Delicious Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns – Soft, Buttery & Filled with Cozy Fall Sweetness

Delicious Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns – Soft, Buttery & Filled with Cozy Fall Sweetness

Meet your new favorite fall baking obsession — Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns. These fluffy, buttery buns are stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling, topped with cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a golden, crunchy crumble. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures — soft pillowy dough, silky cheesecake, juicy caramelized apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. They taste like a cross between apple pie, cheesecake, and a bakery-style sweet roll — warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or cozy weekend baking, these buns will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, apples, and buttery goodness.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings: 12 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk about 110°F
¼ cup unsalted butter melted
1 large egg
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz 1 block cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

2 medium apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cold butter cubed
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional):

½ cup powdered sugar
1 –2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Stand mixer (or by hand with a whisk and spoon)
9x13-inch baking pan
Rolling Pin
Small saucepan
Parchment paper
Wire rack

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
💡 Pro Tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky — add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time if needed.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Set aside in the fridge while the dough rises.

Step 3: Cook the Apple Filling

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, until apples are tender and caramelized.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble

In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter.
Use a fork or fingers to mix until crumbly.
Chill until ready to use.

Step 5: Assemble the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 even pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disc.
Press the center with your fingers to form a small well.
Spoon 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the center, followed by a small spoonful of apple mixture.
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each bun.
Place buns in a greased or parchment-lined 9x13-inch baking pan, leaving a bit of space between them.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30 minutes, until slightly puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and the crumble is crisp.
Cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 8: Add the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over warm buns and serve immediately.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (without glaze). Reheat in a 300°F oven until warm.

🥄 Variations

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Buns: Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before baking.

Maple Pecan Version: Add chopped pecans to the crumble and use maple syrup in the glaze.

Cinnamon Swirl Dough: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon directly into the dough.

Cream Cheese Frosted: Spread cream cheese frosting on top instead of glaze.

Apple Pie Spice Twist: Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mini Buns: Make smaller versions and bake for 15 minutes.

Apple-Cranberry Fusion: Add dried cranberries to the apple mixture.

Salted Caramel Finish: Top with a drizzle of salted caramel and sea salt flakes.

Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free baking blend and xanthan gum.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes — brioche or sweet roll dough works beautifully in a pinch.

Can I use apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade apple filling gives a fresher flavor and better texture.

Do I need to refrigerate the buns?
Only if keeping them for more than 2 days.

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely — peaches, pears, or cherries are great substitutes.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh in the morning.

Can I skip the cheesecake filling?
Sure, but it adds wonderful creaminess that balances the apples.

Can I air fry these?
Yes — bake at 320°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes in batches.

What apples work best?
Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for sweetness and texture.

How do I make them extra fluffy?
Don’t rush the rise — proper proofing gives them that bakery softness.

Can I add nuts or streusel topping?
Yes — both add a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.

🏁 Conclusion

These Apple Cheesecake Crumble Buns combine everything you love about fall baking into one irresistible treat. Buttery dough, creamy cheesecake filling, warm spiced apples, and a golden crumble topping — every layer delivers pure comfort and bakery-quality flavor.

Perfect with a morning coffee or as a sweet dessert, these buns will easily become your new signature bake of the season.