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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Description

A delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and apple pie, these soft and gooey rolls are filled with spiced apple filling, baked atop a luscious apple cider caramel sauce, and topped with cream cheese frosting and a brown sugar crumble.


Ingredients

For the Apple Filling & Topping:

7 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled and diced (approximately 11 cups or 1130 grams)

¼ cup salted butter (56 grams)

½ cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (6 grams)

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (3 grams)

½ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons water

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled to 115°F (113 grams)

1 cup warm milk (115°F)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten and at room temperature

⅓ cup granulated sugar (70 grams)

2½ teaspoons instant yeast (9 grams)

¾ teaspoon salt

4 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled or weighed (528 grams)

For the Crisp Topping:

¼ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled or weighed (33 grams)

½ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (52 grams)

¼ cup light brown sugar, packed (55 grams)

⅛ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup salted butter, cold (56 grams)

For the Caramel Apple Cider Sauce:

½ cup salted butter, very softened (113 grams)

¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed (165 grams)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

2 tablespoons boiled apple cider

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup salted butter, softened (113 grams)

¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (165 grams)

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup heavy cream (80 grams), for pouring over the rolls

For the Frosting:

6 ounces cream cheese, softened (170 grams)

1 cup powdered sugar (115 grams)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)

23 tablespoons milk or heavy cream 


Instructions

  • Prepare the Apple Filling & Topping: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash of cider or water to maintain a saucy consistency.

  • Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together melted butter, warm milk, eggs, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Attach the dough hook and knead for 7–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

  • First Rise: Lightly grease the dough with cooking spray, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

  • Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

  • Make the Caramel Apple Cider Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.

  • Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

  • Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the apple filling over the cinnamon layer. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.

  • Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30–40 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the heavy cream evenly over the risen rolls. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

  • Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and milk or heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

  • Finish the Rolls: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Top with the prepared crisp topping and additional apple filling. Serve warm and enjoy!

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rise time)
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked