Why You’ll Love Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze Recipe
These buns are a delightful mash‑up of apple pie and cheesecake wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the tender apples and the crunchy crumble adds irresistible texture. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re comforting, flavorful, and grand enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend baking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
all‑purpose flour
warm milk
egg
softened butter
instant yeast
sugar
vanilla sugar or extract
salt
For the apple filling:
apples, peeled and diced
brown or white sugar
cinnamon
cornstarch
water
For the cheesecake filling:
cream cheese
sugar
vanilla sugar or extract
For the crumble:
butter
sugar
flour
For the glaze:
powdered sugar
milk
Directions
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl combine the dough ingredients and knead until you have a soft, elastic dough. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
Make the apple filling: In a heated pan melt the butter, then add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples soften and release their juices. Mix the cornstarch with water and add, cooking until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
Cheesecake filling: Mix the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Shape and fill: Divide the risen dough into equal portions. Place on a lined baking sheet and press a well into the center of each. Brush edges with egg yolk if using. Spoon a bit of cheesecake filling into each well, followed by apple filling. Sprinkle crumble over the top.
Bake: In a preheated oven (about 180 °C / 350 °F) bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Glaze: After the buns have cooled slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk into a pourable glaze. Drizzle over the buns and let set before serving.
Servings and timing
These Apple Cheesecake Buns make around 9 buns and typically take about 1 hour of rising time plus 20–25 minutes of baking.
Variations
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
Caramel drizzle: Swap the simple glaze for a light caramel drizzle for more indulgence.
Pear or berry filling: Replace or mix the apples with pears or berries for another fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled buns in an airtight container:
Room temperature: Up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (warm before serving).
Freezer: Freeze baked unglazed buns for up to 2 months; thaw and warm, then add glaze.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the prepared dough overnight before shaping and baking.
Do I have to use instant yeast?
Active dry yeast works too — just proof it in warm water first.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes. The buns are delicious without it if you prefer less sweetness.
How do I prevent soggy buns?
Cool the apple and cheesecake fillings before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these buns smaller?
Absolutely — just divide the dough into more portions and adjust baking time slightly.
How do I reheat leftover buns?
Warm them in a low oven (about 150 °C / 300 °F) for 5–10 minutes.
Can this recipe be made dairy‑free?
You can substitute non‑dairy cream cheese and milk alternatives, though texture will vary.
Is it better to use fresh apples?
Yes — fresh apples give the best texture and flavor compared to canned.
Can I freeze them before baking?
You can freeze shaped, unbaked buns; thaw and let rise before baking as usual.
Conclusion
Soft yet substantial, these Apple Cheesecake Buns are a special treat that brings together the best of bakery favorites: enriched dough, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, crumbly topping, and sweet glaze. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, they deliver cozy flavors and delightful textures in every bite.
Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze
Apple Cheesecake Buns are soft, sweet rolls filled with creamy cheesecake and apple pie filling, topped with a cinnamon crumble and sweet glaze for a perfect fall treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 count) Grands refrigerated biscuits
- 1/2 cup apple pie filling (chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Separate the biscuits and press each into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin tin cups.
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each biscuit cup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of chopped apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture in each cup.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top of each filled biscuit.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly in the pan before removing.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze, then drizzle over the cooled buns.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Chop apple pie filling finely for easier spooning into cups.
- Let buns cool before glazing to prevent glaze from melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
