Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with you because it combines two of my all-time favorite treats: cinnamon rolls and apple crumble. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how the sweet, tender apple filling with warm cinnamon notes melded perfectly with the soft, fluffy dough. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for cozy weekend mornings or as a special dessert when you want to impress family and friends.

You’ll find that this Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also adaptable and forgiving, which makes it ideal even if you’re new to baking cinnamon rolls. The extra touch of homemade crumble on top adds that delightful crunch, and the cream cheese frosting brings a luscious creaminess that ties everything together. Honestly, this recipe quickly became my go-to for holidays and lazy Sunday breakfasts alike.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe uses ingredients you probably already have on hand and combines them into flavors that just sing together. When possible, I like to choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more dynamic filling — it makes all the difference.

• Dry active yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and proof it properly for the fluffiest dough.
• Whole milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and gives a richer flavor than skim.
• Granulated sugar: Used in both dough and filling for just the right sweetness.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help the dough rise evenly.
• Unsalted butter: Use real butter for the best flavor, both melted and softened.
• All purpose flour: Vital for structure, but be mindful of humidity as it affects how much you’ll need.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the filling and crumble.
• Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples keeps the filling flavorful and not overly sweet.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice in both the filling and crumb topping, you can’t skip this!
• Cream cheese: For that luscious frosting that complements the rolls perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet cream cheese icing.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to fit different tastes or dietary needs—feel free to make it your own! Whether swapping apples for pears or lightening up the frosting, it’s all about what you enjoy eating.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once used a gluten-free flour blend successfully, just remember the dough might be slightly denser, so handle gently.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes for a delicious allergy-friendly twist.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling makes this perfect for holiday breakfasts.
• Overnight Prep: I like to prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them — it makes for an effortless, impressive breakfast the next day.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your dry active yeast, granulated sugar, and warm whole milk in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it gets bubbly and frothy—this step is key to getting that fluffy dough everyone loves. Once bubbled up, add your room temperature eggs and melted butter, stirring well to combine before gradually adding flour and salt. The dough should come together and mostly pull away from the sides, but a slight stickiness to the bottom is normal and helps keep your rolls soft. I’ve learned that patience here pays off, so don’t rush adding the flour—adding it little by little ensures you don’t over-dry the dough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and find a warm cozy spot in your kitchen. It should double in size in about an hour. I like to use my oven with just the light on — it’s the perfect low-heat environment. Avoid peeking too often though, as that can make the dough lose heat and slow the rising process.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, melt butter with brown and granulated sugars over medium heat, then stir in your chopped apples, salt, and cinnamon. Let everything cook together until the apples are soft and soak up all that buttery, cinnamon sugar goodness—around 15 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma, and I love letting the filling cool while the dough finishes rising to prevent sogginess later.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter and set aside. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large 15×20-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and spread the apple filling on top. Roll the dough carefully starting from one long side to the other, then cut the roll into 12 even slices. When I learned to use dental floss instead of a knife for slicing, it made neat rolls without squishing them—baker’s tip for the win!

Step 5: Proof and Bake Your Rolls

If baking immediately, cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them sit until doubled in size—around 30 minutes in a warm spot. Then bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30-35 minutes, keeping a close eye so the tops don’t brown too quickly—use foil if needed. For an overnight version, just cover the rolls in the fridge and bake them the next morning after they come to room temp and double in size. I’ve found overnight prep saves so much time and tastes just as amazing!

Step 6: Cream Cheese Frosting and Crumble Topping

While the rolls bake and cool slightly, whip together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar for a luscious frosting. Meanwhile, bake the crumble mixture of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until lightly crisp. Once rolls are frosted and the crumble is cool, sprinkle it on top for that perfect crunch. This layering of textures is what truly elevates the Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for me—total crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my cinnamon rolls with a little extra crumble right before serving to add a fresh crunch. Sometimes, a light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans really amps up the texture and flavor—definitely try it if you want that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls are perfect alongside a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I like pairing them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works surprisingly well if you want to round out a meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the rolls on a large rustic wood board surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You can also bake them in individual ramekins for personal-sized treats that look stunning on a dessert buffet. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint can create a stunning contrast and make your presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crumble cinnamon rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I like to bring them to room temperature before reheating to maintain that soft texture.

Freezing

I often freeze these rolls unbaked, right after slicing, by placing them in a pan and wrapping tightly. When ready to bake, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then proof and bake as usual—fresh cinnamon rolls anytime!

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10 minutes. This helps the frosting soften and the inner dough stay moist without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has become one of those delightful rituals I look forward to, especially when the scent of cinnamon and apples fills the kitchen. I hope you enjoy the process as much as the outcome! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll have a new favorite for slow weekends and special mornings alike. Go ahead, bake a batch, share some smiles, and enjoy every warm, gooey bite.

Print