Introduction: A Warm Hug from Your Kitchen
Remember those childhood memories? The comforting smell of cinnamon and apples baking, the excitement of a warm treat, a slice of pure joy that instantly takes you to a simpler time. Today, we take those good feelings and make them even better with a dessert that will quickly become a family favorite: the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake. Get ready to enjoy the familiar magic of apple pie and the lovely comfort of a cinnamon roll, all in one amazing bite. This is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to make new, tasty memories right in your kitchen!
Why Make This Recipe
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake is a great recipe to make. It brings together the best parts of two favorite treats: apple pie and cinnamon rolls. You get the yummy, spiced taste of a cinnamon roll with the sweet, soft apple filling of a classic apple pie. This cake looks fancy, like you spent a lot of time on it, but it is actually simple to make. Both new and experienced bakers will find the steps easy to follow. It is perfect for parties, holidays, or just a nice weekend treat. Everyone will love it and ask for the recipe. You can eat it warm for breakfast, as a dessert, or with your coffee in the afternoon. Plus, the smell of it baking will make your house feel cozy and wonderful.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
Making an Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake involves a few main steps: making and rising the dough, cooking the apple filling, putting the cake together, baking it, and then adding a cream cheese glaze. Each step is important to get the best taste and texture. You will start by activating the yeast for the dough, then kneading it and letting it rise. While the dough rises, you will prepare the sweet and spiced apple filling. After that, you will roll out the dough, spread a cinnamon swirl, add the apple filling, and roll it up. Slicing the roll into individual cakes and letting them rise again prepares them for baking. Finally, a simple cream cheese glaze finishes this delicious treat.
Ingredients of : Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
For the Dough
* 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm milk (between 105-115°F/40-46°C)
* ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
* 1 large egg
* ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Apple Filling
* 3 medium apples (firm, baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced)
* ½ cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Cinnamon Swirl
* ¼ cup softened unsalted butter
* ½ cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
* 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
* 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions of : Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
A. Preparing the Dough
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy. This means the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the melted unsalted butter and the egg to the foamy yeast mixture. Whisk them together well.
3. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, the remaining granulated sugar, and the salt.
4. **Form the Dough:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or your hand until a rough, sticky dough forms.
5. **Knead and Rise:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy. Place the dough in a bowl that you have lightly greased with butter or cooking spray. Turn the dough over once so the top is also greased. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
B. Crafting the Apple Pie Filling
1. **Sauté Apples:** In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they start to soften slightly.
2. **Combine Spices:** Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you are using it), and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sugar melts and the apples are well coated.
3. **Thicken:** Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and stir well. Cook for 1 more minute until the sauce around the apples thickens. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apple filling cool down a bit before you use it.
C. Assembling the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
1. **Roll Out Dough:** Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches.
2. **Spread Cinnamon Swirl:** In a small bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a paste. Evenly spread this cinnamon swirl mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) along the edges.
3. **Layer Apple Filling:** Carefully spoon the cooled apple pie filling over the cinnamon swirl layer, spreading it out evenly. Make sure to leave that small border clear.
4. **Roll and Slice:** Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss (unwaxed, unflavored) to slice the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1.5 inches thick.
5. **Arrange in Pan:** Gently place the sliced rolls, cut side up, into a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish. Leave a little space between each roll, as they will expand.
6. **Second Rise:** Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they look visibly puffy and have nearly doubled in size.
D. Baking to Golden Perfection
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the apples inside are tender. If the tops brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.
3. **Cool Slightly:** Take the baking dish out of the oven. Let the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before glazing.
E. Drizzling the Cream Cheese Glaze
1. **Whip Glaze:** In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy.
2. **Add Sweetness:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until it is fully mixed in and smooth.
3. **Achieve Consistency:** Stir in the milk or heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Mix until the glaze is smooth and can be poured easily. If it is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
4. **Glaze and Serve:** Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake in the pan. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
Enjoy your Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake warm. It always tastes best fresh from the oven. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra special treat. It is great for breakfast or brunch with coffee or tea. This cake also makes a wonderful dessert after any meal.
How to Store Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
Store any leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake in a container that seals tightly. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To warm it up again, place it in the microwave for a short time or in a low oven until it is warm and gooey.
Tips to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Be Patient with the Rise: Do not rush the dough rising time. Letting the dough rise fully makes it light and soft.
- Milk Temperature: Make sure your milk is the correct temperature for the yeast. If it is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If it is too cold, the yeast will not activate.
- Cool the Filling: Let the apple filling cool down before you put it on the dough. If it is too hot, it can affect the dough texture.
- Do Not Overbake: Bake the cake only until it is golden brown to keep it from getting dry.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Glaze: Use softened cream cheese for the glaze. This helps you get a smooth consistency.
Variation
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra texture. You can also sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cream cheese glaze for a more rich flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a deeper and more interesting spice taste.
FAQs (Minimum Three FAQ)
Q1: Can I make the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Make the rolls and put them in the baking dish. Then, cover it and put it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let the cake sit out at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before you bake it as directed. For the best taste and texture, bake the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake fresh.
Q2: What kind of apples are best for this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake?
You should use firm apples that stay together when baked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples are good choices. Mixing sweet and tart apples can also make your Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake taste even better.
Q3: My dough is not rising. What went wrong?
Most of the time, dough does not rise because the yeast is old, the milk is too hot (which kills the yeast), or the milk is too cold (which does not activate the yeast). Also, a cold room can stop the dough from rising. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) for the best results when you make your Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
Equipment
- small bowl
- whisk
- large mixing bowl
- countertop
- skillet
- plastic wrap
- clean kitchen towel
- sharp knife
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- oven
- electric mixer
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2.5-3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk between 105-115°F/40-46°C
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples firm, baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
A. Preparing the Dough
- Mix warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate.
- Whisk melted butter and egg into the foamy yeast mixture.
- Combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing until a rough, sticky dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
B. Crafting the Apple Pie Filling
- Melt butter in a medium skillet, add diced apples, and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice; cook for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over apples, stir, and cook for 1 minute until thickened, then remove from heat and let cool.
C. Assembling the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Gently punch down risen dough, then roll it into an 18x12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a paste, then spread evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border.
- Carefully spoon the cooled apple filling over the cinnamon swirl layer, spreading evenly while maintaining the border.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log from one of the longer sides, then slice into 12 equal 1.5-inch pieces.
- Gently place the sliced rolls, cut side up, into a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each.
- Cover the dish loosely and let rolls rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
D. Baking to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and apples are tender; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before glazing.
E. Drizzling the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully mixed in and smooth.
- Stir in milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is smooth and easily pourable; adjust consistency as needed.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cake and serve immediately.