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
Directions
Make the Dough
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.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together.
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.
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
In a small pan over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter.
Add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer until the apples release and reabsorb their juices.
In a small bowl, mix the corn starch and water until dissolved, then stir into the apple mixture.
Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Shape the Buns
Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Flatten each into a round shape.
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
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Use a glass dipped in flour to press the center of each dough ball, creating a wide indent for the filling.
Brush the edges with egg yolk.
Fill each indent with cheesecake filling, then top with a spoonful of apple filling.
Sprinkle with crumble topping.
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