Introduction
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon bun swirling with the comforting flavors of an apple crisp, all topped with a luscious maple glaze. This recipe will take your taste buds on a delicious journey combining the best of classic cinnamon buns with a sweet and spiced apple twist. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sumptuous dessert.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
All-purpose flour: 500g
Granulated sugar: 100g
Salt: 5g
Instant yeast: 7g
Whole milk: 250ml
Unsalted butter: 75g
Eggs: 2 large
Vanilla extract: 5ml
Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced): 300g
Brown sugar: 150g
Cinnamon: 10g
Nutmeg: 2g
Rolled oats: 50g
Maple syrup: 100ml
Cream cheese: 100g
Powdered sugar: 100g
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 12 buns
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. This dry mixture will serve as the foundation for your delightful buns.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a small saucepan, gently heat the whole milk and unsalted butter together until the mixture is lukewarm and the butter has melted completely. Pour this warm milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Then, crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, creating a beautiful texture that will rise perfectly. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare your apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and rolled oats. This filling will add a delightful combination of flavors to your buns.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Lay the apple mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, spreading it from edge to edge.
Step 6: Form the Buns
Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a bench scraper.
Step 7: Arrange the Buns
Place the sliced buns into a greased baking dish, ensuring they are close but not touching. Cover the dish again and allow the buns to rise for an additional 30 minutes, letting their flavors develop.
Step 8: Bake
After the second rise, place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a cozy aroma.
Step 9: Make the Maple Glaze
While the buns are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the buns are baked and still warm, drizzle the luscious maple glaze over the top. Serve them warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet, and comforting flavors of your homemade maple-glazed apple crisp cinnamon buns.
Notes
Storage
These cinnamon buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, freeze the unglazed buns after baking. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before drizzling with glaze.
Variations
Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the apple mixture for added texture and flavor complexity. You can also swap the Granny Smith apples for your favorite variety of apples for a different taste.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly. This step ensures an even distribution of the yeast and prevents any clumping, which is essential for proper dough rising.
Heating Milk and Butter
Gently heat the milk and unsalted butter until lukewarm. This activates the yeast and helps the butter melt, contributing to a soft and enriched dough.
Kneading Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten, which gives the buns their structure and chewiness.
Preparing the Filling
Mix the diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rolled oats. This filling adds flavor and texture to the cinnamon buns, mimicking the classic apple crisp.
Rolling the Dough
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. This allows for an even distribution of the apple filling and facilitates rolling the dough into a log shape.
Slicing the Buns
After rolling into a log, slice the dough into equal pieces to ensure uniform baking. This helps each bun to bake evenly and maintain its shape.
Baking
Bake the buns until golden brown, ensuring they are fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Making the Glaze
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup together until smooth. A well-mixed glaze enhances the flavor and adds a delightful finish to the warm buns.
FAQ
Can I use other types of apples for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Take it out the next day to warm up before continuing with the recipe.
How do I store leftover cinnamon buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce to make a vegan-friendly version.
How can I ensure my cinnamon buns are fluffy?
Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm environment and do not rush the rising times. Proper kneading and proofing are key to achieving fluffy buns.
Conclusion
Indulging in Maple-Glazed Apple Crisp Cinnamon Buns is a delightful experience that merges the warm, comforting essence of cinnamon buns with the sweet and tart flavors of apple crisp. With a drizzle of maple glaze, these soft, gooey treats become an irresistible addition to any breakfast table or dessert spread. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to please anyone seeking a cozy homemade treat.
Apple Walnut Cinnamon Buns
Incorporate chopped walnuts into the filling for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cinnamon buns, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Buns
Swap in pumpkin puree for some of the butter in the dough and add pumpkin spice to the filling for a seasonal twist that embraces autumn flavors.
Pecan Pie Cinnamon Buns
Create a pecan pie-inspired filling by adding chopped pecans and a touch of maple syrup to the apple mixture, bringing a rich, nutty flavor into every bite.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Buns
Incorporate dried cranberries and a hint of orange zest into the filling for a refreshing and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Buns
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the apple filling for a decadently sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Buns
Mix crispy bacon pieces into the filling for a savory yet sweet combination that’s perfect for brunch enthusiasts looking for something hearty.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Buns
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before rolling the dough for an extra layer of sweetness that elevates the overall dish.
Nutella Swirl Cinnamon Buns
Introduce Nutella between the layers for a rich, chocolatey experience that perfectly contrasts with the spiced apple filling.
