Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns

If fall had a scent, it would be the smell that fills your kitchen when these Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns are baking. Buttery, fluffy brioche cradles warm cinnamon apples and a creamy cheesecake core. Then you crown it all with cinnamon-sugar crumble that bakes to golden perfection. These are not just buns they’re soft, spiced little hugs.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Close-up of hands pulling apart an Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Bun with gooey apple filling and soft, fluffy brioche inside.

This recipe brings together the best parts of fall: warm spices, gooey apples, rich cream cheese, and that soft, slightly sweet brioche that makes every bite cloud-like. These buns are comforting straight out of the oven, but if you stash them in the fridge, a 30-second microwave zap brings them right back to fresh-baked bliss. Want even more apple magic? Try this apple crumb cake that’s loaded with buttery cinnamon topping and a soft, fluffy center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brioche Dough

  • 120g whole milk
  • 38g room-temp butter
  • 50g sugar (half in yeast mix, half in dough)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 255g bread flour (or AP if needed)
  • 1¾ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling

  • 1½ large apples, peeled and small diced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¾ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • ½ cup (4 oz) cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp sugar

For the Crumble Topping

  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 50g brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 30g all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg + 1 tsp water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

Warm the milk and mix it with half the sugar and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche dough in a glass bowl being covered with plastic wrap, ready to rise on a cozy kitchen counter.

2. Cook the Apple Pie Filling

In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and juices are released. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute until thick. Remove from heat and let cool. If you’re already in the apple mood, you’d love pairing this bake with a cup of caramel spiced apple cider it’s like sipping fall in a mug.

Caramelized cinnamon apple filling cooking in a cream saucepan, thick and glossy with golden diced apples for Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

3. Make the Fillings

In one bowl, stir cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
In another, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the crumble.

4. Shape the Buns

Once dough is proofed, divide it into 7 equal portions (about 80g each). Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.

5. Assemble

Use a spoon or measuring cup to press down the centers of each bun. Brush the edges with egg wash. Fill the center with a scoop of cream cheese, then apple filling. Sprinkle with crumble topping.

Unbaked Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns on a parchment-lined tray topped with apple filling and cinnamon-sugar crumble.

6. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before devouring warm.

Freshly baked Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns on a parchment-lined tray, topped with caramelized cinnamon apples and powdered sugar.

Tips for Best Results

Use bread flour if you can it gives a fluffier texture
Let the apple filling cool before assembling so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese
Make them ahead and reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds
Craving more creamy-spiced bakes? These pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles are just as dreamy with a chewy center and cozy twist.

Variations & Ideas

Want to switch things up? You’ve got options, friend.

Swap in ripe pears and a dash of nutmeg for a cozy fall variation. It brings a subtle sweetness that’s so comforting. Want more fruity inspiration? You’ll love this Fall Fruit Salad packed with seasonal goodness.

Craving a little extra indulgence? Drizzle your warm buns with this Caramel Spiced Apple Cider it melts into every crevice like a dreamy syrupy hug.

Hosting brunch? Make mini versions and pop them onto a festive platter. They’d look adorable next to these Mini Pineapple Loaf Cakes tiny bites, big flavor.

Oh, and don’t forget to serve them warm with a mug of cider or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s pure comfort on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prep the dough the night before?

Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight and continue the next day.

What apples work best?

Granny Smith for tart or Honeycrisp for sweet or use a mix!

Can I freeze them?

You can bake, cool, then freeze. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave 30 seconds.

Go On, Try It!

These Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns are the softest, warmest way to celebrate the season. Bake them for your next cozy night

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy bakes, or say hi on Facebook!

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Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns topped with caramelized apple chunks and powdered sugar on a plate in a cozy kitchen setting.

Apple Pie Cheesecake Brioche Buns


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  • Author: Ely
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 buns 1x

Description

Buttery, fluffy brioche cradles warm cinnamon apples and a creamy cheesecake core, crowned with a golden cinnamon-sugar crumble these are soft, spiced little hugs in bun form.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 120g whole milk
  • 38g room-temp butter
  • 50g sugar (half in yeast mix, half in dough)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 255g bread flour (or all-purpose if needed)
  • 1¾ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • large apples, peeled and small diced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¾ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
  • ½ cup (4 oz) cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 50g brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 30g all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg + 1 tsp water (egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk and mix with half the sugar and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add remaining sugar, butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix into a sticky dough. Knead 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  2. In a saucepan, combine diced apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until apples soften. Stir in slurry and cook 1 minute until thick. Let cool.
  3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth. In another bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the crumble.
  4. Divide dough into 7 portions (about 80g each). Roll into balls and place on parchment-lined tray. Cover and rest 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  5. Press centers of each bun with a spoon or measuring cup. Brush edges with egg wash. Fill center with cream cheese, then apple filling. Top with crumble.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

Use bread flour for extra fluffiness, and let the apple filling cool before assembling to avoid melting the cream cheese. Perfect for prepping ahead just reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds!

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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