Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze

If you love soft, bakery-style pastries that combine the comfort of apples with the creaminess of cheesecake, these Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze are about to be your new favorite recipe. These buns are fluffy, filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, and topped with tender spiced apples. To take them over the top, we add a buttery crumble topping and a drizzle of sweet glaze that makes every bite irresistible.

This recipe blends the warmth of apple pie, the richness of cheesecake, and the cozy texture of a sweet bun all in one. It’s perfect for fall baking, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want to impress family and friends with a homemade treat that looks straight out of a bakery.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off. The dough is simple, the filling is easy to mix, and the crumble topping comes together in minutes. These buns can be enjoyed warm from the oven, stored for later, or even frozen for a make-ahead dessert.

Whether you’re serving them at brunch, gifting them during the holidays, or sneaking one as a midnight snack, Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves sweet, cozy, and satisfying baked goods.

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What Makes This Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe Special?

• Bakery-style flavor at home: You get that professional bakery taste without needing fancy equipment.

• Triple-layered goodness: Fluffy bun + creamy cheesecake filling + tender apple topping = unbeatable.

• Crumble topping that melts in your mouth: Buttery, golden, and perfectly crisp.

• Easy glaze finish: A quick powdered sugar glaze takes the presentation and taste to the next level.

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the buns ahead of time and bake fresh when needed.

This recipe is a great mix of comfort and indulgence. The crumble topping adds a bakery look while the glaze ties all flavors together. Plus, you can swap ingredients depending on the season (apples in fall, berries in summer).

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Ingredient Notes

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the dough. Bread flour works too for a chewier texture.

• Yeast: Active dry or instant yeast both work. Make sure it’s fresh so your buns rise properly.

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese makes the filling rich and creamy (reduced-fat works, but won’t be as silky).

• Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Softer apples may get mushy.

• Butter: Unsalted butter is best for both dough and crumble.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while brown sugar deepens the flavor in the crumble.

• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic spices that make the apple filling cozy.

• Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the dough. You can use 2% if needed.

• Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze. Don’t substitute.

Optional: A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, but you can knead by hand.

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How To Make Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze

1. Prepare the Dough

   • Warm 1 cup milk (110°F). Mix with 2 ¼ tsp yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

   • Add 3 cups flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg, and 4 tbsp melted butter. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).

   • Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

   • Beat 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

3. Cook the Apples

   • Peel and dice 2 apples. Cook in 1 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg for 5–7 minutes until tender. Cool slightly.

4. Make the Crumble Topping

   • Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup sugar, and 4 tbsp cold butter. Use your fingers until crumbly.

5. Assemble the Buns

   • Punch down dough. Divide into 12 pieces. Flatten each slightly, making a small well.

   • Spoon cheesecake filling, then apples on top. Sprinkle generously with crumble.

6. Bake

   • Place buns on a lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise 30 minutes.

   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

7. Add the Glaze

   • Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk. Drizzle over warm buns.

Tip: The buns should be golden, and the crumble should feel crisp. The filling will set as it cools.

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Store covered up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped buns for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

• Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave 15–20 seconds.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Berry Cheesecake Buns: Swap apples for blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.

• Caramel Apple Buns: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.

• Pumpkin Spice Buns: Use pumpkin purée in place of apples with extra cinnamon.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a good gluten-free all-purpose blend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
   Yes, just drain excess liquid before using.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the buns, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.

3. Why didn’t my dough rise?
   Your yeast may be old, or the milk was too hot and killed it.

4. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, but it really ties everything together. Try dusting with powdered sugar instead.

5. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely. Just bake in two trays.

6. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
   Hand-kneading works fine; it just takes more time.

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Conclusion

Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze are the kind of treat that brings comfort, joy, and a little indulgence to your day. They’re soft, creamy, and filled with flavors that remind you of cozy autumn mornings. Give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family—you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear.

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