• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Flouring Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Flouring Kitchen » Breads and Rolls

    Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

    Published: Sep 26, 2023 · Modified: Oct 12, 2023 by Mary · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    1.2K shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    These caramel apple pie cinnamon rolls are super soft, fluffy, have a gooey spiced apple filling, a crisp cinnamon crumble topping, and a salted caramel cream cheese glaze. It’s like a caramel apple crumble pie - but in a cinnamon roll! These rolls have all the textures - soft, crisp, and gooey. And the dough is an easy no knead dough recipe that you don’t need a mixer for. They’re the perfect comforting cinnamon rolls to make for fall and the holidays. 

    You’d also love my gingerbread cinnamon rolls, they’re perfect to make for the holidays! 

    apple cinnamon roll with glaze and crumble
    Jump to:
    • 🍏 Why you'll LOVE this recipe
    • 📝 Key ingredients
    • 👩‍🍳 How to make apple pie cinnamon rolls
    • ✔️ Expert tips
    • 🥄 Make ahead and storage
    • 🍞 Places to let yeasted dough rise
    • 📖 Recipe FAQs
    • 🍂 More related recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍏 Why you'll LOVE this recipe

    • Texture: These apple pie cinnamon rolls are super soft and fluffy with a gooey spiced apple filling.
    • Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves compliment the apple flavor. It brings out the warmth and adds spice. 
    • Easy: The no knead dough is so easy to make! The less you handle it, the better!
    • Topping: They are finished with a salted caramel cream cheese glaze and a crumble topping.

    This apple cider bundt cake is also packed full of apple flavor and perfect to make for fall!

    cross section of gooey apple cinnamon roll inside

    📝 Key ingredients

    Read through for all the tips you will need for success!
    Full steps and ingredients in recipe card below.

    apple cinnamon roll ingredients
    • Apples: A firm, tart variety of apple is key because it holds its shape well and maintains the texture while the tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar. Make these caramel apple cheesecake bars with your leftover apples!
    • Caramel sauce: I used homemade salted caramel sauce. You can also use any store bought caramel sauce or dulce de leche.
    • Activated dry yeast: I love using activated dry yeast for cinnamon rolls and breads. I think the flavor and outcome is better! Instant dry yeast will also work. Mix it dry right into the flour. 
    • Cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves: This combination of ground spices works so well with apples. It brings out the warmth of the apple flavor and adds spice. 
    • All purpose flour: Weigh the flour to get the most accurate results. If you don’t have a scale, measure properly by stirring the bag and spooning gently into a measuring cup. Scrape the excess off the top with the flat edge off a knife without packing it into the cup.

    👩‍🍳 How to make apple pie cinnamon rolls

    Cinnamon roll dough step by step

    whisking yeast and water together for apple cinnamon rolls

    Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Whisk until the yeast is dissolved and let sit until a foam forms. Set aside while you work on the dough.

    In a very large bowl, add sifted flour. Make a well into the middle and add sugar, salt, butter, whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and warm milk. Add the dissolved yeast mixture on top.

    mixing the sticky apple cinnamon roll dough

    Step 2: Starting with the middle, stir the wet ingredients together and slowly incorporate the flour into the dough.

    Mix until a wet and sticky dough forms and all of the flour is combined into the dough. Cover and set aside in a warm place and let it rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Work on the filling and crumble while it rises. 

    Spice apple filling step by step

    apple cinnamon roll filling in bowl

    Step 1: Combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later.

    stirring lemon juice and diced apples together

    Step 2: Peel the apples and chop them into small cubes. Drizzle with lemon juice and set aside for later.

    Crumble step by step

    stirring crumble together in glass bowl with spoon

    Step 1: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, oats, flour, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until everything is evenly coated and crumbly. Set aside for later. 

    spreading cinnamon roll filling onto dough

    Step 2: Butter a 9” x 12” pan with a small piece of butter.  Punch down the risen dough and fold it a few times until a smooth dough forms. 

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to create a large 12" by 18" rectangle.

    Assembly step by step

    drizzling salted caramel on top of cinnamon rolls

    Step 1: Spread cinnamon butter sugar mixture onto the rolled dough and sprinkle chopped apples on top.

    rolling apple cinnamon rolls

    Step 2: From the long edge start rolling into a log. Mark into 12 equal pieces and cut without squishing the rolls.

    cutting apple cinnamon roll log into slices

    Step 3: Place rolls into the buttered baking pan. Let rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C).

    topping apple cinnamon rolls with crumble

    Step 4: Sprinkle the rolls with the crumble mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and dough springs back to the touch. Make the glaze while the rolls cool.

    Salted caramel cream cheese glaze step by step

    whisking cream cheese and caramel with an electric mixer

    Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the salted caramel sauce, mix together to combine. 

    Add powdered sugar half a cup at a time and mix well. You want a pourable but thick consistency. 

    drizzling caramel cream cheese glaze onto cinnamon rolls

    Step 2: The rolls are best served warm. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls right before serving so that the crumble stays crunchy.

    Enjoy your apple pie cinnamon rolls!

    ✔️ Expert tips

    1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and a bit of sugar first: this allows you to check if the yeast is active or needs to be replaced. You need active yeast for soft, fluffy rolls that rise. 
    2. Measure the flour properly: For best results use a kitchen scale! If you don't have a scale on hand, be sure to fluff the flour with a spoon before gently adding it into the measuring cup and scraping off the excess without packing it in.
    3. Don't over knead the dough: The less you handle this dough, the better and softer it bakes up.
    4. Use unflavored floss or cotton string to cut the rolls: This will ensure you get an even and clean cut roll.
    5. Don't skip rising the dough: This is essential in creating fluffy rolls. It allows the flour to hydrate, and for the yeast to create pockets of gas that will rise the dough.
    glazed apple cinnamon roll with apple slices on top

    🥄 Make ahead and storage

    These cinnamon rolls are great to make ahead and bake the morning of so you can have fresh rolls right off the bat. Here’s how to modify the steps to make overnight apple cinnamon rolls:

    1. Make, cut, and place the rolls into the buttered baking dish. Don’t add the crumble yet! Cover with a piece of wrap or a lid and seal tightly. 
    2. Refrigerate immediately - it will rise in the fridge overnight. Don’t keep the rolls in the fridge for over 12 hours or they will overproof. 
    3. When ready to bake, top with crumble, and bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time because they will be cold when they go into the oven.

    Store any apple cinnamon roll leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container or jar for up to 4 days. Make sure to reheat them gently before eating so that they get pillowy soft and gooey again. 

    To store for even longer, place any leftover rolls in an airtight bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

    🍞 Places to let yeasted dough rise

    This is an enriched dough, so it needs a bit of extra help to rise because of all the butter and eggs. I love to put the dough next to a heated oven, or beside a sunny window. Or preheat the oven to its lowest temperature, turn it off, and place the dough inside to rise. 

    Just make sure that the dough temperature doesn’t go over 130°F or 55°C, or the yeast will get cooked and it won’t rise anymore.

    apple cinnamon rolls with crumble closeup on top

    📖 Recipe FAQs

    Why is my dough sticky?

    The dough should be sticky when you first mix it together. It’ll come together as it rises and smooth out after rising. As the dough rests, the flour will hydrate and the dough will get thicker. You can add a bit more flour if it’s too sticky after rising. 

    Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

    Yes you can - try using chopped pears or peaches! They’d work really well instead of apples in this recipe.

    What makes these rolls so gooey?

    The combination of apples, cinnamon sugar butter, and caramel sauce in the filling makes them gooey and not dry at all. The salted caramel glaze adds a lot of gooeyness as well.

    Why is my dough not rising?

    This could be due to a variety of reasons. Is your yeast active? Make sure a foam forms on top of the yeast mixture after dissolving it. If it doesn’t get foamy, try a new packet or batch of yeast. It helps to have the dough in a warm place to rise - like a closed turned off oven, beside a turned on oven, or by a sunny window. Just make sure it doesn’t exceed 130°F or 55°C because that will cook and kill the yeast!

    🍂 More related recipes

    • gingerbread cookie with candy cane on top of gingerbread cinnamon rolls
      Easy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls [No Knead]
    • apple pie bar on its side with layers of sliced apples
      Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
    • caramel apple cheesecake bars
      Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
    • cinnamon rolls on parchment paper with spoon
      Cinnamon Roll Muffins

    Did you make this recipe? I would love for you to rate this recipe and hear what you think in the comments below! Share your creation on Instagram and tag @flouringkitchen. Follow me on Pinterest to save and for more recipe ideas.

    📖 Recipe

    glaze dripping off apple cinnamon roll

    Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

    Mary
    These caramel apple pie cinnamon rolls are super soft, fluffy, have a gooey spiced apple filling, a crisp cinnamon crumble topping, and a salted caramel cream cheese glaze. It’s like a caramel apple crumble pie - but in a cinnamon roll! These rolls have all the textures - soft, crisp, and gooey. And the dough is an easy no knead dough recipe that you don’t need a mixer for. They’re the perfect comforting cinnamon rolls to make for fall and the holidays. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Rise Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
    Course Baking, Brunch, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 586 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9 by 13 inch baking pan 9 by 12 inch pan will also work

    Ingredients
     
     

    Dough

    • ½ cup warm water
    • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or brown sugar
    • 1 packet active dry yeast 7g, or 2 ¼ teaspoons
    • 5 cups all purpose flour 600g
    • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup butter softened
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup milk warm to the touch (not hot)

    Filling

    • ½ cup butter softened
    • 1 cup brown sugar packed
    • 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
    • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
    • 3 medium-large apples
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
    • ¼ cup caramel sauce homemade or store bought

    Crumble

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon ground
    • ½ cup rolled oats
    • ¾ cup all purpose flour 90g
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

    Glaze

    • 4 oz cream cheese
    • ¼ cup salted caramel sauce
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 2-4 tablespoons milk
    Makes: 9inch9 x 13inch rectangle
    Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

    Instructions
     

    Cinnamon Roll Dough

    • Add the water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar into a medium bowl. Whisk to dissolve the yeast and set aside while you work on the dough. If a thick foam doesn’t form on top of the mixture within 10 minutes, it’s expired and you should try a new packet of yeast.
      ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 packet active dry yeast
    • In a very large bowl, add sifted flour. Make a well into the middle and add sugar, salt, butter, whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and warm milk. Add the dissolved yeast mixture on top. Starting with the middle, stir the wet ingredients together and slowly incorporate the flour into the dough.
      5 cups all purpose flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ½ cup butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¾ cup milk
    • Mix until a wet and sticky dough forms and all of the flour is combined into the dough. Use your hands to help combine it. Cover and set aside in a warm place and let it rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Work on the filling and crumble while it rises.

    Spiced Apple Filling

    • In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later.
      ½ cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
    • Peel the apples and chop them into small cubes. Drizzle with lemon juice and set aside for later.
      3 medium-large apples, 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    Crumble

    • Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, oats, flour, and salt in a separate bowl. Add melted butter and stir until everything is evenly coated and crumbly. Set aside for later.
      ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ cup rolled oats, ¾ cup all purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

    Assembly

    • Butter a 9” by 12” pan with a small piece of butter. Punch down the risen dough and fold it a few times until a smooth dough forms.
    • Sprinkle flour onto a smooth, clean surface. Place the dough and sprinkle a bit of flour on top. Use a rolling pin to roll out into a large rectangle, about 12” by 18
    • Spread cinnamon butter sugar mixture onto the rolled dough and sprinkle chopped apples on top. Drizzle caramel on top.
      ¼ cup caramel sauce
    • Roll up into a long log starting at the long ledge. Mark into 12 equal pieces and use a piece of unflavored floss or cotton string to wrap around and pull tight to cut without squishing the rolls.
    • Place rolls into the buttered baking pan. Let rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C).
    • Sprinkle the rolls with the crumble mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and dough springs back to the touch. Make the glaze while the rolls cool.

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze

    • In a large bowl or standmixer, mix together the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the salted caramel sauce, mix together to combine.
      4 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup salted caramel sauce
    • Add powdered sugar half a cup at a time and mix well. Add enough milk to get a pourable glaze consistency.
      2 cups powdered sugar, 2-4 tablespoons milk
    • The rolls are best served warm. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls right before serving so that the crumble stays crunchy. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Storage: Store any apple cinnamon roll leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container or jar for up to 4 days. Make sure to reheat them gently before eating so that they get pillowy soft and gooey again.
    Overnight apple cinnamon rolls:
    Make, cut, and place the rolls into the buttered baking dish. Don’t add the crumble yet! Cover with a piece of wrap or a lid and seal tightly. Refrigerate immediately - it will rise in the fridge overnight. Don’t keep the rolls in the fridge for over 12 hours or they will overproof.
    When ready to bake, top with crumble, and bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time because they will be cold when they go into the oven.
    Best way to let dough rise:
    I love to put the dough next to a heated oven, or beside a sunny window. Or preheat the oven to its lowest temperature, turn it off, and place the dough inside to rise. Just make sure that the dough temperature doesn’t go over 130°F or 55°C, or the yeast will get cooked and it won’t rise anymore.
    Tips for success: 
    • Dissolve the yeast in warm water and a bit of sugar first
    • Measure the flour properly
    • Don't over knead the dough
    • Use unflavored floss or cotton string to cut the rolls
    • Don't skip rising the dough

    Nutrition

    Calories: 586kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 7gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 451mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 7216IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Pumpkin Pie Cookies
    Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kassia Madrid

      May 16, 2024 at 11:52 am

      I feel silly asking this. But iv never made homemade cinnamon rolls and want to try using your recipe! But I looked and couldn't find a regular cin roll (I want to try basic first🤣), or what I would like to do is a carmel one. Do you by chance a recipe for that?

      Reply
      • Mary

        May 21, 2024 at 8:59 pm

        I don't have a classic or caramel flavor yet - writing them down on the list to make!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Girl holding whisk

    Hi, I'm Mary! This is where I share all of my baked treats. I use my massive sweet tooth and background in food science to make decadent, foolproof recipes.

    More about me →

    Summer Dessert Recipes

    • stacked pavlova cake with lemon passion fruit curd and berries
      Passion Fruit Lemon Curd Stacked Pavlova Cake
    • scoop of lemon mousse with lemon curd, olive oil, and basil leaf
      Lemon Mousse with Lemon Curd
    • lemon raspberry cheesecake with raspberry curd topping sliced
      Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake
    • lemon posset in lemon rind
      Lemon Posset
    • slices of lemon zucchini bread stacked on top of eachother
      Lemon Zucchini Bread
    • slice of creamy lemon tiramisu on white plate topped with lemon curd
      Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd

    Popular Recipes

    • rhubarb cheesecake sliced on a large plate
      Rhubarb Cheesecake
    • slices of moist lemon pound cake on a large plate
      The Best Moist Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
    • slices of lemon poppy seed cheesecake with whipped cream and lemon curd
      Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake
    • holding round cookie box filled with cookies
      Christmas Cookie Box 2024
    • molded and glazed squirrel and pinecone shaped gingerbread cookies
      Thick Gingerbread Molded Cookies with Jam Filling
    • peppermint brownie bark cookies
      Peppermint Brownie Bark Cookies

    Footer

    Info

    • Recipe Archive
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to get recipes and baking tips right to your inbox:

    You can unsubscribe anytime.

    Yaaaay!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    More

    • Essential kitchen gift guide
    • Free fall recipe ebook
    • Free holiday recipe ebook

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps to support this blog so I can keep creating free recipes for you to enjoy.

    Copyright © 2025 Flouring Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.