Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

There’s something utterly irresistible about the combination of warm apples, sweet caramel, and the soft, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls. Enter the Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake—a delightful and effortless dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. This recipe takes one simple can of cinnamon rolls and transforms it into a luscious cake bursting with tender apples, a hint of cinnamon spice, and a luscious caramel drizzle, all topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend treat or a show-stopping dessert for guests, this cake hits all the right notes.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

What makes this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake such a hit? For starters, it combines familiar flavors that everyone loves—apples and cinnamon, sweet caramel, and the soft, buttery sweetness of cinnamon rolls. The cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy bakers or anyone looking for an impressive dessert without hours in the kitchen. The texture is soft and moist with a beautiful balance of sweet and tart from the apples and brown sugar. Plus, the optional walnuts add a delightful crunch, making each bite a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to disappear quickly.

What’s in the Bowl

• 1 can of cinnamon rolls – the base of our cake, providing that signature cinnamon swirl and soft texture.
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced – adds freshness and a slight tartness that balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – for a deep caramel flavor and sweetness.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – adds richness and helps bind the apple topping.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – enhances the warm spice notes throughout the cake.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – for a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce – drizzled on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese glaze.
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened – forms the base of the luscious glaze.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfection.

Setup & Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan – perfect size for this cake, helping it bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls – for combining the apple topping and glaze.
• Whisk or spoon – for mixing the glaze smoothly.
• Knife and cutting board – to peel and dice the apples.
• Spatula – to spread the cinnamon rolls and apple topping evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Peel and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until every piece is coated beautifully. This mixture will soften and caramelize as it bakes, infusing your cake with that perfect apple-cinnamon flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Place them in your greased 9-inch cake pan, pressing them together slightly but leaving a little space for the apples to seep through. The cinnamon rolls will act as the fluffy cake base for this recipe.

Step 3: Add the Apple Mixture and Walnuts

Evenly distribute your apple and brown sugar mixture over the cinnamon rolls. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle those on top now for added crunch and nuttiness. This layering creates a beautiful texture contrast once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cake into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cinnamon rolls should be golden brown, and the apples tender and bubbling. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!

Step 5: Mix the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cake bakes, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk if needed until smooth and creamy. This glaze adds a cool, tangy complement to the warm sweetness of the cake.

Step 6: Drizzle and Finish

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Then, spoon or pipe the cream cheese glaze over the caramel for a stunning finish that tastes as good as it looks.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and even makes a decadent breakfast treat or brunch centerpiece.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Apples: Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for their tartness, but you can swap for Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor.
• Walnuts: Substitute with pecans or almonds, or omit entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
• Caramel sauce: Use a date caramel or a simple homemade caramel sauce without cream for a lighter option.
• Cream cheese glaze: Swap cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
• Cinnamon rolls: If you want to go homemade, try your favorite cinnamon roll dough recipe or use crescent roll dough for a lighter texture.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

• If the apples release too much juice, causing the cake to be soggy, try draining some of the liquid before adding the apples on top of the cinnamon rolls.
• If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Make sure the cinnamon rolls are pressed together but not overly squished to allow for even baking.
• Over-baking can dry out the cake, so keep an eye during the last 5 minutes and test with a toothpick in the cinnamon roll center.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Store your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, simply microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake (without glaze) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the glaze and caramel just before serving.

Your Top Questions

Can I use fresh caramel instead of store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce made with sugar, butter, and cream (or a dairy alternative) works beautifully. It adds a warm, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon rolls.

What type of apples are best for this cake?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. Softer apples can become mushy and overly sweet.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes! Use vegan cinnamon rolls (available at many stores or homemade), dairy-free butter, a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and a vegan caramel sauce. This way, you keep the delicious flavors while fitting a vegan diet.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two separate pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger cakes may require additional minutes to bake through.

Weekend Projects

• Try your hand at Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for a fall-inspired sweet treat that complements this cake beautifully.
• Whip up an Apple Crisp Cheesecake to impress guests with another apple and cinnamon-flavored dessert.
• Experiment with homemade caramel sauce to add a personal touch to your desserts.
• Bake a batch of cinnamon rolls from scratch to elevate your cake with fresh dough and richer cinnamon swirls.

Final Bite

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect marriage of comforting fall flavors and quick, no-fuss baking. The tender cinnamon roll base, spiced apple topping, crunchy walnuts, and luscious caramel and cream cheese glaze come together in a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises smiles and seconds all around. So grab that can of cinnamon rolls and apples, and let this easy cake bring warmth and sweetness to your table.

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