Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns – Fluffy Bakery-Style Buns with Custard & Apple Pie Filling

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns – Fluffy Bakery-Style Buns with Custard & Apple Pie Filling

6 servings
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns are giant, bakery-style treats stuffed with cream cheese custard, homemade apple pie filling, buttery crumble, and finished with a drizzle of salted caramel. Perfect for fall baking and cozy brunch spreads!

Ingredients

  • whole milk

    heated to 100–110°F

    ¾ c
  • active dry yeast
    1 tsp
  • granulated sugar
    ¼ c
  • egg
    1 large
  • all-purpose flour
    5 ¼ c
  • fine-grain salt
    1 tsp
  • unsalted butter

    room temp

    3 tbsp
  • egg
    1 large
  • cream cheese

    room temp

    8 oz
  • heavy cream
    2 tbsp
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • powdered sugar
    1 c
  • peeled
    2 c
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • light brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • cinnamon
    ½ tsp
  • cornstarch
    1 tsp
  • unsalted butter
    3 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour
    ½ c
  • light brown sugar
    ½ c
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • salted caramel

    30 ml, store-bought or homemade

    ⅛ c

Directions

1. activate the yeast

  1. 1

    Heat milk to 100–110°F. Stir in yeast and let sit 5–10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.

2. make the dough

  1. 1

    In a stand mixer, combine milk mixture with sugar and egg. Add flour and salt, then knead for 5 minutes.Add cubed butter one tablespoon at a time and knead for another 5 minutes.Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled.

3. make the apple pie filling

  1. 1

    In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and jammy.Stir in cornstarch during the last minute to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. shape the buns

  1. 1

    Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and flatten slightly.Press the center down and push sides outward to form a “bowl” or divot (5–6 inches wide).Place on parchment-lined sheet and brush edges with egg wash.

5. make the cream cheese custard

  1. 1

    Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and heavy cream, mixing well.Slowly beat in powdered sugar until fluffy.Pipe into the center of each bun.

6. assemble the buns

  1. 1

    Spoon cooled apple pie filling over the custard.Mix crumble ingredients and sprinkle around the edges of each bun.

7. bake

  1. 1

    Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden and set.

8. cool and finish

  1. 1

    Let cool 15 minutes so the custard sets.Drizzle generously with salted caramel before serving.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns – Fluffy Bakery-Style Buns with Custard & Apple Pie Filling

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns – Fluffy Bakery-Style Buns with Custard & Apple Pie Filling

140 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Indulge in Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns

Get ready to elevate your breakfast or dessert game with these incredible Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Buns! Imagine giant, fluffy bakery-style buns, each one a delightful package bursting with the cozy flavors of fall. This isn't just a simple pastry; it's an experience, combining the tender chew of a perfectly proofed bun with layers of luscious fillings.

What makes these apple crumble buns truly special is the exquisite combination of textures and tastes. You'll find a generous dollop of creamy cream cheese custard, perfectly complementing the homemade, warmly spiced apple pie filling. A buttery, irresistible streusel-like crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, and to tie it all together, a decadent drizzle of rich salted caramel. It's the ultimate treat for a cozy brunch spread, a festive holiday morning, or a comforting dessert any time you crave something extraordinary.

Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble Buns

  • Choose Your Apples Wisely: For the best apple pie filling, use a mix of apples. Firmer varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape well and and offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Don't Rush the Dough: The key to fluffy bakery-style buns is proper proofing. Allow your dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size for that perfect airy texture.
  • Caramel Convenience: While homemade salted caramel adds an extra touch, feel free to use a good quality store-bought version to save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: These salted caramel apple buns are phenomenal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They're perfect for fall baking, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a truly impressive sweet treat.

This recipe might take a little time, but every moment is worth it for these truly spectacular, flavor-packed buns. Prepare to impress everyone with this show-stopping fall delicacy!

Frequently Asked Questions