Apple Cheesecake Buns: Soft, Spiced, and Sweetly Stuffed
If a cinnamon roll and a cheesecake had a baby, and that baby went apple-picking in the fall—it would be these Apple Cheesecake Buns. Tender, pillowy buns filled with creamy cheesecake and warm, cinnamon-spiced apples are everything you didn’t know your dessert table needed. They’re gooey in the middle, golden on the edges, and impossible to eat without closing your eyes in pure bliss.
Whether you serve them warm out of the oven or drizzle them with caramel and enjoy them as dessert, these buns are perfect for cozy mornings, weekend baking projects, or impressing guests with something that looks bakery-bought—but is secretly homemade.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese glaze
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly. Add in the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
Cheesecake filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Apple filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for 5–8 minutes or until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10–12 equal pieces. Flatten each one into a small circle. In the center of each dough circle, add about 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling and a spoonful of apple filling.
Pinch the edges together to enclose the filling and gently form a smooth bun. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Glory
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before topping.
Step 5: Top It Off
Drizzle the buns with caramel, dust with powdered sugar, or spread a simple cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love
- Soft, warm, and perfectly spiced
- Balanced layers of tangy cream cheese and sweet apples
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe
- Looks impressive, tastes like fall wrapped in a bun
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy nights in
Final Thoughts
These Apple Cheesecake Buns are the kind of baked good that turn an ordinary morning into a cozy celebration. From the pillowy dough to the creamy filling and warm apple spice, every bite feels like a hug from autumn itself. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a sweet reminder that homemade always hits different.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
