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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare to be transported to a cozy autumn morning with the aroma of warm spices and sweet caramel swirling through your kitchen! Forget everything you thought you knew about cinnamon rolls because this recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll, bursting with tender, spiced apples and a gooey caramel center, all topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Are you drooling yet?

The humble cinnamon roll has a rich history, with roots tracing back to Scandinavia. Over time, variations have popped up across the globe, each adding its own unique twist. But the addition of apples and caramel? That’s where the magic truly happens! Apples, a symbol of fall harvests and comforting pies, pair perfectly with the warm spice of cinnamon. And caramel? Well, caramel just makes everything better, doesn’t it?

People adore cinnamon rolls for their comforting warmth, soft texture, and the sheer joy they bring. This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls recipe elevates that experience. The combination of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors is simply irresistible. Plus, the aroma alone is enough to make any day feel a little bit brighter. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece or a delightful treat to share with loved ones, these rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience cinnamon roll perfection!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls this RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
    • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
    • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
    • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 large egg
  • For the Apple Filling:
    • 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
    • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Caramel Sauce:
    • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
    • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
    • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Making the Caramel Sauce

Okay, let’s start with the caramel sauce. This is the base of our amazing caramel apple flavor, and trust me, it’s worth the effort! Don’t be intimidated by making caramel; just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be golden (literally!).

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar.
  2. Cook Without Stirring: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir! Let the mixture cook undisturbed until it turns a deep amber color. This will take about 8-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn quickly. If you see sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, you can gently brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
  3. Add Warm Cream: Once the caramel is a deep amber color, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
  4. Add Butter and Salt: Add the butter pieces and salt to the saucepan. Stir until the butter is melted and the caramel sauce is smooth.
  5. Cool Slightly: Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it over low heat.

Preparing the Dough

Now, let’s move on to the dough. This is where the magic really happens! A soft, fluffy dough is key to the perfect cinnamon roll. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step.

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter and egg.
  4. Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead the dough in a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Making the Apple Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the apple filling. This is where the “apple” in caramel apple cinnamon rolls really shines! The combination of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg is simply irresistible.

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
  2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
  3. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.

Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Rolls

Alright, the dough has risen, the caramel is ready, and the apple filling is prepped. It’s time to assemble these beauties and get them into the oven!

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  2. Spread the Butter: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough.
  3. Add the Apple Filling: Sprinkle the apple filling evenly over the buttered dough.
  4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
  5. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour about half of the prepared caramel sauce into the bottom of the dish. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish, cut-side up.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  10. Cool Slightly: Let the cinnamon rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting! This frosting is tangy, sweet, and the perfect complement to the caramel apple flavors.

  1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
  3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Frosting and Serving

The final step! This is where you get to put the finishing touches on your masterpiece. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!

  1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  2. Drizzle with Remaining Caramel: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the frosted cinnamon rolls.
  3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the caramel apple cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tips for Success:

  • Use a Thermometer: For best results, use a thermometer to ensure the milk is at the correct temperature (105-115°F) for activating the yeast.
  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cinnamon rolls can be dry. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.
  • Warm Ingredients: Using warm ingredients (milk, butter) helps the dough rise properly.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you

    Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

    Conclusion:

    And there you have it! These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. From the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen to the explosion of flavors with every bite, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, especially as the weather cools down and we crave those warm, comforting flavors of fall.

    What makes these rolls so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spice. The tender, fluffy dough, swirled with a generous filling of cinnamon-spiced apples and then drizzled with that luscious homemade caramel sauce… it’s simply irresistible. Forget store-bought cinnamon rolls; once you’ve tasted these, you’ll never go back! The combination of the tart apples, warm cinnamon, and rich caramel creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the satisfaction of making them from scratch is an added bonus!

    But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For an extra decadent treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold ice cream against the warm, gooey rolls is a match made in heaven. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel sauce for a nutty crunch.

    Here are a few other ideas to customize your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

    Serving Suggestions:

    • Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that never fails.
    • With a dollop of Whipped Cream: Light and airy, perfect for balancing the richness.
    • Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce: Because you can never have too much caramel!
    • Served with a cup of Hot Coffee or Tea: The perfect cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.

    Variations:

    • Add Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or even almonds would add a delightful crunch.
    • Use Different Types of Apples: Experiment with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples for different flavor profiles.
    • Add a Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangier twist, replace the caramel sauce with a cream cheese frosting.
    • Make Mini Rolls: Perfect for parties or individual servings.

    I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I’ve poured my heart into perfecting it, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making cinnamon rolls from scratch; the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, and the results are well worth the effort.

    So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. Once you’ve made these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and that it brings a little bit of joy and sweetness to your day. Remember, baking is all about having fun and creating something delicious to share with the people you love. So, go ahead, give it a try, and let the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples fill your home!

    Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

    Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with spiced apples, drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. A decadent fall treat!

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time45 minutes
    Cook Time30 minutes
    Total Time180 minutes
    Yield12 cinnamon rolls
    👨‍🍳By: Lily
    📂Category: Breakfast
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Use a thermometer to ensure milk is at the correct temperature (105-115°F) for activating the yeast.
    • Don’t overbake cinnamon rolls.
    • Using warm ingredients (milk, butter) helps the dough rise properly.
    • Adjust sweetness to your preference.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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