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 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 1/2 tsp instant yeast (9 grams); 3/4 tsp salt; 4 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (528 grams); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (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, comforting flavors of fall baked goods, you are absolutely going to adore this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine tender, pillowy cinnamon rolls stuffed with spiced apple pie filling, baked on a luscious apple cider caramel sauce, then topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of crisp crumble. I first tried a version of this a few years ago, and it instantly became a family favorite holiday treat that I love sharing with friends. You’ll find it’s surprisingly doable at home and totally worth the delicious effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Flavor Explosion: Combines classic apple pie spices, soft cinnamon rolls, and apple cider caramel for the ultimate cozy treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The apple filling can be prepared days in advance, perfect for busy holiday mornings.
Irresistibly Gooey: The caramel sauce under the rolls keeps them moist and adds a depth of flavor you won’t find in ordinary cinnamon rolls.
Showstopper Presentation: Topped with cream cheese frosting, apple filling, and crisp crumble — your guests will think you’re a pro baker!

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 with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting, apple cinnamon roll recipe, fall dessert recipes, cinnamon rolls with caramel, apple pie flavored baked goods

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a special role in creating those layers of flavor and texture. From fresh apples for the filling to just the right spices and dairy elements, I always source fresh and quality items when I can—especially for the apples and dairy—it really elevates the final taste.

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 with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting, apple cinnamon roll recipe, fall dessert recipes, cinnamon rolls with caramel, apple pie flavored baked goods

Large Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Salted Butter: Using salted butter here adds subtle savory depth; just watch your added salt amounts.
Brown Sugar (Light and Dark): Light brown sugar softens the sweetness, while dark brown sugar introduces a lovely molasses note.
Lemon Juice: Helps brighten the apple filling and balance the sweetness.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice: Classic fall spice combo that fills your kitchen with a warm aroma while perfectly seasoning the apple filling and rolls.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a smooth, sweet background flavor throughout.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the apple filling to a jammy consistency.
Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and active for a good rise in the dough – instant yeast works great.
Warm Milk: Temperature is key here—too hot can kill the yeast; I usually test with a finger or thermometer around 115℉.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for your rolls; measure by spooning into your cup or use a kitchen scale for precision.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds texture and a rustic crunch to the crumble topping.
Heavy Cream: Used in the caramel sauce and frosting for richness and that silky finish.
Cream Cheese: For the luscious frosting—you want it softened but not melted for the best whipped texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.

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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 making this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by switching up a few things depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to tweak the spices, swap apples, or adjust the topping to suit your taste buds.

Vegan/Dairy-Free: I’ve swapped butter for vegan margarine and cream cheese for coconut cream-based frosting — the rolls still turn out soft and flavorful without missing a beat.
Spice Levels: I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger or extra cinnamon when I want a bolder spice punch — totally up to your preference.
Nut Addition: For some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the crumble topping before baking — my family goes crazy for this added texture.
Mini Rolls: Roll out the dough smaller for bite-sized rolls, perfect for sharing at brunch or parties.

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 peeling and dicing your apples, then cook them gently in a pan with butter, brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Stir lazily over medium-high heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until the apples get tender but still hold some shape. If the filling looks dry at any time, add a splash of cider or water to keep things saucy. If the mixture isn’t thick enough after the apples soften, a quick cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) works wonders to thicken it up just like a glossy pie filling. I usually make this filling a day ahead so the flavors meld beautifully and it saves me time on the big baking day.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough and First Rise

This dough is rich but not intimidating, thanks to the yeast and warm milk combo. Whisk melted butter, warm milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt until blended, then gradually mix in your flour until the dough looks shaggy. After a quick rest, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes on low speed until it’s elastic and pulling away from the bowl. I love using my stand mixer for this part—it saves my arms! Spray your bowl with nonstick spray, place the dough back in, and cover it for about an hour until it doubles and the poke test confirms it’s ready. Pro tip: temperature affects rising time, so watch the dough not the clock—especially in cooler or warmer kitchens!

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

While the dough rises, preheat your oven and mix the crumble topping ingredients together, cutting in cold butter until you get coarse crumbs. Spread it on a sheet pan and bake until golden and crunchy, stirring once halfway so the topping cooks evenly. This crisp adds a lovely textural contrast and a little something extra I can’t get enough of!

Step 4: Whip Up the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

In a medium bowl, beat together the caramel sauce ingredients until smooth and thick. Spray your baking dish and spread the sauce evenly on the bottom—the rolls bake right on top of this sticky sweetness, soaking up all that caramel apple goodness. It’s the secret magic that makes these rolls stand apart.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Using the same bowl as your caramel (no extra cleanup!), beat the filling ingredients into a creamy, thick mixture. This luscious cinnamon cream cheese filling is the core of every roll—it’s thick but spreadable, so you can evenly slather it over the dough without it sliding off.

Step 6: Assemble the Rolls

Flour your work surface well and gently roll out the dough to roughly 14 by 22 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then dot 1 & 1/2 cups of the apple filling on top. Here’s a trick I discovered: slice the dough into strips along the long side, about 1 & 3/4 inches thick, and roll each into a cinnamon roll rather than rolling the entire dough into one log. It’s easier to manage and gives you perfectly sized rolls. Place them snugly into the dish on top of the caramel sauce, cover loosely, and let them rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and ready. You can tell they’re ready when an indent stays after a light poke.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Before baking, pour room temperature heavy cream evenly over and between the rolls—this keeps them wonderfully moist as they bake. Bake at 350℉ for 40 to 46 minutes until golden and set. Use an instant-read thermometer if you can—it should read about 205 to 210℉ in the center of the middle rolls for perfect doneness. Meanwhile, mix up the frosting so it’s ready when the rolls come out.

Step 8: Finish with Frosting and Serving

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls, then add a spoonful of the apple filling and a sprinkle of crumble topping. I love this moment—warm cinnamon rolls smothered in frosting with gooey apples and crunchy topping are so indulgent. Serve immediately for the best experience!

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

Perfect Apple Texture: I always stir the apple filling gently and don’t overcook—it should be tender but not mushy, so it holds nicely inside the rolls.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temp help the yeast activate better, which means fluffier rolls every time.
Rolling Technique: Cutting strips instead of a log makes rolling easier and keeps the filling from spilling out as you assemble.
Don’t Skip the Cream Over the Rolls: Pouring cream before baking creates a moist, tender crumb and helps caramelize the tops beautifully.

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 with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting, apple cinnamon roll recipe, fall dessert recipes, cinnamon rolls with caramel, apple pie flavored baked goods

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with an extra dollop of cream cheese frosting and a small spoonful of warm apple filling on top—this reminds everyone exactly what they’re sinking their teeth into. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans adds a lovely finishing touch if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a rich treat, so I typically pair them with fresh fruit or a bright green salad if serving for brunch. A warm cup of apple cider or a chai latte also complements them perfectly, keeping the flavor theme cozy and fall-inspired.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the cinnamon rolls in a circular bundt pan to create a stunning pull-apart centerpiece. Adding edible flowers or fresh apple slices around the serving platter visually amps up the charm, making it a perfect showstopper at holiday brunches or birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I’ve found that keeping the toppings separate helps the rolls stay fresh longer, so I add frosting and apple topping freshly before serving.

Freezing

I like to freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls assembled in their pan, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise an extra 30 minutes before baking for that fresh-baked taste even after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftover rolls gently in a 350℉ oven for about 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in—I always add a fresh spoonful of frosting and apple topping after reheating to revive that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! The apple filling can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking – just bring them to room temperature and allow a brief second rise before popping them in the oven.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their texture well and balance the sweetness perfectly. Softer apples may turn mushy during cooking and change the texture of your filling.
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough instead of making my own?

You can, but making your own dough allows better control over texture and flavor, and lets you build that amazing layered spice and apple filling from scratch. However, if pressed for time, a good quality premade dough can be adapted with this recipe’s fillings and toppings.
How do I prevent the rolls from being soggy?

Pouring cream over the rolls before baking helps keep them moist but not soggy. Also, make sure your apple filling isn’t too watery by thickening it with cornstarch. Allowing the rolls to bake fully at the right temperature and not overcrowding the pan helps achieve that perfect tender crumb with a crisp exterior.
Can I freeze these rolls after baking?

Yes, they freeze well after baking. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly feels like a little slice of fall heaven. I love how it brings together so many comforting flavors and textures into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just because you deserve a treat, these rolls will not disappoint. Give it a try—I promise your kitchen (and your family!) will thank you with every warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced mouthful.