Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cinnamon bun that combines the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the sweet, nostalgic crunch of fresh apples. These aren't just ordinary cinnamon buns - they're a revolutionary dessert that transforms your breakfast or afternoon treat into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Prepare to elevate your baking game with this irresistible fusion of flavors that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dessert lovers!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape approximately 12x16 inches thick.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until creamy. Spread this mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle diced apples and brown sugar over the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rounds.
- Place the cinnamon bun rounds into the prepared baking pan, leaving a small space between each bun.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: drizzle with additional powdered sugar glaze if desired.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, milk, and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
- Flour Surface Technique: When rolling out the dough, use a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking and achieve an even rectangular shape.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Cream Cheese Smoothness: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Cutting Precision: Use a sharp, serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut clean, even rounds without squishing the dough.
- Baking Uniformity: Space the buns slightly apart in the pan to allow even heat circulation and consistent browning.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the buns to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and make serving easier.
- Optional Elegance: For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle with additional cinnamon before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
