Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a fall treat that combines classic cinnamon rolls with the flavor of warm Apple pie! Filled with fresh apples, you’re sure to love this blend of two classic treats.

If you’re looking for more cinnamon rolls, check out some of my other favorites like Quick One Rise Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch, Small Batch Honey Butter Cinnamon Rolls, or Hot Chocolate Sweet Rolls.

caramel apple pie cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet on a tile table with apples.

A Quick Look At The Recipe

Recipe Name: Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Ready In: 4 hours 5 minutes
Makes: 8 cinnamon rolls
Main Ingredients: butter, yeast, all purpose flour, apples
Flavor Profile: familiar coziness of apple pie in a cinnamon roll
Dietary Info: no seed oils
Difficulty: Medium
Why You’ll Love It: soft, fluffy, one rise cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Twist on a Classic: These Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a fun fall twist on the beloved classic! With the addition of fresh apples and caramel glaze, these are sure to be a crowd pleaser in your house too!
Fall Flavors: I combine my classic cinnamon rolls with fresh apples, caramel sauce, and nutmeg for caramel apple cinnamon rolls that have all the flavors of apple pie and caramel apples rolled into one.
One Rise: My easy cinnamon rolls only have one rise! This makes them much faster than tradition cinnamon rolls that have two rises.
Fluffy AF: These easy cinnamon rolls are fluffy AF! You’ll never even know these only have one rise, unless you made them, haha!

Jump to:

A Quick Look At The Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Baker’s Tips
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Make Ahead Instructions
Recipe FAQ’s
Fall Brunch Inspo
More Cozy Fall Recipes
Caramel Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
The Bake Shop

Ingredients

Yeast: I use organic instant yeast here, but you could also use active dry yeast too. The instant yeast just make it faster, which I love!
All Purpose Flour: My favorite is Cairnspring Mills.
Cinnamon: My favorite is organic Korintje cinnamon, which is what I always use. Check out Best Cinnamon to Bake With for more info on the different varieties of cinnamon.
Light Brown Sugar: I love making my own homemade light brown sugar, but store bought works too.
Apples: I like to use a sweeter apple like Fuji here, but you can use any kind you like. Granny smith apples, Gala apples, or even your favorite red apple work!
Caramel Sauce: I always make my homemade true caramel sauce, but you can use a store bought caramel too. If you want to make it, be sure to do that ahead of time so it has time to cool. I usually do this a day or two in advance as caramel lasts a long time in the fridge.

*For a full list of ingredients and measurements, visit the recipe card below.

Baker’s Tips

If you are using instant yeast, you don’t technically have to bloom it. Blooming means mixing it with sugar and water and allowing it to bubble. I always do this, just to be sure my instant yeast is still fresh. If you’re not doing this, you can just add everything in together.
I use salted butter, but if you are using unsalted, just add a pinch of salt to the dough.
I baked in a cast iron skillet, but a ceramic dish also works too.
If you are making my Homemade True Caramel Sauce, be sure to do this a day or so in advance so it has time to cool.
For a less sweet option, try topping these with my Maple Cream Cheese Spread in place of icing!
High Altitude — Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and the center looks done.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

yeast bubbling in a glass mixing bowl on a mixer with the dough hook.

To make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the yeast, 1/2 teaspoon cane sugar, and warm water. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until bubbly.

butter and milk being melted in a small pot over the stovetop being stirred with a spatula.

Melt the butter and milk together. You can do this over the stovetop or in the microwave.

ingredients for apple pie cinnamon roll dough in a glass mixing bowl.

Add the flour, 57 grams cane sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Add the egg and the milk mixture over the top.

cinnamon roll dough in a glass mixing bowl.

Knead on speed 2 to 4 for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth.

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll dough in a glass mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap on a marble counter with a jar of caramel and tiny pumpkins.

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll dough in a glass mixing bowl that has risen covered with plastic wrap on a marble counter with a jar of caramel and tiny pumpkins.

Allow to rise for 1 to 3 hours or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

diced apples in a white bowl on a white marble counte.r

To make the filling: Chop the apple into tiny chunks. I leave skin on, but you can peel if you prefer. Set aside.

glass mixing bowl with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg on a marble counter with tiny pumpkins.

In a mixing bowl add the butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon.

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll filling mixed together in a glass mixing bowl with a spatula on a marble counter with tiny pumpkins.

Mix together with a spatula.

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll dough rolled out on a marble countertop with a bowl of chopped apples beside it.

On a lightly floured surface turn out the dough and roll into a rectangle that’s about 12 x 16-inches.

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll dough rolled out on a marble counter spread with brown sugar cinnamon filling and chopped apples.

Using a butter knife or spatula spread the butter mixture all over the rolled out dough. Spread the chopped apples on top of the butter mixture.

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll dough rolled into a log with a knife beside it on a marble counter.

Starting at the longer end, roll the dough into a log.

cast iron skillet with caramel apple pie cinnamon roll dough inside it on a marble counter with tiny pumpkins.

Trim off the edges, then cut the log into 8 pieces. Place in a 10-inch cast iron skillet.

baked caramel apple pie cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet cooling on top of an oven.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the center looks done. These will take a bit longer than my traditional cinnamon rolls because the apples add more moisture. If you want a more doughy center, then go shorter. (If you’re baking at high altitude be sure to check the Notes at the bottom of the recipe for high altitude baking instructions).

caramel glaze in a glass mixing bowl with a spoon on a marble counter with tiny pumpkins and a jar of caramel sauce.

To make the glaze: Add the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and milk to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together until a smooth glaze forms.

caramel apple pie cinnamon rolls with caramel glaze on top in a cast iron skillet on a marble counter with tiny pumpkins.

Once the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 to 1 minutes. Then, spread over the top of the warm rolls.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prep these the day before. Do all the steps down to placing the cut cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This will ensure they don't dry out. Place in the fridge overnight. Remove the cinnamon rolls in the morning and preheat the oven while the rolls come to room temperature. Then, just bake them off. You can mix up the glaze while they are baking!

Note: If you are baking in a cast iron skillet, like me, don't refrigerate the cast iron. You'll need to put the rolls in something else, then transfer to a cast iron skillet before baking.

caramel apple pie cinnamon rolls with caramel glaze in a cast iron skillet on a tile table with apples.

Recipe FAQ’s

What are the best apples for apple pie cinnamon rolls?

I like to use Fuji, like I'm using here as I prefer a sweeter variety of apple for these. But, you can use your favorite apple, any kind will work. If you want a more tart apple flavor, go with Granny Smith or you can even use something similar to Fuji like Gala, Pink Lady or Cosmic Crisp.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, I don't peel the apples as the skins soften as they bake so I don't see the need to. But, if you want to, you can.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, either works. If you are using active dry yeast you'll want to ensure you bloom it before beginning. Also, the dough may rise slower if you use active dry yeast. Just be sure to look for visual signs the dough has doubled in size.

Why didn't my cinnamon roll dough rise?

If your yeast is bad, this is the biggest reason the dough won't rise. Ensure that your yeast is fresh. Also, place dough in a warm place as it helps the dough rise. And, ensure that you let it rise long enough.

How do I know when cinnamon rolls are done?

They will be golden brown around the edges, if they aren't lightly golden yet, then you can bake for a few extra minutes.

Why are my cinnamon rolls doughy in the middle?

Underbaking is the most common reason your cinnamon rolls are doughy in the center. Make sure they are done before removing from the oven.

Will cinnamon rolls rise in the fridge?

Yes, but only a small amount. This is why you should let the cinnamon rolls rise first, cut and place in the baking dish before refrigerating. Then they will be ready to bake off the next morning if you want to prep ahead.

Can cinnamon rolls be left out overnight?

Yes, but you should cover them under a cake dome or wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap so they don't dry out.

How should I store homemade cinnamon rolls?

Store baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave or in your toaster oven or air fryer.

Fall Brunch Inspo

Serve Homemade Sesame Bagels with Cinnamon Honey Butter Spread Recipe.
Enjoy with Chai Tea Hot Chocolate or Sparkling Apple Cider Mimosas.
Baked Chai Donuts with Sourdough Discard are another fall favorite that's perfect for weekend brunch!
Make fall waffles like Buttermilk Pumpkin Waffles , Eggless Apple Cinnamon Waffles or Healthy Pumpkin Waffles With Bone Broth.
Enjoy with Eggless Pumpkin Spice Scones!
Homemade Vanilla Granola with Cranberries is always a great option for brunch!
These make a great sweet side to Fluffy Scrambled Eggs With Sour Cream.
Pumpkin Spice Pop Tarts With Pie Crust are a fall brunch favorite!

caramel apple pie cinnamon roll with a fork on a plate on a tile table.

More Cozy Fall Recipes

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies With Caramel

Eggless Apple Cinnamon Waffles

Brown Butter Apple Pie Without Eggs

Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting

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