Name: Easy Apple Cream Cheese Buns-Sweet & Delicious Treat
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F); 1/4 cup warm water (around 110°F); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Cream Cheese Buns are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a plate, a sweet escape from the ordinary, and a delightful journey for your taste buds. Imagin extracte this: soft, fluffy dough enrobing a luscious, slightly tangy cream cheese filling, all studded with sweet, tender chunks of apple, kissed with cinnamon. Is it any wonder these delightful pastries are a beloved classic? They strike that perfect balance between comforting sweetness and a hint of savory richness that keeps you coming back for more. What truly sets these Apple Cream Cheese Buns apart is the magical interplay of textures and flavors – the pillowy softness of the bun, the creamy smoothness of the filling, and the bursts of warm, spiced apple. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or simply when you need a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Get ready to create a batch that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
1/4 cup warm water (around 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Dough Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated. This ensures that the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor.
In a separate, smaller bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the 1/2 cup of warm milk and 1/4 cup of warm water. The temperature should be around 110°F, which feels comfortably warm to the touch but not hot. This optimal temperature activates the yeast without killing it. Once the milk and water are combined, stir in the 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and the large egg. Whisk until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Begin extract mixing with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough starts to form. Once the ingredients are just coming together, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your hands or the work surface. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. Conversely, if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball. Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or cooking spray, place the dough ball in the bowl, and turn it to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This slow, steady rise develops flavor and texture.

Cream Cheese Filling and Apple Mixture

While the dough is rising, prepare the cream cheese filling and the apple mixture. For the cream cheese filling, in a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, or a whisk and some elbow grease, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Ensure the cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature; this is key for achieving a smooth filling without any unincorporated pockets of cheese. Set this aside. For the apple mixture, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced apples, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly and are coated in the spiced sugar mixture. You don’t want them mushy, just tender. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool completely before using it in the buns.

Assembly and Baking

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface. Spread the prepared cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along one of the longer edges. This border will help seal the roll. Next, evenly distribute the cooled spiced apple mixture over the cream cheese layer. Try to spread it as uniformly as possible so that each bun gets a good balance of apple and cream cheese. Starting from the longer edge that has filling all the way to the edge, carefully and tightly roll up the dough, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam along the unfurled edge to seal it.
Once you have your log, use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal-sized buns. Dental floss can be particularly helpful for a clean cut without squishing the dough. Place the cut buns into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for expansion during their second rise and baking. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the buns rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are noticeably puffy and have almost doubled in size again. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this second rise.
Once the buns have had their second rise and the oven is preheated, remove the plastic wrap. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns are cooked through. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking. To check for doneness, you can gently tap the tops; they should sound slightly hollow. Let the buns cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove them. This allows them to set up slightly and makes them easier to handle. These Apple Cream Cheese Buns are delicious served warm, perhaps with an extra drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar, though they are perfectly delightful on their own.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delightful batch of Apple Cream Cheese Buns, ready to impress! We hope you’ve enjoyed following along with this recipe. The warm, spiced apples combined with the tangy cream cheese filling create an irresistible flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion. These buns are best served slightly warm, allowing the cream cheese to become wonderfully gooey. Consider pairing them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, or serve them as a sweet treat after dinner. For an extra touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate them even further.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling for more spice, or incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. If you’re a fan of extra sweetness, a tablespoon of brown sugar in the cream cheese mixture can be a delicious addition. We encourage you to give these Apple Cream Cheese Buns a try and savor every bite. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I store leftover Apple Cream Cheese Buns?

Leftover Apple Cream Cheese Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Can I make the dough for Apple Cream Cheese Buns ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Punch it down in the morning and proceed with the recipe. This is a great way to save time and have freshly baked buns ready for brunch or a special occasion.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

While cream cheese is key to the signature tangin extractess of these Apple Cream Cheese Buns, you can substitute it with a thick, plain Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. The texture and flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious alternative.