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Apple Cheesecake Streusel Buns Recipe

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4.9 from 422 reviews

Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Streusel Buns, featuring a soft yeasted dough filled with luscious cream cheese and cinnamon-spiced apple chunks, topped with a buttery streusel crumble and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting dessert, these buns combine tender texture with rich flavors and a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

The Dough:

  • 400 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 200 ml (1 cup) whole milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg
  • 65 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 10 g instant yeast
  • 60 g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (8 g) vanilla sugar
  • Pinch of salt

The Fillings:

  • 200 g cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 packet vanilla sugar
  • 2 apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water

The Toppings:

  • 20 g (1 tbsp) cold butter
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed whole milk with instant yeast, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the all-purpose flour, softened butter, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Knead the mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook gently, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Prepare the streusel crumble topping: Mix cold butter with sugar and flour, rubbing the butter into the flour and sugar using your fingertips until you achieve crumbly streusel texture. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
  5. Shape the buns: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly across the dough, then spread the cooled apple filling over the cheesecake layer. Roll the dough carefully into a log and cut into individual buns.
  6. Second rise: Place the buns on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray. Brush each bun with egg yolk for a shiny crust and sprinkle the streusel crumble on top. Cover loosely and let the buns rise for another 20-30 minutes.
  7. Bake the buns: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Prepare the glaze: While the buns are baking, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Once the buns are cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for added sweetness and shine.

Notes

  • Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly but avoid overheating to prevent killing the yeast.
  • The cornstarch slurry thickens the apple filling and helps prevent soggy buns.
  • Let the buns cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
  • Ensure the dough is well kneaded to achieve a soft, fluffy texture.