Greek Yogurt Apple Buns – Easy No-Yeast Yogurt Buns

These Greek Yogurt Apple Buns are soft, tender, and filled with juicy cinnamon apples. The dough comes together quickly with Greek yogurt and baking powder, so there’s no yeast or rising time. The apples are wrapped inside and baked until golden, while a sprinkle of brown sugar on top adds a lightly crisp, caramelized finish.

I love how much apple you get in every bun. The apples cook as the buns bake, becoming tender and juicy while keeping some of their texture. Each bite has a nice balance of soft pastry and cinnamon-spiced apple filling.

These buns are especially nice warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re a simple choice for a fall breakfast, afternoon snack, or apple dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Buns

• No yeast: No rising time is needed, so you can have freshly baked apple buns in much less time.
• Soft Greek yogurt dough: Greek yogurt keeps the dough tender and gives it a soft texture.
• Lots of apples: The buns have a generous apple filling instead of just a small spoonful in the center.
• Easy apple filling: The apples are simply tossed with the other ingredients and don’t need to be cooked first.
• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen.
• Perfect for fall: Apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar make these especially good during apple season.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough. Start with the amount listed in the recipe and add only a little extra if needed.
• Baking powder: Gives the buns their lift without using yeast.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds a little sweetness to the dough.
• Greek yogurt: Makes the dough soft and tender while adding moisture.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and gives the buns a tender texture.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds a subtle sweetness and works especially well with the apples.

For the Apple Filling

• Apples: Use apples that hold their shape reasonably well during baking. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces so they fit easily inside the buns.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the apples and gives the filling a deeper caramel-like flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds classic apple-pie flavor.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the juices released by the apples as they bake.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Apple Buns

1. Prepare the apple filling

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces.

Place the apples in a large bowl and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated.

There is no need to cook the apples first. They will soften and release their juices while the buns bake.

2. Make the dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Add the Greek yogurt, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix with a spatula until the ingredients come together into a soft dough.

Be careful not to overmix. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This short rest makes it easier to roll and shape.

3. Fill the buns

Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Working with one piece at a time, flatten or roll the dough into a circle. Place a generous amount of the apple mixture in the center, leaving enough space around the edges to seal the dough.

Bring the edges up around the filling and pinch firmly to seal. Turn the bun seam-side down and gently shape it into a round bun.

4. Bake

Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with a little brown sugar.

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the buns are lightly golden.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are especially good while still warm.

Tips for Making Apple Buns

Dice the apples small. Small pieces are much easier to fit inside the dough and make the buns easier to seal.

Don’t cook the apples first. The raw apple filling is simple to prepare, and the apples soften as they bake inside the buns.

Use thick Greek yogurt. A thick yogurt gives you a softer dough that is easier to shape. If your yogurt is thinner, you may need a little extra flour.

Don’t add too much flour. The dough should be soft and easy to work with. Adding too much flour can make the buns firm instead of tender.

Let the dough rest. Even a short 10–15 minute rest makes the dough easier to roll and shape.

Seal the buns well. Make sure there are no gaps around the edges where the apple juices can escape during baking.

Let them cool slightly. The apple filling will be very hot when the buns come out of the oven and will thicken slightly as they cool.

How to Store Apple Buns

Store the cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

Warm them briefly in the microwave or in a low oven before serving to soften the dough and warm the apple filling.

Can You Freeze Apple Buns?

Yes. Let the baked buns cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm them in the oven before serving.

Hope you will give these apple buns a try. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them just like we did. If you do, don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram stories or posts. Enjoy!

More Apple Recipes

Apple Hand Pies – These little hand pies have a buttery, flaky crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples. The apple filling is simple and the pies are perfect for a snack or dessert.

Apple Crumble Muffins – Soft, moist muffins packed with juicy apple pieces and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. Great for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Soft cinnamon rolls filled with chopped apples and finished with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese glaze.

Apple Crisp Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes with tender apple pieces and a crisp brown sugar streusel topping. A lovely way to bring apples to the breakfast table.

Apple Pie – A classic buttery, flaky apple pie filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a pretty leaf-decorated crust.

Apple Crumble – Tender cinnamon apples baked under a crisp, buttery oat crumble. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or honey yogurt.

Apple Pie Bars – Buttery apple pie bars layered with sweet cinnamon apples and a crumbly topping. An easy alternative to making a whole pie.

30 Best Apple Recipes – Looking for more ways to use apples? This collection brings together apple pies, crumbles, cakes, pancakes, hand pies, and more.