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Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble

Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble for Cozy Fall Mornings

These Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble are a delightful treat, perfect for enjoying during the cozy fall season.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • ¾ cup warm milk almond milk works if you're dairy-free
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast ensure it's fresh for the best results
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar honey is a great substitute
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour opt for a gluten-free blend if needed
  • ½ teaspoon salt enhances the overall flavor
  • 1 large egg can use flaxseed meal for an egg-free version
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) margarine can be used for a dairy-free option
Cheesecake Filling
  • 6 oz cream cheese (softened) Neufchâtel is a lighter alternative
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar sweetens the filling well
  • 1 large egg yolk enriches the texture of the filling
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract infuses wonderful flavor
Apple Topping
  • 2 medium apples (peeled, diced) pears or mixed berries can also shine here
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon nutmeg can substitute for a unique twist
  • a pinch nutmeg gives added depth to the apple mixture
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch thickens the mix and prevents sogginess
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter coconut oil also works as a substitute
Crumble Topping
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour gluten-free options are available
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar adds sweetness and a nice texture
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter (diced) can replace with vegan butter
Glaze
  • ½ cup powdered sugar adds sweetness for that finishing touch
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract enhances the glaze flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Whisk
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • skin peeler

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup warm milk, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then, add 2½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 large egg, and ¼ cup softened unsalted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until you achieve a smooth consistency.
  2. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it in a warm spot to rise. Allow the dough to double in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.
Filling Preparation
  1. While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing 6 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 egg yolk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl until creamy.
  2. For the apple topping, combine 2 diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in another bowl. Stir both mixtures and let them cool.
Bun Shaping
  1. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press down the center to create a small well.
  2. Fill each bun with a spoonful of the cheesecake and a spoonful of the apple mixture. Pinch the edges closed to secure the filling within the dough.
Crumble Topping and Final Rise
  1. To make the crumble topping, mix ¼ cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cold butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Sprinkle this crunchy topping over each filled bun. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them, and let them rise again for approximately 30 minutes until puffy.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
Glazing
  1. While the buns are baking, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
  2. Once the buns have finished baking, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the sweet glaze over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure to use warm milk to activate the yeast properly and avoid sogginess by mixing cornstarch with the apple filling. Allow buns to cool slightly before glazing.

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