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

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fall baked into breakfast, then I promise you’ll freak out over this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Soft, pillowy rolls loaded with tender apple pie filling, baked on a luscious apple cider caramel drizzle, and topped with the most dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting — this recipe is a game-changer for any brunch or weekend treat. I can’t wait to walk you through it because it’s honestly one of my all-time favorites!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really comes from layering the right ingredients – fresh apples, sticky-sweet brown sugar, warming spices, and creamy butter all team up to create that perfect balance that will have you hooked. Here’s a breakdown of the key players you’ll want on hand before diving in.

• Apples: I like to use a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a complex, delicious filling that’s just the right balance of soft and tangy.
• Butter: Both salted and softened — it adds richness to the dough and lusciousness to the fillings and toppings.
• Brown Sugar: The dark kind brings deep molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works well if that’s what you have.
• Cinnamon and warm spices: Think nutmeg, cloves, and allspice — don’t skip these because they’re the soul of the apple pie flavor!
• Instant yeast: Quick rising and gives the rolls that perfect fluffy texture – no funky aftertastes here.
• Milk and eggs: They keep the dough tender and rich, helping the rolls brown beautifully.
• Oats and flour: The oats add a wonderful texture and crunch to the crumble topping, while the flour is the sturdy base for the dough.
• Cream cheese and powdered sugar: For that silky, tangy frosting that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Apple cider and heavy cream: These add a special caramel vibe and moistness that really elevate the entire roll experience.

Variations

If you like to switch things up or have dietary preferences, I’ve found a few ways to customize this recipe without losing any of that signature apple pie cinnamon roll goodness. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve experimented with replacing the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and a bit more xanthan gum — the rolls come out softer but still flavorful.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). The apple filling and caramel sauce remain the same and are naturally vegan-friendly!
• Extra Apples: Love the apple flavor? Add an extra half cup of diced apples into the filling for a chunkier, more fruit-forward roll.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a spicy twist my family adores around the holidays.

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

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling to Tender Perfection

Start by peeling and dicing the apples, then toss them into a pan with butter, brown sugar, spices, lemon juice, and a splash of apple cider. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring gently — you want those apples soft but not mushy. I discovered this trick when the liquid cooks down too fast: add a bit more cider or water as needed to keep everything saucy. Once tender, thicken the juices with a cornstarch slurry to get that perfect filling consistency that won’t run everywhere inside your rolls.

Step 2: Prep the Dough and Let It Rise

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together melted butter, warm milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then add your flour and mix gently until it disappears — the dough will look shaggy and wet at first, which is totally normal. Let it rest for five minutes; this little break helps the flour absorb the liquid. Switch to the dough hook and knead on a low speed for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, but still a little slack. I used to struggle with over-kneading, which made rolls tough, so trust me on gentle here! Put it back in the greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled — about an hour, depending on your room temperature.

Step 3: Bake the Crisp Topping While the Dough Rises

This crumble topping is the icing on the cake — or should I say, the crunch on the roll? Mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon, then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 350℉ for 12-16 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just watch the edges so they don’t burn — I learned that the hard way during my first try!

Step 4: Whip Up the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple cider, vanilla, and cream until thick and luscious, then spread this right in the bottom of your pan. It’s what the rolls will bake on and soak up to get that incredible sticky, caramelized flavor. I love how this adds extra moisture and richness without making the rolls soggy — a total game changer!

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and heavy cream for a thick, spreadable filling that you’ll generously slather all over your rolled-out dough. This creamy layer is where the gooey magic happens — don’t skimp on this step!

Step 6: Roll, Fill, and Assemble Your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Once your dough has risen, flour your counter and roll it out into a large rectangle (around 14” by 22-24”). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then dot with 1½ cups of the apple filling. Instead of rolling into a giant log, slice the dough into 1¾-inch-wide strips from the long side and roll each strip individually — this tip makes handling the sticky dough much simpler, especially for beginners. Nestle the cinnamon rolls snugly into the prepared pan over the apple cider caramel sauce, cover lightly, and let them rise again until puffy, about 30-40 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Brown Bliss

Before popping your rolls in the oven, pour room temperature heavy cream over and between them, which keeps the centers moist and glossy. Bake at 350℉ for 40-46 minutes until golden brown and set, with an internal temp of about 205-210℉. I always double-check with a thermometer to avoid underbaking — won’t you love that perfectly done center without raw dough?

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Serve

While the rolls bake, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and a splash of milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Don’t overbeat if you want it thick — I’ve found it’s easier to start thick and thin as needed. When rolls come out warm, slather them generously with frosting, then pile on the reserved apple filling and a sprinkle of the crunchy crumble topping. The blend of warm cinnamon rolls, tangy cream cheese frosting, and gooey apples is absolutely unbeatable.

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

Garnishes

When I serve these, I love to add a final flourish of extra apple pie filling on top, then sprinkle the crisp crumble for that irresistible crunch contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted pecans also adds a beautiful touch if you’re aiming to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a cinnamon-spiced chai latte to keep the warm vibe going. If you want to build a brunch, some crispy bacon or a fresh green salad with a tart vinaigrette cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve lined an elegant baking dish with parchment paper and baked the rolls in a circular pattern for a flower-like presentation — it’s a total showstopper! Another idea: drizzle extra leftover apple cider caramel sauce on the plate for a fancy bakery touch that wows your brunch crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After these rolls cool, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for 2-3 days. To revive them, I usually warm gently in the microwave or oven just until soft and gooey again — never dry and sad!

Freezing

I often freeze the fully assembled, unbaked rolls after the second rise. Just wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, pop them in the freezer, and bake straight from frozen — just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time. Such a lifesaver for busy mornings!

Reheating

When reheating leftover rolls, the oven (about 300℉ for 10-15 minutes covered loosely with foil) works wonders for bringing back that fresh-baked softness without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave wrapped with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds helps too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings together all the best parts of fall into one irresistible, gooey, buttery bite. When I first tried making it, I was blown away by how the soft dough, sweet spiced apples, and tangy frosting played so well together—it quickly became a family favorite and staple for holiday brunches. You’ll enjoy the warm hugs of cinnamon and apple in every mouthful, and I hope you find the little tips and tricks here helpful to make the baking process smooth and fun. Give it a try—you might just have your new go-to weekend indulgence!

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