Description
These Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns combine the rich, buttery flavor of sweet brioche dough with a spiced apple filling and creamy sweetened cream cheese center, all topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert, these buns offer a delightful blend of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Brioche Dough
- ¾ cup (202 g) + 1 tablespoon warm milk, 110℉
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups (360 g) bread flour
- ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoon (84 g) unsalted butter, softened
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoon (28 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Sweet Cream Cheese
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 2 tablespoon (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup (30 g) all purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: Warm the milk to about 110℉, then combine it with the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the brioche dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead in the softened unsalted butter until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Let the dough rise covered in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Cook the apple filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the sweet cream cheese filling: In a bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the crumble topping: Mix melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until crumbly. Set aside.
- Assemble the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 10-12). Roll each piece into a circle, then spread a spoonful of sweet cream cheese and a spoonful of apple filling in the center. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling or roll into a bun shape, making sure the fillings are sealed inside.
- Add the crumble topping: Place the filled buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over each bun.
- Final proof: Cover the buns lightly with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃). Bake the buns for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Peeling the apples helps keep the filling soft and prevents bitterness from the skins.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing in the filling.
- The crumble topping adds a wonderful crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer keeping.
Keywords: apple buns, cheesecakes buns, brioche, apple filling, cinnamon crumble, sweet rolls, dessert, breakfast buns