Homemade Apple-Filled Sweet Buns: A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked buns wafting through your home. These Homemade Apple-Filled Sweet Buns are the perfect way to bring the flavors of autumn into your kitchen. With a fluffy, slightly sweet dough enveloping a juicy apple filling, these buns offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They’re ideal for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. Best of all, this simple recipe makes them easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. Everyone will think they came straight from a bakery!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 tsp (4g) dry yeast
• 1 tsp (3g) salt
• 5 tbsp (60g) sugar
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) lukewarm water
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) lukewarm milk
• 3 tbsp (36g) vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp (50g) butter, melted
• 1 egg white
• 550g all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 4 apples, grated
• Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 3 tbsp (36g) sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, milk, and sugar. Sprinkle the dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
   • Add the egg white, vegetable oil, melted butter, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture. Begin mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • While the dough is rising, grate the apples into a bowl and drizzle them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
   • Add sugar to the apples, adjusting to your taste depending on how sweet or tart the apples are. Stir to combine and set the filling aside.
3. Shape the Buns:
   • Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
   • Take one piece of dough and flatten it into a small circle using your hands or a rolling pin. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of the dough.
   • Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal the bun. Roll the filled dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
4. Egg Wash and Final Rise:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to make the egg wash.
   • Lightly brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
   • Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. Bake the Buns:
   • Once the buns have risen slightly and your oven is ready, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
   • Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Conclusion:

These Homemade Apple-Filled Sweet Buns are a perfect combination of soft, pillowy dough and a sweet-tart apple filling. The buttery richness of the dough pairs beautifully with the spiced apple flavor, creating a dessert (or snack) that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving a few for later, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Serve them warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and savor the taste of autumn with every bite!