Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are a delightful twist on traditional pastries. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, they make an ideal treat for breakfast or dessert. Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy evening at home, these buns feature a rich dairy-free cheesecake filling and sweet cinnamon apples. The combination of textures and flavors will surely please your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These brioche buns stand out in many ways.

• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and cinnamon-spiced apples in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these buns can be whipped up by anyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or warm them up later—perfect for any occasion.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without animal products, these buns cater to vegan diets while still being indulgent.
• Impressive Presentation: Their beautiful appearance makes them great for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with this recipe, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading dough easier and ensures thorough mixing.
• Mixing bowls: Provide space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheet: Allows even baking of the buns while preventing sticking with parchment paper.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns.

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup (184 g) dairy free milk, heated to 110F
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
• 4 cups (500 g) bread flour or all purpose flour
• 2.5 tsp (.25 oz) dry activated yeast
• 12 tbsp (185 g) unsalted salted vegan butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (62.5 grams) unsweetened applesauce or dairy free yogurt, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 1 batch vegan cream cheese (or 12 ounces store bought vegan cream cheese)
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) vegan heavy cream or coconut cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or maple butter
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

For the Apple Filling

• 2 large gala or fuji apples, diced
• 1 tbsp vegan butter
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp water

For the Vanilla Crumble Topping

• 1/2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup (63 g) all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (80 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp vegan butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy milk

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How to Make Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

• Grease a medium bowl with olive or coconut oil and set aside.
• In a separate large bowl, combine the dairy-free milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and activated yeast. Mix with a wooden spoon and cover. Place in a warm area for about 10 minutes until it foams.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for Dough

• In a large bowl or using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, add bread flour and remaining sugar.
• Mix until combined, then add dairy-free yogurt, vanilla, and bloomed yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until a shaggy dough forms (about 3–4 minutes).
• Add in tablespoons of vegan butter gradually while mixing again on medium speed until incorporated.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

• Increase mixer speed to high and knead for about 10–15 minutes until soft and pliable. The dough should pass the windowpane test.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

• Place the dough ball into your greased bowl. Cover it with a clean dish towel and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size (60–120 minutes).

Step 5: Prepare Fillings

• Follow instructions to make vegan cream cheese if not using store-bought. Whisk together cream cheese with remaining cheesecake filling ingredients.
• In another small bowl, mix all crumble ingredients together.

Step 6: Shape Your Buns

• Once risen, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and place dough onto it.
• Divide into 8 even pieces; shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on parchment paper.

Step 7: Second Rise & Oven Prep

• Let brioche buns rest for about 15–20 minutes to puff up while preheating your oven to 375F.

Step 8: Fill & Bake Buns

• Press down gently in the center of each bun using a small glass to create space for filling. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of cheesecake filling into each bun followed by apple filling and top with crumble.

Enjoy your baking adventure as you create these delightful Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns!

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are delightful and versatile. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Drizzle of Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and enhances the flavors of the apples and cream cheese filling.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruits

• Pair these buns with seasonal fruits like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.

Served Warm with Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Enjoy them warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for dessert.

Topped with Whipped Coconut Cream

• A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture and complements the rich flavors of the buns nicely.

As a Breakfast Delight

• These brioche buns make a great breakfast option when paired with coffee or tea for a comforting start to the day.

With a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these buns look even more inviting and adds a touch of sweetness.

How to Perfect Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

To achieve the best Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns, follow these handy tips for optimal results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and dairy-free milk, are at room temperature for better mixing and rising.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it passes the windowpane test, which ensures it has developed enough gluten for a soft texture.
• Activate Yeast Correctly: Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated properly by allowing it to foam before adding other ingredients.
• Don’t Rush Rising Time: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise. A warm environment will help achieve fluffy buns.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize fillings. Try adding nuts or different spices for added flavor dimensions.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on baking time; remove them from the oven once they turn golden brown to ensure they are soft inside.

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Best Side Dishes for Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns

These Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
2. Cinnamon-Spiced Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with cinnamon enhances the apple flavor while providing heartiness.
3. Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette offers freshness that contrasts with the rich buns.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding serves as a healthy and satisfying accompaniment, adding texture and nutrition.
5. Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts for an energizing side dish.
6. Herbed Roasted Potatoes: The savory taste of herbed potatoes provides a nice contrast to the sweet brioche buns.
7. Fruit Salad Medley: A mix of seasonal fruits creates brightness on your plate that pairs well with these sweet treats.
8. Nut Butter Dip: Serve alongside nut butter for dipping, offering an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that could affect the final product.

• Ignoring yeast activation: Always check that your yeast is fresh and properly activated before mixing it into the dough. A lack of foam means it won’t rise well.
• Overworking the dough: Knead the dough just until it’s soft and pliable. Over-kneading can lead to tough buns instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for gluten development. Don’t rush this step if you want soft brioche buns.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to ensure you’re using the right amount of each ingredient.
• Filling too much: When adding cheesecake filling and apple filling, don’t overstuff the buns. This can cause them to burst during baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped buns in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buns in foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a bun on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over low heat, add a little vegan butter, and warm the buns for 2-3 minutes on each side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns that may help clarify any doubts.

Can I make Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. The texture may vary but should still taste delicious!

How do I customize my Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns?

You can add nuts, raisins, or even different fruits like berries for variation. Feel free to get creative with flavors!

What’s the best way to serve Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns?

These buns are best served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top.

How long do Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns take to prepare?

The total time is approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes, including prep and bake time.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Apple Cheesecake Brioche Buns are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various fillings or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert treat!