Apple Cheesecake Buns

INGREDIENTS

FOR DOUGH

• 525g all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 10g salt
• 85g granulated sugar
• 6g dry yeast
• 145g whole milk
• 100g cold water
• 160g heavy cream
• 50g unsalted butter

FOR APPLE FILLING

• 480g honey crisp apple, diced
• 40g salted butter 
• 85g granulated sugar 
• 3g cinnamon
• 1 tsp lemon juice 
• 1g salt
• 5g cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

FOR CREAM CHEESE

• 225g cream cheese (microwave for 10 – 20 seconds to soften) 
• 55g granulated sugar (taste and adjust to your liking, if you want it to be sweeter, add 5-10g more of granulated sugar)
• 1 tbsp all purpose flour 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 tsp lemon juice 

FOR CRUMBLE TOPPING

• 23 g cold salted butter, cubed 
• 23 g granulated sugar
• 15 g brown sugar
• 38 g all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon

FOR ICING DRIZZLE

• 4 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1-2 tsp milk (start with 1 tsp and adjust for consistency)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

PROCESS

For dough

1.  In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour or bread flour, salt, granulated sugar, and dry yeast. Stir until well combined.
2. Add milk, cold water and heavy cream. With a stand mixer on medium-low speed, knead for 8 minutes.
3. Add butter and continue kneading for an additional 20 minutes. Alternatively, knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. (get started on the apple filling)
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 7 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
7. Covered with towels and let proof at room temperature for 20 minutes.

FOR APPLE FILLING

1. In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes or until the apples have softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch with water and pour it into the apple mixture. Stir until thickened, about 30 seconds.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool down.

FOR CREAM CHEESE

1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

FOR CRUMBLE TOPPING 

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Combine thoroughly with a whisk.
2. Next, add the salted butter to dry mixing bowl and crumble them together with your hands. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

1. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out. Using the bottom of a cup or your fingers, press down the center of each ball to create a well in the middle (about 1-inch deep).
2. Fill the well with the cream cheese mixture—either by piping or spooning.
3. Spoon the cooled apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of the crumble topping over the apple-filled buns.
5. Brush the sides of the buns with the egg wash. or heavy cream.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.

FOR ICING DRIZZLE

1. While the buns cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency if necessary.
2. Once the buns have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle them with the icing. Serve warm and enjoy!