Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns made with apples, cream cheese, cinnamon, oats, flour, and sugar for a warm, cozy baked treat.

I don’t know about you, but some recipes just happen to me. Like, I’m not planning to bake anything, I’m not trying to be impressive — I just walk into the kitchen on a random Tuesday and suddenly find myself elbows-deep in flour, wondering how life led me here. That’s exactly how these Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns were born. And honestly, it feels a little dramatic to say this, but they came into my life at exactly the right moment.

A couple months ago — on one of those weird in-between days when the weather kept switching moods like it couldn’t make up its mind — I found two apples sitting on my counter. They weren’t spoiled or anything, just looking… tired. If apples could roll their eyes at you, these were doing it. And for some reason, they immediately reminded me of being at my aunt’s house when I was a kid, watching her make cinnamon bread with the windows open and the entire house smelling like autumn even though it was July.

So there I was, holding these apples and thinking, Why not turn them into something warm? Something soft? Something that feels like it wraps you in a blanket even if your actual blanket is in the laundry pile you’ve been ignoring?

this recipe

And then the idea popped in, so randomly I actually laughed: Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns. Like a cinnamon roll… but with cheesecake. And apples. And a crumb topping. Was I overdoing it? Probably. Did I care? Not even a little.

When I pulled the first batch out of the oven, I swear the smell alone healed parts of my soul I didn’t realize were limping. And that first bite — the warm apple, the creamy cheesecake center, the cinnamon, the crunch — it took me right back to that moment in my aunt’s kitchen. Which is wild, because I’m not usually this sentimental over pastries, but these buns? They’ve got feelings.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns Recipe?

Here’s the thing about these Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns: they’re not just buns. They’re like… little experiences. Each bite has layers — soft dough, creamy filling, tart little pops of apple, the warmth of cinnamon, and then that oat crumble that crackles just enough to make you close your eyes for a second.

But what really gets me is how these buns feel both nostalgic and new. Like you’ve tasted something similar before, but never quite like this. They’re sweet but not too sweet, comforting but not heavy, and honestly, they make your kitchen smell like you’ve been baking professionally for twenty years. Sound familiar? That feeling when people walk into your house and say, “What is that amazing smell?” Yeah — this is one of those recipes.

Ingredient Notes:

Before you jump into making these Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns, let’s talk ingredients, friend to friend — because sometimes it helps to know why something’s there instead of just tossing it into a bowl and hoping for the best.

• Flour – basic, reliable, the foundation that never lets you down.

• Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough just enough without making it cloying.

• Baking powder – gives the buns a little lift, like a tiny pep talk.

• Salt – seriously, don’t skip it; it makes everything else taste more like itself.

• Butter – softened, because wrestling with hard butter is a universal struggle.

• Milk – brings the dough together like a peacekeeping negotiator.

• Cream cheese – the star of the cheesecake center.

• Apples – I used Granny Smith because they’re tart enough to balance the sweetness, but honestly use whatever’s rolling around in your fruit bowl.

• Cinnamon – the smell of comfort, childhood, and fall… no matter the season.

• Brown sugar – melts into caramel-like pockets when baked.

• Oats – add that perfect rustic crunch.

• Powdered sugar + milk – the glaze that ties everything together and makes the buns look like you actually tried.

How To Make Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns?

Step 1: Preheat and Get Comfy

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whenever I do this, I always feel like I’m committing to the idea — like, okay fine universe, yes, I am baking today.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until it looks a little messy (don’t overthink it). Then slowly add milk and knead until the dough feels smooth-ish. Not perfect. Just ready.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Blend the cream cheese and sugar until creamy, then add the apples and cinnamon. Taste a little. You deserve it. And it’s research, right?

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling. Roll it up — not too tight, not too loose. Slice into pieces like you’re making cinnamon rolls. Place them in a greased dish.

Step 5: Add the Crumble

Mix brown sugar, oats, and melted butter. Sprinkle it generously — like, don’t hold back. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until they go golden and your kitchen smells like every cozy memory you’ve ever had.

Step 6: The Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with milk. Drizzle while warm so it melts into the buns like a little sugary river.

Storage Options:

Keep the buns in an airtight container at room temp for a couple days — if they last that long. Refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze unglazed buns for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving because warm buns just… hit different.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to personalize your Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns? Here are some ideas that came to me mid-baking (because don’t we all think of things halfway through a recipe?):

• Add chopped pecans for crunch

• Swap apples for pears

• Use maple syrup for a deeper sweetness

• Throw in a little nutmeg or cardamom

• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone (hello luxury)

• Use store-bought dough if you’re tired, busy, or just not in the mood

No judgment — baking should be fun, not stressful.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns?

These buns are a whole vibe by themselves, but if you want to elevate your moment:

• Hot coffee (obviously)

• A cozy chai latte

• Warm apple cider on chilly days

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling chaotic

• A savory brunch plate to balance all the sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead?
Yes — prep the rolls, refrigerate overnight, bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use a different apple?
Yep. If it’s firm enough to hold its shape, you’re good.

Can I freeze them?
Totally. Freeze before glazing for best results.

And that’s the full story — messy, emotional, nostalgic, and delicious. These Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns are more than just buns; they’re warm little reminders that sometimes the best things happen when you’re not even trying.

If you make them, I’d love to know: did they take you back to a memory too? Or did they just make your kitchen smell like heaven? Either way… you won’t hear me complaining.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Southern Fried Potatoes And Sausage Recipe

Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes

The Best Pecan Pie Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Soft cinnamon-spiced buns filled with a creamy apple-cheesecake mixture, topped with a brown-sugar oat crumble and finished with a sweet glaze. A warm, indulgent pastry perfect for brunch or dessert.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup milk

For the Cheesecake–Apple Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 2 cups diced apples such as Granny Smith
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream

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Instructions

 

Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper and set aside.

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Gradually pour in the milk and mix until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.

Prepare the Cheesecake–Apple Filling

1. In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. Add the diced apples and cinnamon, stirring until evenly incorporated.

Assemble the Buns

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the cheesecake–apple mixture over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into evenly sized slices and place them into the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients form a coarse crumble. Sprinkle the mixture over the arranged buns.

Bake

1. Bake the buns for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns before serving.

Notes

To prepare gluten-free Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Buns, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour containing xanthan gum. Ensure the oats used are certified gluten-free, and verify that the baking powder, powdered sugar, and all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Baking times may vary slightly due to differences in gluten-free dough texture.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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