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Light, fluffy buns filled with a creamy cheesecake-like filling, topped with juicy cinnamon apples, and finished with a buttery crumble, these Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buns are everything cozy fall baking should be. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for autumn gatherings, picnics, or even just a quiet coffee break.

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About This Recipe

These buns are a fun autumn twist on Danish Carnival Buns (Fastelavnsboller), a Scandinavian treat traditionally filled with custard or cream. In this version, we’re filling them with a smooth cream cheese mixture that bakes up tasting just like cheesecake, topping them with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and finishing with a golden buttery crumble for the perfect texture.

The dough is soft, pillowy, and not overly sweet, which balances beautifully with the creamy filling and the sweet apple topping. They’re a cozy bake that brings together the best of cheesecake, apple pie, and soft bread rolls in one bite. If you’re looking for something unique but comforting this fall, these buns are it!

Why you’ll love these Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buns:

A perfect fall bake: cinnamon, apples, and buttery crumble are the ultimate autumn trio.
Texture heaven: light bread, creamy filling, tender apples, and a little crunch.
Surprisingly easy: even though they look bakery-worthy, the steps are simple and approachable.
Great for gatherings: whether for potlucks, brunch, or picnics, these buns are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What You Need To Make Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buns

For the Dough

All-purpose flour: the base of the dough; gives structure. You can also use bread flour for extra chewiness.
Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
Instant yeast: makes the dough rise and creates a light texture. Active dry yeast can also be used (bloom it in warm water first).
Lukewarm milk & Lukewarm water: provide moisture and activate the yeast. Make sure they’re not too hot, or they’ll kill the yeast.
Egg: adds richness and structure. For an egg-free version, use 3 tbsp yogurt.
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: makes he dough soft and tender. You can substitute with a neutral oil, though butter adds the best flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Filling

Cream cheese: creamy and tangy, bakes into a cheesecake-like layer.
Granulated sugar: sweetens the filling.
Heavy cream: makes the filling silky and smooth.
Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth of flavor.

For the Cinnamon Apple Filling

Apples: the star of the topping; use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
Brown sugar: caramelizes the apples and gives a rich flavor.
Lemon juice: balances sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.

For the Crumble Topping

Melted butter: binds the crumble.
Granulated sugar: adds sweetness.
All-purpose flour: creates that crumbly texture.

Additional Ingredients

Egg yolk + splash of water: for the egg wash to give the buns a shiny, golden finish.

Equipment/Ingredients For This Recipe

Pro Tips

Don’t add extra flour to the dough even if it feels sticky: this is key to keeping the buns light and fluffy.
Let each component (apples, cream cheese filling, crumble) cool/chill properly before assembling: this keeps the layers neat.
Use a flat-bottomed glass or 1/3 measuring cup to press the dough: it makes the perfect well for the filling without piercing through.
These are best enjoyed warm, but they also taste amazing at room temperature the next day.

How To Store Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buns

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

In the fridge: Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. Warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freeze: Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months (Plastic wrap them individually). Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQ’s

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. You can make the cream cheese filling, apple topping, and crumble ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight as well. Assemble and bake the next day.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Definitely. pears, peaches, blueberries, or even cherries would be delicious.

Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?

No, you can knead the dough by hand, though it will take a few more minutes and may be a bit sticky.

More Fall Recipes To Try 🍂

Apple Crumble Muffins: Soft and fluffy muffins topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble.

Pumpkin Bread: Moist, spiced, and the ultimate cozy fall bake.

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: Classic rolls that are soft, fluffy, and dripping with cream cheese glaze.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: Rich, caramel-flavored sponge cake with toffee sauce.

Tiramisu Cookies: A creative cookie version of the Italian classic dessert.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy, nutty, and filled with pools of melty chocolate.

These Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buns are the perfect cozy bake for fall, soft and pillowy, with a cheesecake-like filling, juicy spiced apples, and a buttery crumble that ties it all together. They’re easy enough for a weekend baking project but impressive enough to share at gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy fall picnic. If you’re craving something that tastes like a mix between cheesecake, apple pie, and soft buns, this recipe is for you. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the best flavors of autumn in every bite. 🍂✨

Check out my YouTube Channel for more delicious recipe tutorials! Made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram, I would love to see your creations!

Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buns

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Resting Time 1 30

Total Time 2 25

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine Danish, European

Servings 10 buns

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Stand mixer with dough hook or a large bowl
1 Medium-sized bowl
1 Small bowl
1 Medium-sized saucepan
Spatulas
Electric hand mixer or whisk
Piping bag
Chopping board and knife
Kitchen scale
Measuring spoons
Baking tray lined with parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Dough:

450 g all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
75 g granulated sugar
7 g instant yeast
110 ml lukewarm milk
110 ml lukewarm water
1 egg room temperature
75 g unsalted butter melted and cooled

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

250 g cream cheese room temperature
50 g granulated sugar
30 ml heavy cream cold
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Topping:

3 medium apples peeled and finely chopped
3-4 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumble Topping:

20 g unsalted butter melted
20 g granulated sugar
30 g all-purpose flour

Additonal Ingredients:

1 egg yolk + splash of water (for egg wash)

Instructions

Make the dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if working by hand), whisk together lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Add the melted (and cooled) butter and egg, whisking until combined.
Add the flour and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (If kneading by hand, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon first, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes.)
The dough will be sticky, resist adding extra flour or the buns will turn out dense.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the apple topping

While the dough rises, peel and finely chop the apples.
Add them to a saucepan with brown sugar, lemon juice and ground cinnamon.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes a bit thick (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Make the crumble topping

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and flour.
Mix until crumbly, then refrigerate to firm up while you prepare the buns.

Make the cream cheese filling

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer (or whisk) until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

Shape the buns

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer to a floured surface.
Divide into 9–10 equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball.
Cover the balls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, line 1–2 baking trays with parchment paper.
Place the dough balls on the trays, leaving space between each. Cover and let rest for 15–20 minutes.

Assemble

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
Use the bottom of a ⅓ cup measuring cup (or any flat-bottomed glass) to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. Don’t press so hard that you pierce the bottom.
Brush the sides of the buns with egg wash.
Pipe (or spoon) cream cheese filling into the center of each bun.
Top with a heaping spoonful of the cooled cinnamon apples.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the tops and sides.