps.
- Cold butter in the crumble creates a perfect crunchy topping.
With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re set to start assembling your Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns and enjoy a decadent homemade treat.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by warming the milk until it’s comfortably warm, then sprinkle in the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture, then knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside for assembly.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of butter. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Optional: add a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Buns
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly, then layer the spiced apples on top. Roll the dough tightly and cut into individual buns. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each.
Step 5: Add the Crumble Topping
Mix cold butter with flour and brown sugar to create the crumble. Sprinkle generously over the buns before baking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
These steps ensure soft, flavorful buns with creamy cheesecake and spiced apple filling topped with a buttery crunch.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Pro Tips for Perfect Buns
To get soft, fluffy buns, make sure your yeast is active and the dough has doubled in size before shaping. Use fresh, crisp apples for the filling to maintain texture, and don’t overcook them. For a richer crumble, chill the butter before mixing it with flour and sugar.
Easy Variations
You can switch up the flavor by using different apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, or adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch. For a festive twist, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the baked buns or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these buns warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days and reheated gently to restore softness.
Discover our Snickerdoodle Cheesecakes for a rich dessert option.
Print
Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
Soft, fluffy buns filled with creamy cheesecake and tender spiced apples, topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp butter (cold, for crumble)
- 2 tbsp flour (for crumble)
- Optional: chopped walnuts, lemon zest, nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare dough: combine yeast, warm milk, sugar, flour, butter, eggs; knead and let rise 1–1.5 hours.
- Make cheesecake filling: beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare apple filling: cook apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until tender.
- Roll dough, layer cheesecake, then apple filling, roll tightly, and cut into buns.
- Make crumble: mix cold butter, flour, and brown sugar; sprinkle on buns.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Tips: Use fresh apples, cold butter for crumble, and serve warm. Experiment with nuts or glaze for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 buns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and fillings a day ahead. Assemble the buns and keep them covered in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh the next morning for the best texture.
What type of apples works best?
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the cheesecake layer.
Can I freeze the buns?
Absolutely. Freeze baked buns in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for 5–10 minutes to enjoy warm, fresh-tasting buns.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor, keeping the creamy filling delicious.
How do I prevent the crumble from burning?
Use cold butter in the crumble and sprinkle it evenly. If needed, cover lightly with foil for the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
The Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will delight any dessert lover. Soft, fluffy buns envelop a creamy cheesecake layer, while tender, spiced apples add natural sweetness and warmth. The buttery crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a complete indulgence. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns bring a cozy, inviting touch to any table.
This recipe proves that you don’t need to be an expert baker to create something spectacular. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Using fresh apples, high-quality cream cheese, and cold butter for the crumble ensures the flavors are bright and the textures are perfect.
By following this guide, you’ll create a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. The Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns are sure to become a favorite in your home and a treat that friends and family will love every time.