Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are a delightful combination of soft, fluffy brioche dough filled with a sweet cream cheese and apple pie filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion, these buns offer a unique twist on classic flavors that everyone will love. With their rich taste and inviting aroma, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and creamy cheesecake filling creates a flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
• Versatile Treat: Suitable for brunch gatherings, afternoon snacks, or as a sweet ending to dinner.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Impressive Presentation: These buns look beautiful on any table, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh when needed for an effortless treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your baking process runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for mixing the dough thoroughly without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients and organizing the different components of the recipe.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking the buns evenly.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

These Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are filled in the center with a sweet cream cheese and apple pie filling, then topped with a crumble, making them a delicious treat.

For the Dough

• ¾ cup +1 tbsp warm milk, 110℉ (see notes)
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

For the Apple Filling

• 2 large apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1¾ tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp allspice
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until frothy (about 5-10 minutes).
2. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, softened butter, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
4. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
2. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-1.5 hours).

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.
2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Cook until apples soften (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.

Step 5: Shape Buns

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
2. Punch down risen dough; roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
3. Cut into squares; place apple filling in the center followed by cream cheese filling.
4. Fold corners over filling; pinch to seal each bun.

Step 6: Make Crumble Topping

1. In another bowl, combine melted butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until crumbly.

Step 7: Bake Buns

1. Arrange buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Sprinkle crumble topping over each bun.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your freshly baked Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These delightful Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the buns perfectly, creating a delightful morning treat.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the flavors of the apple and cheesecake filling.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries or sliced bananas provide a refreshing contrast, making your plate visually appealing and nutritious.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A rich caramel drizzle enhances the sweetness and adds an indulgent touch to the buns.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• For a decadent dessert option, serve these buns warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

How to Perfect Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

To ensure your Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast and high-quality butter will enhance flavor and texture.
• Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten, resulting in soft and airy buns.
• Allow for proper rising: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size; this step is crucial for lightness.
• Check oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature ensures even baking and prevents burning.
• Cool before serving: Allowing the buns to cool slightly makes them easier to handle and enjoy.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the buns.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layered yogurt with granola and fruits makes a healthy accompaniment that contrasts beautifully with the rich brioche.
3. Oatmeal
   A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits provides a hearty side that pairs well with sweet flavors.
4. Scrambled Eggs
   Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and richness, making your meal more satisfying.
5. Sautéed Spinach
   Lightly sautéed spinach provides a savory element that complements the sweet buns nicely.
6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses introduces savory flavors that balance out the sweetness of the Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast activation: Make sure the warm milk is at 110℉. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; if too cold, it won’t activate properly.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough buns instead of soft, fluffy ones.
• Not letting the dough rise enough: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. Skipping this step will result in denser buns.
• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t blend well and can create lumps.
• Skipping the crumble topping: The crumble adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best taste experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover brioche buns in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

• Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

Can I use other fruits for filling?

Yes! You can substitute apples with berries, peaches, or even cherries for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

You can use all-purpose flour instead; just know that your buns may be slightly less chewy but still delicious.

How do I make my Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free bread flour blend in place of regular bread flour to make these buns gluten-free.

Can I prepare these buns ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge overnight and assemble when ready to bake.

How should I serve Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns?

These buns are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different fruit fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!