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.
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.
APPLE CINNAMON ROLL CAKE {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
For the dough:
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
⅓ cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
6 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
-In a small saucepan, warm milk to about 110 degrees.
-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 a half cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
-Turn the dough out 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 doubled, approximately 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, prepare your filling.
For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups finely chopped tart apples
1 cup raisins
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon zest
-Mix all the filling ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl and set aside until your dough is doubled.
-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.
-Once again, 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.
-Once your cakes are totally cool, you can then either ice them or wrap them well and place them into the freezer to serve at a later date. Or, do one of both 🙂
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons almond extract
Whole Milk (Enough to mix to reach the consistency of honey)
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!
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Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
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!