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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns for Cozy Autumn Mornings

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns are a delightful blend of fluffy dough, creamy cheesecake custard, and gooey apple filling, perfect for cozy autumn mornings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 6 buns
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Warmed to 100-110°F
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure freshness
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Can substitute with brown sugar
  • 1 large Egg Flax egg as a vegan option
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Bread flour can be used for chewier buns
  • 1 teaspoon Fine-Grain Salt Essential for balanced taste
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Room temperature
Cream Cheese Custard Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Whole milk can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Essential for smooth consistency
Apple Filling
  • 3 cups Apples Mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
  • 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar Can substitute with granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust according to spice preference
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Essential for thickening
Crumble Topping
  • 1/2 cup Crumble Topping Made from butter, flour, and brown sugar
Final Touch
  • 1 cup Salted Caramel Homemade preferred, store-bought is fine

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • baking sheet
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Warm 1 cup of whole milk to 100-110°F, pour into a bowl, stir in 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine the foamy milk, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 large egg in a stand mixer bowl. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of fine-grain salt. Mix on low speed and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  3. Slowly add 1/4 cup of cubed room temperature unsalted butter into the dough. Knead for another 5 minutes until fully incorporated. Cover and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
  4. Peel and dice 3 cups of apples. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add apples, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough, divide into 6 portions, shape into bowls, and place on a lined baking sheet. Brush edges with an egg wash.
  6. Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until fluffy.
  7. Pipe cream cheese custard into the center of each bun, then add apple filling and sprinkle with crumble topping. Drizzle with salted caramel.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set in the middle.
  9. Cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes, then drizzle with more salted caramel before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

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