DESSERTS

Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns: 1 Magical Bite

by Fatima Garcia

•

9 de October de 2025

Jump to Recipe

Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns has been a revelation in my kitchen, bringing together two of my absolute favorite things: fluffy brioche and creamy cheesecake. I first tried an Apple Brioche Buns with Cheesecake Filling at a little bakery in Vermont, and I was instantly hooked. The warmth of cinnamon, the tender apples, and that rich, tangy cream cheese swirl wrapped in soft, buttery bread—it was pure magic! I knew I had to recreate this easy apple dessert recipe at home. Now, whenever autumn rolls around, the smell of these baking fills my home, reminding me of crisp fall mornings and cozy gatherings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

I promise, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again! Here’s why I adore these delightful Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns:

Incredible Flavor: Each bun is a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and spiced, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Relatively Quick Prep: While there are a few steps, the hands-on time for these Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns is surprisingly manageable.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of the components for these Homemade Apple Cheesecake Brioche in your pantry already.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will beg for more of these irresistible pastries.
Versatile Treat: They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert after dinner.
Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the pride of serving warm, delicious Homemade Apple Cheesecake Brioche straight from your oven.

Ingredients for Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these heavenly Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns. I’ve carefully selected each component to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture for these delightful treats.

1 cup warm milk – whole milk works best for a rich brioche dough.
2 teaspoons active dry yeast – make sure it’s fresh for a good rise.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
4 cups bread flour – gives the buns their signature chewiness; all-purpose can be substituted.
1 teaspoon salt – essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavors.
4 large egg yolks – contribute to the brioche’s tender, golden crumb.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – for that classic rich brioche texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely aromatic note to the dough.
3 cups apples, diced – Honeycrisp or Gala are my favorites for the filling.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – essential for that cozy apple pie flavor in your Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Brioche.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – complements the cinnamon beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon allspice – for an extra layer of warm spice.
8 ounces cream cheese – block cream cheese yields the best, creamiest filling.
1/4 cup brown sugar – for the rich apple filling.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into bits – for the irresistible crumble topping.
1/4 cup brown sugar – for the crumble, adding depth.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – to spice up the crumble.
1/2 cup flour – helps bind the crumble topping together.

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Making these delightful Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns is a truly rewarding experience. I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your kitchen fills with the amazing aroma of baking apples and sweet brioche.

Step 1: First, activate your yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (around 105-115°F), 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets delightfully foamy on top, signaling the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the brioche dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups bread flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 large egg yolks, and your activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or a dough hook on low speed until it forms a shaggy, cohesive dough.
Step 3: Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for about 10 minutes. It should become smooth, elastic, and pass the windowpane test – meaning you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing.
Step 4: Incorporate the butter. Gradually add the 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, a tablespoon at a time, to the dough while continuing to knead. This step is crucial for the richness of our Brioche Buns Apple Cheesecake Recipe. Knead until all the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is supple and silky. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if using.
Step 5: First rise. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This slow rise develops the flavor beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the apple filling. While the dough is rising, melt a knob of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add your 3 cups diced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
Step 7: Make the cheesecake filling. In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Prepare the crumble topping. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into bits), 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup flour. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
Step 9: Shape the buns. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Cover them loosely and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 10: Preheat and fill. While the buns undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once risen, use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create a deep indent in the center of each bun. Fill each indent with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture, then top with the cooled apple filling. Sprinkle generously with the crumble topping.
Step 11: Bake the buns. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!
Step 12: Cool and serve. Let the Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. For an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar just before enjoying. This Brioche Buns Apple Cheesecake Recipe is best enjoyed warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate these Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns from good to absolutely incredible. Paying attention to these details will ensure your brioche is always fluffy, and your fillings are perfectly balanced.

Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the yeast and butter—it makes a difference!
Don’t rush the rising process; patience is key for light, airy brioche buns.
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Let the apple filling cool completely before adding it to the buns to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
A light egg wash on the edges before baking gives these sweet apple brioche pastries a beautiful golden sheen.

What’s the secret to perfect Fluffy Apple Cheesecake Brioche?

The real secret to perfectly Fluffy Apple Cheesecake Brioche lies in proper kneading and allowing ample time for the dough to rise. Incorporating the butter slowly and ensuring the dough passes the windowpane test creates that delicate, airy texture. This is a hallmark of the Best Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns Recipe.

Can I make Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the brioche dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping. Alternatively, you can assemble the buns and refrigerate them before the second rise, then bake them fresh in the morning for warm Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns?

To avoid common mistakes, first, don’t overheat your milk when activating the yeast; too hot will kill it. Second, avoid overworking the dough after adding the butter, as this can make the buns tough. Lastly, ensure your fillings are well-chilled before adding them to prevent the dough from becoming too soft or tearing.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These delightful Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways. For a comforting breakfast or brunch, I love serving them warm, fresh from the oven, perhaps with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The warmth truly enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors.

They also make an exceptional dessert. Imagine these Sweet Apple Brioche Pastries alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce—pure indulgence! For a slightly lighter but equally satisfying treat, pair them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. They’re also perfect for sharing at any gathering, making them a crowd-pleasing snack.

Nutrition Facts for Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving for these delectable Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns (recipe yields 10 buns):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used for your Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns for as long as possible. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh and soft for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat.

If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, these buns freeze beautifully! Wrap individual Apple filled brioche with cheesecake swirl tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply pop a refrigerated bun into the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm a frozen bun in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will bring back that delightful warmth and softness of your freshly baked Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Can I use a stand mixer to make the brioche dough?

Absolutely! I highly recommend using a stand mixer with a dough hook. It makes the kneading process much easier and ensures the dough develops properly. Just follow the same steps, adding the butter gradually until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is a great tip when you’re learning How to make Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns more efficiently.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

For these Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns, I prefer firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well during cooking. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith are excellent choices. They provide a nice textural contrast and a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness of the brioche and cheesecake filling.

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from oozing out?

To prevent the cheesecake filling from oozing, ensure your cream cheese mixture is firm before adding it to the buns. Chilling it for about 15-20 minutes can help. Also, make sure the indent you create in the dough is deep enough to hold the filling securely. Don’t overfill, and use a gentle hand when transferring the buns to the oven.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns?

Yes, you certainly can! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkling them into the crumble topping would be a delicious addition to your Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns. The nutty crunch would complement the soft brioche and sweet filling beautifully. It’s a simple way to customize How to make Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns even more to your liking.

Close-up of Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns showing the creamy cheesecake swirl and tender apple filling

Variations of Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns, you might find yourself wanting to experiment with different flavors and twists. I love playing around with this recipe to suit different occasions or dietary needs.

Pumpkin Spice Brioche: For an autumnal delight, swap out some of the apple for pumpkin puree in the filling and add extra pumpkin spice to both the apples and the brioche dough.
Berry Cheesecake Buns: Instead of apples, try using mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries in the filling. The tartness of the berries pairs wonderfully with the sweet brioche and creamy cheesecake.
Gluten-Free Option: Experiment with a gluten-free brioche flour blend for the dough. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but the delicious filling will still shine through.
Spiced Pear Variation: Replace the apples with diced pears and enhance the spices with a touch of cardamom for a sophisticated twist. This creates a lovely Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Brioche alternative.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia