Caramel Cinnamon Rolls with Apples at the Table

a plate with apple caramel cinnamon rolls

Get ready to indulge in sticky-sweet deliciousness with our Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls! These delectable treats are packed with sweetness, baked to fluffy, golden perfection, and dripping with caramel goodness.

Serve these rolls up warm for the standout addition to your holiday breakfast spread, weekend brunch, or any occasion that calls for a touch of decadence!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is inspired by one of our most popular dishes of all time, our slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls. You all have been asking us for an oven-baked version since it came out, and we’re finally delivering. Featuring all the same flavor and tender, gooey texture, this recipe is pure perfection and unbelievably simple to make! Even better, these cinnamon rolls:

Come together with 7 ingredients.
Bake in one dish.
Taste decadent and tasty.
Are simple enough for a weekday treat yet fancy enough for special occasions.
Make a huge batch, reliable for hungry crowds!

overhead image of baked apple caramel cinnamon rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these apple caramel cinnamon rolls, we use a shortcut ingredient or two to make them unbelievably simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cinnamon Rolls – This is our secret to creating almost from-scratch cinnamon rolls with ease! We love Grands cinnamon rolls, but whatever you like finest can be used.
Butter – This forms the base of the caramel sauce, creating a rich flavor.
Heavy Cream – Used to help enhance the flavor of the sauce and create a loose texture for pouring.
Brown Sugar – Make sure you use brown sugar instead of regular sugar! It helps keep the caramel tender.
Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract makes a world of difference in the taste of your caramel.
Salt – Just a dash amplifies the flavors, for the sweetest, most tasty apple taste!
Apples – We recommend using red baking apples like Gala or Fuji for a sweet flavor and slightly crisp texture.

cinnamon roll dough topped with chopped apple pieces

How to Make Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Unlike our original recipe that cooks for a length of time in the slow cooker, this version bakes in the oven in nearly no time when you follow the instructions below!

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls. Slice your cinnamon roll dough into quarters, and arrange ½ of them in an even layer in the bottom of a baking dish.
Add the Apples. Slice and peel your apples. Then, chop them into bite-sized cubes, and sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon rolls.
Prepare the Caramel. Melt the butter, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking to combine. Reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer.
Layer. Pour ½ of the caramel over the cinnamon roll mixture, and arrange the remaining dough on top. Pour the rest of the caramel evenly over the dish.
Bake. Place the cinnamon rolls in the oven until they’re fluffy and golden brown.

Baking Tips

Use the Right Pot. You’ll want to use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to create your caramel. Small or shallow pots can cause the caramel to cook unevenly and burn. Also, make sure it’s light in color so you can see when the caramel becomes darker.

Avoid Overheating the Caramel. Be sure to reduce the heat quickly, and let the caramel simmer for just a few minutes until it darkens and becomes thicker. If you cook it too long or on too high of a heat, the caramel will scorch and won’t taste great.

Don’t Overbake. You’ll know your cinnamon rolls are done when they’re fluffy and golden brown on top! They should feel soft yet firm in the center when touched and have an internal temperature between 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Store

These apple caramel cinnamon rolls are great to make ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week. However, you’re probably going to want to make a double batch, because they disappear quickly! If you do have leftovers, follow the storage tips below to keep them fresh.

Room Temperature: Once cooled, your cinnamon rolls can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in a cool dry palace for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: For a longer-lasting option, keep your apple caramel cinnamon rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, thaw your leftovers in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in the oven or microwave until you reach the desired temperature.

overhead image of a dish full of layered baked apple caramel cinnamon rolls

Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls Common Questions

Can I use store-bought dough for Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought cinnamon roll dough can be a convenient shortcut — it’s how we create these rolls in nearly no time!

What type of apples are finest for these cinnamon rolls?

We love gala or Fuji apples, but others like Granny Smith are also ideal because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Can I prepare Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes for a convenient make-ahead breakfast or brunch option!

What occasions are finest for serving these cinnamon rolls?

Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are reliable for fall gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or weekend brunches. Their warm, comforting flavors make them a hit at any event!

More Memorable Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Looking for more cinnamon roll recipes the whole family will want to sink their teeth into? We’ve got you covered!

Baklava Cinnamon Rolls
Biscoff Cinnamon Rolls
Simple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel and Chocolate Chips
S’mores Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Baklava Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

apple caramel cinnamon rolls on a plate with a fork

a serving of apple caramel cinnamon rolls on a plate

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 45 mins

Apple Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are sweet, sticky, and baked to fluffy, golden perfection! Served warm, they’re the reliable addition to any holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, and everything in between. Email

Ingredients

3 1/2 cans of grand cinnamon rolls quartered
2 apples peeled and chopped into cubes
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a 13×9 baking dish.
Slice the cinnamon rolls into quarters. Arrange ½ of the cinnamon roll dough in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the apples on top.3 1/2 cans of grand cinnamon rolls, 2 apples
In a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, add the butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Bring the ingredients to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, and simmer on low for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce darkens and thickens.8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour ½ of the caramel over the cinnamon rolls and apples.
Arrange the remaining dough on top, and pour the rest of the caramel over the mixture.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are golden and fluffy.
Store at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.