Name: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 large apples, peeled & diced; 1/4 cup salted butter (56 grams); 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (6 grams); 1 tsp nutmeg (3 grams); 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp allspices; pinch of salt; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp corn starch; 2 tsp water; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted, 115℉ (113 grams); 1 cup warm milk, 115℉ (240 mL); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten and at room temperature; 1/3 cup granulated sugar (70 grams); 2 and 1/2 tsp instant yeast (9 grams); 3/4 tsp salt; 4 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (528 grams); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (33 grams); 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (52 grams); 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (55 grams); 1/8 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup salted butter, cold (56 grams); 1/2 cup salted butter, very softened; 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (165 grams); 2 tsp cinnamon; pinch of salt; 2 tbsp boiled apple cider

If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls paired with the comforting flavors of apple pie, you’re in for a treat — the Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is my new all-time favorite indulgence. These rolls combine soft, pillowy dough with a rich apple filling, baked right on top of a luscious apple cider caramel sauce, and crowned with silky cream cheese frosting. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple for your holiday brunch or any special occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples with that apple cider caramel is autumn perfection in every bite.
Made-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the apple filling days in advance to save time on the big day.
Unique Twist: Baking the rolls atop a sticky apple cider caramel sauce makes this recipe truly special compared to traditional cinnamon rolls.
Reliable Dough: The yeast dough is forgiving, and the instructions help you get that perfect rise and texture every time.

A tray of four cinnamon rolls is shown, each roll with a light brown, swirled dough base topped with creamy white icing spread unevenly but generously. One cinnamon roll on the top right is mostly visible with a twisted shape and some darker brown spots where the cinnamon sugar caramelized. Another cinnamon roll in the middle has a layer of crumbly brown streusel with small bits of pecans sprinkled on top, adding texture. The cinnamon rolls rest in a white tray, and there is a soft light coming from the top left, creating slight shadows. The background shows a white marbled surface and a red apple is blurred out on the upper left corner. A woman's hand is softly touching one cinnamon roll closer to the bottom center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, apple cider caramel sauce, easy cinnamon roll recipe, brunch breakfast ideas, holiday dessert recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient contributes a little magic to make these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe sing. From fresh apples bursting with flavor to just the right balance of spices and buttery dough, this list covers everything you need to make your kitchen smell like fall in no time.

Flat lay of peeled and diced fresh apples in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, small white ceramic bowls containing light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar, chunks of cold salted butter and slices of softened salted butter arranged on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of warm milk, a small white bowl with golden melted butter, a small white bowl filled with cinnamon powder, small white bowls each with nutmeg, ground cloves, and allspice powders, a few sprigs of fresh vanilla bean pods, a small white bowl of corn starch powder, a small white bowl of water, a small white bowl with heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with old-fashioned whole rolled oats, a small white bowl with lemon juice, and a small white bowl of apple cider — all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, apple cider caramel sauce, easy cinnamon roll recipe, brunch breakfast ideas, holiday dessert recipes

Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Butter (salted): Ensures richness—melted, cold, and softened forms all come into play in different parts of the recipe.
Brown Sugar (light and dark): Adds depth and caramel notes to both filling and toppings.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the apple filling and prevents browning.
Warm Milk: Ideal temperature activates yeast effectively without killing it.
Instant Yeast: Easy and fast to work with, perfect for soft dough rise.
Flour (all-purpose): Make sure to spoon and level or weigh for accuracy.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice: Classic warm spices that layer perfectly.
Cornstarch and Water: For thickening the apple filling to just the right consistency.
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds texture to the crisp topping.
Heavy Cream and Vanilla Extract: Bring richness and flavor to the sauce and frosting.
Cream Cheese: For the luscious frosting—it makes all the difference!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe can be. Over time, I’ve played around with a few tweaks to make it work perfectly for different tastes and occasions — and you can too!

Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped in a gluten-free flour blend and added a bit more xanthan gum to keep things together—with excellent results!
Vegan Adaptation: Replacing butter with coconut oil and using flax eggs can work well if you want to experiment.
Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice mix—more cinnamon or a dash of cardamom gives a lovely shift in flavor.
Apple Types: Mixing apples like Fuji and Honeycrisp can add a sweeter twist if you prefer a less tart filling.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling & Topping

Start by adding the diced apples, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, spices, vanilla, and salt to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Stir gently as it cooks for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, just splash in some apple cider or water to keep a saucy texture. When the apples are soft and juicy but not soupy, stir in a cornstarch slurry made from corn starch and water to thicken the juices—cook for just a minute until it’s glossy and thickened. I like to prepare this filling a couple days in advance; it really helps those flavors mingle beautifully in the fridge.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough and First Rise

Now, for the dough—warm the milk to about 115℉, then combine it in your mixer bowl with melted butter, eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Quick tip: Whisk these liquid ingredients first so the yeast activates evenly. Add the flour and mix on low speed just until no dry flour remains; the dough will look shaggy and a bit sticky, which is perfect. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then switch to the dough hook and knead for 5 to 7 minutes on low—watch for it to start pulling away from the bowl and get smooth and bouncy. Spray your standing mixer bowl with nonstick spray (no need to clean it), then pop the dough back in, cover loosely, and let it rise until doubled, about an hour. I found the best way to test readiness is a gentle poke test—the indent should hold without springing back immediately.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350℉ and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper. Whisk together your flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut cold butter into small chunks and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or two forks, until crumbly. Spread this mixture evenly on the pan and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid burning—this crispy topping adds the best texture contrast when sprinkled over the finished rolls.

Step 4: Whip Up the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

In a medium bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, boiled apple cider, vanilla, and heavy cream until thick and creamy. Spray your 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and spread this decadent caramel sauce evenly over the bottom. This sauce forms the sticky, buttery foundation the rolls will bake on—trust me, it’s the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

Using the same bowl (no need to clean!), beat together softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, apple cider, vanilla, and heavy cream. This mixture should be thick and creamy, perfect for spreading. I always find it easiest to use an offset spatula to get an even layer over the dough without tearing.

Step 6: Assemble and Roll the Cinnamon Rolls

Generously flour your counter and roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 14 by 22 inches (or up to 15 by 24 if you like). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then dot on 1.5 cups of the apple filling. Here’s the trick I discovered — instead of rolling the dough into one long log, slice strips ~1 3/4 inches thick from the long side and roll each strip individually. This method makes handling the dough less stressful and results in perfectly sized rolls. Place the rolls seam-side down in the pan on top of your apple cider caramel sauce. Cover loosely with a towel and let them rise 30-40 minutes until the indent test shows they’re ready. Pro tip: Place your pan near your preheating oven to keep the rise moving along in cooler kitchens.

Step 7: Bake and Finish with Frosting

Before popping the rolls into the oven, pour room temperature heavy cream evenly over and between the rolls—this helps keep them beautifully moist. Bake at 350℉ for 40 to 46 minutes until golden and a thermometer inserted into the center reads 205-210℉. While they bake, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and a little milk or cream for a luscious frosting. When rolls are warm from the oven, slather on the frosting, then top each with a generous spoonful of the remaining apple filling and a sprinkle of that crisp topping you baked earlier. The contrast of warm, soft, gooey, sweet, and crunchy is simply divine.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Temperature Control: Always keep your milk and eggs at room temperature before mixing to help the dough rise nicely and evenly.
Don’t Rush the Rise: If your kitchen is cool, expect the rise to take longer—watch the dough, not the clock.
Slicing Without Squishing: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice your rolls cleanly without compressing the dough.
Cream Cheese Frosting Texture: Mix the frosting just enough to combine; overbeating makes it runnier and less fluffy.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick slice of layered dessert on a white plate. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, looking like crushed chocolate cookies. Above that, there is a creamy, light beige layer that looks soft and smooth. On top, there is a sprinkle of chopped nuts mixed with small crumb pieces, giving a crunchy texture. A metal fork rests on the plate near the dessert. The background has a white marbled surface, and there are whole red apples blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, apple cider caramel sauce, easy cinnamon roll recipe, brunch breakfast ideas, holiday dessert recipes

Garnishes

I love topping these rolls with a few extra apple slices fresh from the filling for that extra touch of freshness. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans adds lovely texture and a pop of color. For gatherings, a drizzle of leftover caramel sauce over the frosting dazzles your guests!

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls are decadent enough on their own, but I enjoy serving them alongside a crisp green salad for balance or a light bowl of spiced butternut squash soup if you’re making an autumn brunch spread. Fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait also complements the rolls nicely without overpowering the flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried layering these rolls in individual ramekins topped with extra crumble for a charming single-serve surprise. Another fun idea is to use a bundt pan to bake a giant, pull-apart cinnamon roll cake—just imagine the caramel sauce pooling beautifully at the bottom! Wrapping up some rolls in parchment tied with twine makes a wonderful edible gift too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. When I’m ready to enjoy the next day, I let them come to room temperature before gently reheating. They retain their soft texture really well when warmed slowly, and the frosting stays deliciously creamy.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing both unbaked rolled dough and fully baked cinnamon rolls. Just wrap each roll well in plastic wrap followed by foil. For unbaked rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge and then let rise before baking. For baked rolls, thaw and warm gently in the oven before frosting and serving.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is to warm the rolls covered with foil at 300℉ for about 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. You can also microwave briefly under a damp towel if you’re in a hurry but the oven method keeps them soft and delicious without sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the apple filling?

Yes, you can use frozen apples if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking down the filling to avoid a watery result. You might want to reduce cooking liquid slightly to compensate.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

I highly recommend spraying the pan generously with nonstick spray and spreading the apple cider caramel sauce evenly across the bottom. The sauce both flavors the rolls and creates a natural barrier to sticking.
Can I make the dough by hand without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Combine the wet and dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir until combined. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a bit more work but yields the same wonderful results.
How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but wrapped tightly in an airtight container, they keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently before eating to recapture their gooey goodness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a very special place in my heart—and kitchen. It marries the nostalgia of apple pie and cinnamon rolls with a gourmet twist that’s surprisingly simple to pull off at home. I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing these as I do. They make any morning feel like a celebration, and your loved ones won’t stop asking for seconds. Go ahead, try this recipe—you’ll be so glad you did!