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–+ servings

Decadent Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These Decadent Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are theultimate indulgence, with layers of caramel sweetness, tender apple filling,and rich cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Rolls
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Filling:

  • 4 large Honeycrisp apples 1000 g, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (113 g)
  • 1½ cups light brown sugar packed (300 g)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp fine salt 1 g
  • ¼ cup water 60 g
  • ¼ cup cornstarch 30 g
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened (113 g), for spreading later

Cinnamon Roll Dough:

  • 4¼ cups all-purpose flour 550 g
  • 4½ tsp or 2 packets instant dry yeast 14 g, ½ oz.
  • 1 tsp fine salt 6 g
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed (245 g)
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 125 g
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (113 g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100 g

Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature (85 g)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream room temperature (60 g)
  • ¼ tsp fine salt

Caramel Cream Cheese Icing:

  • ¼ cup cream cheese room temperature (56 g)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter room temperature (56 g)
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce 60 g, from above
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract 8 g
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar 190 g

Instructions
 

  • Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough : Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (not hot) and combine it with the yeast in a mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the applesauce, butter, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the flour. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Prepare the Apple Filling : In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until the apples are softened (about 10 minutes). Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it into the apple mixture, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Make the Caramel Sauce : Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it melts into a golden caramel. Add butter and mix until fully incorporated, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and salt. Let cool to room temperature.
  • Assemble the Rolls : Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12x16 inches). Spread the softened butter over the surface, then evenly distribute the apple filling on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Bake the Rolls : Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Icing : Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
  • Glaze and Serve : Spread the caramel cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a finishing touch and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Keyword Caramel apple dessert
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