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Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something about cinnamon rolls that just warms the soul. When you add the tangy flavor of apples, the sweetness of caramel, and a sprinkle of salt, it turns into a comforting masterpiece that everyone adores.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Servings: 10 Servings
Calories: 266kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients

Tasty’s Homemade Cinnamon Roll

  • Unsalted butter for greasing the pan
  • 2 Granny Smith apples cut into 1/4-inch (6 mm) wedges
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons room-temperature unsalted butter
  • ½ cup room-temperature heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum

Instructions

  • Get ready to make some magical rolls! Follow these steps closely, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

  • Start by preparing your apples. Cut the Granny Smith apples into thin wedges. The tartness of these apples is crucial to balancing the sweetness of the roll. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their flavor.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

  • To make the salted caramel, place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it melts and achieves a deep amber color. Remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. This part can splash, so be cautious! Add vanilla extract, flaky sea salt, light corn syrup, and dark rum. Stir until combined, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

  • For the cinnamon rolls, you can use pre-made dough or make your own. If you’re going homemade, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm milk and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5–10 minutes until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll the Dough

  • Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread soft butter over the surface of the dough evenly.

Step 5: Create the Filling

  • Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Then, evenly distribute the prepared apple wedges. Drizzle some of the salted caramel sauce over the filling for that extra heavenly touch.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

  • Starting from the long end of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly. Use a sharp knife or a string to cut it into 12 equal pieces. Each cut should measure about one and a half inches.

Step 7: Bake

  • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the second rise, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Drizzle More Caramel

  • Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle with the remaining salted caramel sauce before serving. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Notes

  1. Choose the Right Apples:
    Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith for balance.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
    Fresh produce enhances flavor. Always go for fresh apples and real vanilla extract over imitation.
  3. Keep the Dough Fluffy:
    Don’t over-knead the dough. Just until smooth is best.
  4. Watch the Caramel:
    When melting the sugar, keep an eye on it. It can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in moments.
  5. Serve Warm:
    These rolls are best enjoyed warm. You can microwave them briefly before serving if they’ve cooled down.

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcal
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