Name: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling; ⅓ cup cold unsalted butter (for crumble); ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumble); ⅓ cup brown sugar (for crumble)

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Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate cozy treat, look no further than these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon-spiced apples, crowned with a buttery crumble, and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce! These rolls are perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want to wow your family with something unforgettable. Ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas? Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top Recipe

Each bite combines gooey caramel, tender apples, and a pillowy cinnamon roll for pure comfort food bliss.
The crumbly streusel topping adds extra texture and bakery-style decadence.

This recipe makes a showstopping centerpiece for brunches, holidays, or cozy mornings in.
You can prep the rolls ahead, making them perfect for busy schedules.
It’s a fun, approachable baking project for bakers of all skill levels!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ¼ cups (410g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)

¼ cup (55g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature

½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
½ cup (100g) light brown sugar

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Crumble Top:

½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar
¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup (110g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoon water

¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoon (30g) unsalted butter
Pinch of salt

How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in yeast, stir gently, and let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until apples are soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Crumble Top

Combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter in a bowl.
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until pea-sized crumbs form. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Punch down the dough. Roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
Tightly roll up the dough from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.

Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over each roll.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until puffy, about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake rolls for 28–32 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are set.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

While rolls bake, cook sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling until deep amber (do not stir).
Remove from heat and whisk in butter and cream (be careful, it will bubble). Add salt. Cool slightly before drizzling.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let rolls cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Notes for the Best Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Use bread flour for even fluffier rolls if you have it (here’s a great flour guide).

If your caramel seizes, gently reheat and whisk until smooth.
Let the rolls cool before adding caramel for neater presentation.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top Variations

Pecan Caramel Apple Rolls: Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans to the filling for nutty crunch.

Maple Glaze: Swap caramel sauce for a quick maple glaze using powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk.
Mini Rolls: Slice into 18 smaller rolls and bake for 22–25 minutes for bite-size treats.

Required Equipment for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Large mixing bowls

9x13-inch baking dish
Rolling pin
Pastry cutter or fork

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon

Storage Instructions for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. For longer storage, freeze baked (but unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and add caramel sauce before serving.

Serving Recommendations for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Serve warm with extra caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert delight.
Pair with strong coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for a perfect brunch spread.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added decadence.

Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Let your dough rise in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven for a quicker proof (learn more on bread science).
Dice apples uniformly so they cook evenly in the filling.
For ultra-soft rolls, don't overbake—pull them from the oven when just golden and set.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top

Can I prepare these rolls the night before?: Yes! Assemble rolls and cover tightly in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temp and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
What apples work best for this recipe?: Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead?: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works in a pinch, but homemade gives you the richest flavor (see this caramel guide).

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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Crumble Top