Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love how the Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings together the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the fresh, tangy sweetness of apples and a crunchy crumble topping. It’s like autumn comfort wrapped up in a soft, fluffy roll, perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special brunch treat. Every bite melts in your mouth, and the cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the apple filling stays perfectly tender without turning mushy, giving the rolls such a delightful texture contrast with the crumble on top. You’ll find that these rolls are not only delicious but versatile—they work beautifully as an overnight bake or for a same-day indulgence, making them a wonderful option whether you’re planning ahead or craving a warm treat on a whim.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference when making Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. You’ll notice I like combining sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor, and picking quality cream cheese really makes the frosting shine.

• Dry active yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for a good rise; I always proof mine in warm milk first for best results.
• Whole milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and apple filling for sweetness.
• Eggs (room temperature): They help enrich the dough, making it soft and fluffy.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dough and creaminess to the filling and frosting.
• All-purpose flour: Start with 4 cups and add more as needed; I often need a little extra depending on humidity.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• Apples: I like using a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Fuji and Granny Smith) peeled and chopped for the perfect balance and texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to both the apple filling and crumble topping.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, spicy note throughout the dough, filling, and topping.
• Cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese makes the frosting smooth and tangy, elevating these rolls to bakery level.
• Powdered sugar: For a silky sweet frosting blend.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to fit different occasions or dietary needs. Sometimes swapping apples for pears or using gluten-free flour can open up new ways to enjoy the flavors you already love.

• Pear and Walnut Option: I once swapped apples for ripe pears and tossed in chopped walnuts for crunch – it was a hit with guests looking for something a bit different.
• Overnight Rise: Making these cinnamon rolls overnight lets the flavors deepen and makes morning prep so easy.
• Gluten-Free Dough: I experimented with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and while the texture is a touch different, the taste is still amazing.
• Glaze Instead of Cream Cheese Frosting: For a lighter finish, try a simple icing glaze made from powdered sugar and milk – still delicious but less rich.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Make the Dough

Start by combining your dry active yeast with warm whole milk and sugar, then let it rest about 10 minutes until you see bubbles—it’s a small step that guarantees your dough will rise beautifully. Next, add in eggs and melted butter before folding in most of your flour and salt. Don’t stress if the dough sticks a little at first; gently add more flour until it cleans the sides of the bowl but still feels soft and slightly tacky. Placing your dough in a greased bowl and covering it in a warm spot for about an hour lets it double, and that’s when you know you’ve done it right.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling

While your dough is rising, melt butter in a saucepan and combine it with granulated and brown sugars until everything is smooth and bubbly. Toss in your chopped apples with salt and cinnamon, then cook gently for about 15 minutes until the apples soften without falling apart—stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. It’s important to let this mixture cool a bit before spreading it on the dough; that helps keep your rolls from getting soggy.

Step 3: Assemble and Roll the Cinnamon Rolls

Grease your baking pan with butter and roll out the dough into a 15×20-inch rectangle on a floured surface—that size packs in just the right number of rolls. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle on the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, then carefully spoon the apple filling evenly on top. Roll up the dough starting from the long edge and slice it into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or clean dental floss (trust me, floss works wonders for clean cuts!). Arrange them snugly in the pan for that classic pull-apart appeal.

Step 4: Proof and Bake

If you’re baking immediately, cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm spot until doubled, about 30 minutes. Then bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 30-35 minutes until the internal temp hits 190°F (88°C)—watch the tops, and cover with foil if they brown too fast. For an overnight approach, simply cover the pan and refrigerate; the next day, let rolls come to room temperature and rise, then bake as usual. This trick makes busy mornings feel so much easier without sacrificing flavor.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Crumble

While rolls cool, whisk together room temperature cream cheese and butter until silky, then blend in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. For the crumble topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then stir in melted butter just until combined. Bake crumble on parchment for 12-15 minutes, breaking it up halfway so it gets crispy but doesn’t burn. Once your rolls are frosted and slightly cooled, sprinkle the crumble generously over the top for that gorgeous texture and flavor finish.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra sparkle by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the crumb-topped rolls. Sometimes a few thin apple slices or a pinch of fresh cinnamon on the frosting adds a lovely touch that makes them look café-worthy.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I place the rolls on a beautiful wooden board sprinkled with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a rustic feel. Wrapping a few rolls in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift that friends and family adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so they taste even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls arranged in the pan, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and foil, for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let come to room temp and rise before baking. I’ve also frozen baked and frosted rolls—just thaw in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Reheating

I gently warm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil to keep them soft. Adding a tiny dab of butter or extra frosting after reheating makes them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation, especially when I want to treat my loved ones to something truly comforting and impressive. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers that perfect combination of soft, gooey, fruity, and crunchy textures with every bite. I can’t recommend making these enough—they’re worth every minute of prep and bake time, and once you try them, I bet they’ll become a favorite for your family too!

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