Apple Cheesecake Buns Crumble Glaze

Apple Cheesecake Buns with a Crumble Topping and Sweet Glaze are the kind of cozy treat I crave when apples are at their peak or when I want something extra special for brunch. Each bun is soft and fluffy, filled with a tangy cheesecake surprise and juicy spiced apples, then crowned with a buttery crumble and a glossy drizzle of glaze. They are the perfect balance of comfort and celebration, whether you serve them fresh from the oven or sneak one as a midnight snack.

My family goes wild for these every time the scent fills the kitchen. The first time I made them was for a chilly Sunday breakfast and I still remember everyone huddled around the table waiting for that first gooey bite.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Warm milk: gives the dough extra softness and helps activate the yeast for good rise
• Active dry yeast: ensures the buns puff up beautifully so check expiration for freshness
• All-purpose flour: forms the base of the soft dough choose unbleached for best crumb
• Cream cheese: is essential for the creamy filling use full fat for that rich tang
• Medium apples: add juicy sweetness and texture pick firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
• Powdered sugar: sweetens both the filling and gives the glaze its finish sift for smoothness
• Unsalted butter: creates a tender crumb and rich crumble topping pick a quality brand for best flavor

How to Make It

Make the Dough:

Gently warm the milk just to body temperature and stir in the yeast and sugar. Let this sit until the mixture is foamy around five to ten minutes—this means the yeast is alive and ready to go which makes for super fluffy buns.

Mix and Knead:

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the foamy yeast mixture along with the egg and softened butter. Knead this mixture until the dough becomes smooth and supple around eight to ten minutes by hand. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Let Rise:

Cover the dough and let it sit in a warm spot in your kitchen until it doubles in size. This rise will take about one to one and a half hours. If your kitchen is chilly let it rise inside an oven with just the light on which speeds up the process.

Prepare Apple Topping:

While the dough rises dice medium apples into small cubes. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat then add the apples along with brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and a small amount of cornstarch. Stir and cook until the apples have softened but still hold their shape and the mixture is thick and glossy.

Make Cheesecake Filling:

In a bowl beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar egg yolk and a splash of vanilla extract. Everything should come together into a smooth creamy mixture with no lumps. Chill if needed to firm it slightly for easier handling later.

Assemble Buns:

Once dough has risen punch it down and divide into even portions. Flatten each piece in your hand then add a dollop of cheesecake filling and a small spoonful of the apple mixture. Pinch the edges to seal and place seam side down on a parchment-lined tray.

Top with Crumble and Bake:

Sprinkle generously with butter crumble made from soft butter sugar and a touch of flour. Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty five minutes until golden brown and your kitchen smells incredible.

Glaze and Serve:

Let the buns cool just enough so the glaze does not melt off completely. Drizzle with a powdered sugar and milk glaze in thin ribbons for shine and sweetness then enjoy every bite while still warm and soft.

I absolutely love the crumble topping which crisps up beautifully in the oven. My sister calls the filling her favorite part and I will never forget the time my niece snuck a second bun before anyone noticed.

Flavor Boosters

Let the dough rise in a warm spot for the fluffiest texture. For bakery style appearance brush the buns with milk just before baking. Prep filling and crumble topping ahead to save time on baking day.

Serving Suggestions

Bring these buns to brunch gatherings as a centerpiece or package them up as sweet gifts for friends. Enjoy warm with your morning coffee or serve with a dollop of whipped cream and extra applesauce for dessert. Leftovers even make an indulgent breakfast or a sweet finish to a lunchbox meal.

Creative Twists

Apple filled pastries have deep roots in European baking traditions from Polish drozdzowka to German apfelkuchen. This recipe is flexible for any season—add dried cranberries for winter or swap in fresh berries come summer. The signature crumble topping draws from classic American crisp desserts turning a humble bun into something truly festive.

These buns are the ultimate comfort treat—warm, soft, and made for sharing. Try one straight from the oven and you will understand why they disappear so quickly in my home.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firmer varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness well in the filling.

→ How do I achieve a soft, fluffy dough?

Allow the dough to rise until doubled and ensure kneading until it's smooth. Proper fermentation creates a light texture.

→ Can I prepare the buns in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the buns ahead and bake them fresh, or store baked buns at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ How should I apply the glaze?

Let the buns cool slightly before drizzling the glaze, so it sets nicely without melting into the topping.

→ What’s the best way to serve these buns?

Serve slightly warm for maximum softness, either as a dessert, snack, or brunch centerpiece.

→ Can I freeze leftover buns?

Yes, cool completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving for best texture.