Apple Cream Cheese Poppy Seed Buns are tender, lightly sweetened yeast buns filled with creamy vanilla-scented cheese and topped with delicate apple slices. Speckled with nutty poppy seeds, these buns offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making them a comforting treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or any cozy moment at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These buns are a delightful combination of pillowy yeast dough, smooth cream cheese filling, and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. The topping of fresh apple slices brings a fruity brightness and rustic charm. They’re homemade but bakery-worthy, offering a beautiful presentation with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or slightly cooled with a dusting of powdered sugar, these buns provide a perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crisp.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough
- all-purpose flour
- poppy seeds
- sugar
- salt
- instant yeast
- warm milk
- unsalted butter, softened
- egg
For the Filling
- cream cheese, softened
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
For the Topping
- apple, thinly sliced into rounds
- lemon juice
- powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, poppy seeds, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Soak the apple slices in lemon juice for 5 minutes to prevent browning. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Divide the risen dough into 6 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and flatten slightly. Press a thumbprint into the center of each bun.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into the indentation of each bun.
- Place one apple slice on top of each bun, pressing gently.
- Arrange the buns on the prepared tray, cover lightly, and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 buns.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes (plus rising time)
Calories: Approximately 240 kcal per bun
Variations
- Cinnamon Apple Buns: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling or sprinkle it over the apple slices before baking.
- Jam-Filled Buns: Add a small spoonful of fruit jam beneath the cream cheese for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top along with the apple slice for a crunchy finish.
- Apricot or Pear Substitute: Replace apples with thin slices of pear or apricot for a seasonal variation.
- Glaze Finish: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar for a sweeter touch.
storage/reheating
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their softness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the buns tough or unevenly heated. These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen unfilled and baked fresh with filling and topping added later.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate it in warm milk with a bit of sugar for 5–10 minutes before mixing with the flour.
Do I have to soak the apple slices in lemon juice?
It’s recommended to prevent browning and to add a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought sweet yeast dough or even crescent roll dough can work, though the texture may differ slightly.
How do I get evenly shaped buns?
Weigh each dough piece for uniformity, and shape them tightly into balls before flattening.
What apples work best for topping?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their shape well during baking.
Can I add more filling?
Avoid overfilling, as it can spill out during baking. A generous spoonful or piping about 1–2 teaspoons is ideal.
How do I keep the buns soft?
Don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container as soon as they cool to room temperature.
Is it possible to make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives; check that your dough ingredients are dairy-free.
What can I serve these with?
These buns pair beautifully with hot tea, coffee, or a light fruit compote on the side for brunch.
Conclusion
Apple Cream Cheese Poppy Seed Buns offer a deliciously comforting blend of soft dough, creamy filling, and delicate fruit topping—all brought together in a visually appealing and flavorful pastry. Whether you’re baking for a weekend breakfast or a special afternoon treat, these buns provide a touch of homemade elegance that’s as satisfying as it is heartwarming.
PrintApple Cream Cheese Poppy Seed Buns
Soft yeast buns speckled with poppy seeds, filled with creamy vanilla-scented cheese, and topped with thin apple slices—ideal for brunch, breakfast, or a cozy afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus rising time
- Yield: 6 buns 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 apple, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, poppy seeds, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Knead until a soft dough forms (8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer).
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Soak apple slices in lemon juice for 5 minutes to prevent browning, then pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape into rounds. Flatten each slightly.
- Press a thumbprint into the center of each bun and fill with the cream cheese mixture.
- Place one apple slice on top of each bun and press gently.
- Arrange buns on a parchment-lined baking tray and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- Use a melon baller or back of a spoon to make the center indent.
- Best enjoyed slightly warm on the day they’re baked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg