Easy Homemade Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crumble Topping

There’s something incredibly comforting about fresh-baked treats that combine fruit, cream cheese, and a bit of crunch. These easy homemade apple cheesecake buns are exactly that — perfect warm or at room temperature, they bring the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen any time of year.

this Recipe

You’ll love how the soft, fluffy buns complement the sweetly spiced apple cheesecake filling, all topped with a crispy crumble and finished with a delicate sweet glaze. Making these apple cheesecake buns from scratch is simpler than you think, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two classic desserts: cheesecake and apple crumble
• Soft, fluffy buns with rich, creamy filling and crispy topping
• Sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch and shine
• Great for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack
• Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely have on hand

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the buns, cheesecake filling, crumble topping, and glaze:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for crumble)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for crumble)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 10 buns
• Calories: Approximately 320 per bun

How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Cheesecake Buns with Crispy Crumble Topping & Sweet Glaze

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar; let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture; knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
3. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Toss diced apples with cinnamon and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Once dough has risen, punch down and divide into 10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a flat circle about 4 inches wide.
6. Spread a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, then top with a spoonful of the cinnamon apple mixture.
7. Fold dough edges over the filling slightly, creating a bun shape but leaving some filling visible.
8. To make the crumble topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cubed cold butter in a bowl. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over each bun.
9. Bake buns for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
10. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the sweet glaze. Drizzle over warm buns before serving for a glossy finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape.
• Don’t overfill the buns to prevent leakage during baking.
• Chill the butter well before making the crumble topping to get a crisp texture.
• Glaze the buns while they’re slightly warm for the best shine and flavor absorption.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover apple cheesecake buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the buns wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months.

To reheat, warm the buns in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes if refrigerated or 12-15 minutes if frozen. You can also microwave briefly, but the oven will preserve the crisp crumble topping better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Yes! Pears, peaches, or berries can be great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and cinnamon to suit the fruit’s sweetness and texture.

Is it possible to make these buns gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking and follow the same process. You may need to adjust liquids slightly depending on the flour’s absorbency.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after kneading and cover it tightly. Let it rise slowly overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?

Don’t overfill the buns as excess moisture can leak. Also, bake them until golden and allow them to cool slightly uncovered so the crumble topping stays crisp.