Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

apple pie

Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

For breakfast this week, I made an apple cheesecake brioche bun. They were soft and tasted like an apple pie and cheesecake all in one. These buns are bready, but I wanted a brioche-like bun to balance the soft cheesecake mixture and hot apples. So, let’s make it!

Recipe

Brioche Buns

• 1 cup whole milk (105-110°F)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp active dry yeast

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 eggs, room temperature

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted

• ¼ tsp salt

Apple Filling

• 2 apples, peeled and diced

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp corn starch

• ¼ cup water

• 1 Tbsp butter

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crumble Topping

• 1 Tbsp butter

• 1 Tbsp sugar

• ½ cup flour

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Directions

Make the Dough

1. In a stand mixer or large bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, sugar, and 1 cup of flour. Whisk until combined. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together.

3. Add the eggs, salt, melted butter, and remaining 2 cups of flour to the dough mixture. Knead by hand or with a mixer until elastic and no longer sticky, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour. (Tip: I like to pour boiled water into a mug and place it in the microwave along with the dough to create a warm environment for rising.)

Make the Apple Filling

1. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter.

2. Add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer until the apples release and reabsorb their juices.

3. In a small bowl, mix the corn starch and water until dissolved, then stir into the apple mixture.

4. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

   

Shape the Buns

1. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Flatten each into a round shape.

2. Place them on a lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for 30 minutes.

   

Make the Cheesecake Filling & Crumble

• In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and butter with your hands to form a crumble.

Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Use a glass dipped in flour to press the center of each dough ball, creating a wide indent for the filling.

3. Brush the edges with egg yolk.

4. Fill each indent with cheesecake filling, then top with a spoonful of apple filling.

5. Sprinkle with crumble topping.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

   

And enjoy!

Storage: These stay well in the fridge up to 3-5 days in an airtight container

Heating Tips: Bake in the toaster oven for best results @350F and 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds