Description
These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining tender crescent roll dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling, all topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy brunch or dessert, they bake up golden and flaky with a gooey caramel sauce that complements the cinnamon-spiced apples beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups diced Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples or 200g)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dough
- 1 can crescent rolls (8 rolls)
Caramel Frosting
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (57g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Unroll Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface and separate it into 8 individual triangles.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly onto each crescent roll triangle. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle up to form individual rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the apple cinnamon rolls on a greased baking dish or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown.
- Make the Caramel Frosting: While the rolls bake, melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the rolls are baked and golden, drizzle the warm caramel frosting generously over the top. Serve the rolls warm to enjoy the gooey, sweet flavors at their best.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work best due to their tartness and firm texture, but other firm apples like Honeycrisp can be used.
- For a thicker frosting, use less heavy cream or add more powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftover rolls can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- You can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the apple filling or frosting for added crunch.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
