Love cinnamon rolls but sometimes wish they could serve as an impressive dessert? Look no further! This recipe for Cinnamon Roll Cake with Apples is just what you're looking for!
*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2011. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.
This was originally a cupcake recipe but I tweaked it and turned it into a cake. Two actually. One we ate right away and the other is wrapped and frozen (without icing) waiting for the perfect time to make its appearance.
Save this for later.
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Email forwarding service for saving information.
This cake was relatively easy to make but it did take a bit of time, due to it being a yeast dough that needed to get its "rise" on.
Give yourself approximately 4 hours from start to icing time and you're good to go.
I iced mine twice because the first time my cake was still a bit too warm and the icing more melted than drizzled.
Do as I say, not as I do. 🙂
Be patient and you'll not be disappointed.
Slice and serve!
Printable Recipe Card
CINNAMON ROLL CAKE WITH APPLES
Equipment
- standard-size Bundt pan
- kitchen scale optional
- stand mixer optional
- nut chopper optional
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cups warm milk (110-115 degrees)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour divided
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons butter at room temperature
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1 cup finely chopped tart apples
- ½ cup raisins optional
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
For the icing:
- 1¼ cup confectioners sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 teaspoons pure almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk Or enough to reach the consistency of thick honey.
Instructions
To make the dough:
- -In a small saucepan, warm milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit
- -In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and the sugar in the milk.
- -Add the salt and two cups of flour and beat for a few minutes.
- -Beat in the eggs and butter.
- -Stir in the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- -Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (approximately 5 minutes).
- -Place the dough in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- -Set it in a warm place and allow it to rise until it doubled, approximately 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your filling.
To make the filling:
- -Mix all the filling ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and set aside until your dough has doubled in volume.
- How to fill and roll the dough:
- -Roll out the dough into a long rectangle about ¼" thick and brush with half of the melted butter.
- -Spread the apple nut mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch empty border on all sides.
- -Roll dough from the long side over on itself to form a log, keeping it as even as possible and squeezing it slightly as you roll.
- -Cut the roll evenly in half and carefully place each piece in 2 well-buttered pans. I used 1 Bundt and one angel food cake pan.
- -Cover with plastic wrap and allow your cakes to double in a warm place for approximately 1 hour.
- -Once doubled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and brush with the remaining melted butter.
- -Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until your cakes are golden in color.
- -Remove from the oven and allow your cakes to cool for 20 minutes before removing them from the pans to complete the cooling process.
To ice the cake:
- -Stir all the ingredients together until the icing is the consistency of thick honey and drizzle it over the top of the cake.
Notes
Nutrition
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Elle says
Oh wow! What a showstopper!
kat says
Seeing it sliced is the real kicker here!
Maranda says
Once I saw the inside of this cake I literally said "Oh my God." That looks SOOOO good. And beautiful too! Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
Lovely! I might have to make this...SOON!
Megan says
What a great twist in the cinnamon roll! Sure would go great with my coffee right now.
Paula says
You awesome baker you! This cake looks so delicious. As I was reading and scrolling down I was hoping that you would have a picture of the cake cut. You never disappoint. It is beautiful. Wish I had one in MY freezer right now!