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)
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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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.
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Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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