Description
Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns, a perfect cozy fall treat combining soft, buttery brioche dough with a luscious cream cheese and spiced apple filling. These buns offer a harmonious blend of warm spices, sweet apples, and rich cheesecake, making them ideal for a comforting breakfast or indulgent dessert during autumn.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm Milk (Use whole milk for best results.)
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (Proof before using.)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Aids yeast activation.)
- 4 cups Bread Flour (Can substitute with all-purpose flour.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.)
- 4 large Egg Yolks (Adds tenderness.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Make sure it’s softened.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional flavor enhancer.)
Apple Filling
- 3 cups Apples (Honeycrisp or Gala) (Any baking apple works.)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Adjust spices to preference.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Infuse warm flavors.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Allspice (Infuse warm flavors.)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Use block for best texture.)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark varieties are delicious.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Cold, cut into bits.)
Topping
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Mix with granulated sugar for variation.)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Enhances flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Flour (Holds the topping together.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast and granulated sugar over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the egg yolks, softened butter, vanilla extract (if using), and the yeast mixture. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. In a bowl, toss the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to evenly coat. Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the brown sugar and cold butter bits, mixing gently until just combined to create a chunky, spreadable filling.
- Divide and Assemble the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a small rectangle. Spread a layer of cheesecake filling onto each piece, then sprinkle the spiced apple mixture over the cream cheese. Carefully roll the dough around the filling and seal the edges to form a bun.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in a bit of cold butter (about 2 tablespoons) until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over each bun once placed on a lined baking sheet.
- Final Rise and Bake: Arrange the assembled buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Cover with a towel and allow to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use whole milk to enhance the richness of the dough.
- Proofing the yeast ensures your dough rises properly.
- Softened butter in the dough yields a tender crumb.
- Adjust the spice level in the apple filling to your taste preference.
- Cold butter in the cheesecake filling adds pockets of richness and texture.
- Ensure the buns have a final rise before baking for fluffier results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
