Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decadence

Experience the perfect balance of tart apples, tender dough, and velvety caramel icing.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 16, 2025

Experience the perfect balance of tart apples, tender dough, and velvety caramel icing.

Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Indulge in a decadent breakfast or dessert with these Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls. Each roll features soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a luscious caramel apple filling, all finished with a generous drizzle of caramel icing. This is a recipe to savor, whether at holiday breakfasts or for sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Rolls

Luscious Caramel Apple Filling: Tart Granny Smith apples meet rich homemade caramel sauce for ultimate flavor.
Buttery, Fluffy Dough: The dough is tender, easy to work with, and makes for irresistibly soft rolls.
Sumptuous Caramel Icing: A smooth, decadent caramel icing crowns each roll, making them extra gooey and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe divides into three main parts: dough, filling, and caramel icing. Be sure to have all ingredients ready for smooth preparation.

Dough

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Filling

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Icing

1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
2–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a saucepan, combine milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Heat gently until just before boiling, but do not let it boil.
Remove from heat and cool to a warm, but not hot, temperature.
Add 4 cups of flour along with the yeast. Mix well; expect a sticky, heavy dough at this stage.
Cover and set in a warm place to let rise for one hour.
Add remaining 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Tip: You can refrigerate the dough at this point if making ahead. Allow it to warm to room temperature before continuing.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté apples for 3–4 minutes, until just tender. Remove apples and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add brown sugar; stir until dissolved and bubbling.
Pour in heavy cream; let the mixture bubble and thicken for about 1 minute.
Reduce heat to low, return apples to the skillet, and stir in cinnamon. Cook 1–2 minutes more until thickened. Cool slightly.

The aroma at this stage is truly irresistible!

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 10 x 30 inches).
Spread the caramel apple filling evenly over the dough, covering all but a 1-inch border at one long edge.
Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough toward you into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal and turn so it sits seam-side down.
Cut the log into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices.

Step 4: Arrange, Rise, and Bake

Grease or butter 3–4 disposable foil cake pans (for easy sharing and cleaning).
Place rolls cut-side up, slightly apart, in prepared pans.
Let rolls rise for 20–25 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Icing

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook until dissolved and bubbly.
Pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar (2–4 cups, depending on how thick you want your icing) and salt. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

If the icing thickens too much, add a splash of cream. For thicker icing, use additional powdered sugar.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Allow rolls to cool slightly after baking (about 5 minutes).
Spoon the caramel icing generously over warm rolls, letting it melt into every swirl.
Serve immediately for gooey, decadent perfection—or cool and store for later (see storage tips below).

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Rolls

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast with the sweet caramel filling.
Cool filling before spreading on dough to prevent melting the dough and making it difficult to roll.
Cut with floss for neat, round rolls without squishing the dough.
Don’t overbake: Err on the side of slightly underbaked for ultra-soft rolls.
Customize with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve warm for the perfect gooey texture.
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm before adding icing.

Variations and Add-Ins

Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle a half cup of chopped nuts over the apple filling before rolling.
Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Add a sweet-tart bite by including 1/2 cup dried fruit with the filling.
Extra Spices: Boost the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger to the filling.
Salted Caramel: Use salted butter or a pinch of flaky sea salt in the icing for a gourmet twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ingredient	Possible Substitutes
Whole Milk	2% milk or non-dairy milk (almond, oat)
Vegetable Oil	Canola or melted coconut oil
Granny Smith Apples	Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples
Heavy Cream	Half-and-half or evaporated milk
Brown Sugar	Coconut sugar or a mix of white sugar with maple syrup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight after arranging them in the pan. Let them come to room temperature and rise about 30–45 minutes before baking in the morning.

Can I freeze caramel apple sweet rolls?

Absolutely. Bake the rolls without icing and let them cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, warm, and add the icing before serving.

Do I have to use Granny Smith apples?

No, but Granny Smith apples are best for their tartness, which balances the sweet caramel. Other crisp, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly butter or grease the pans, and if you like, line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes. Halve all ingredients for a smaller batch, perfect for just one or two pans of rolls (about six to eight rolls).

Perfect Pairings & Seasonal Inspiration

Pair with fresh coffee, hot cider, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.
These sweet rolls are a festive addition to holiday breakfasts, brunches, or even as a special dessert for gatherings.
Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience.

Troubleshooting & Expert Baking Tips

Dough won’t rise? Check that your yeast is fresh and the milk mixture is warm (not hot or cold) to activate yeast properly.
Filling leaks out? Leave a clean border on the dough’s edge to help seal the log when rolling.
Rolls rising unevenly? Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and rolls are evenly spaced in the pans.
Tough or dry rolls? Avoid adding excess flour to the dough; err on the sticky side for the softest rolls.

Final Tips: Making Memories with Homemade Sweet Rolls

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls are perfect for making delicious memories. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and share the homemade love. Don’t forget—the gooey caramel icing is what makes them truly unforgettable!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb