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Apple Caramel Rolls on a sheet pan on a wooden table from overhead.
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Apple Caramel Rolls

Apple Caramel Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped apples, baked over a layer of caramel and sliced apples. Flip them onto a platter while they’re still warm for gooey caramel and baked apples on top!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Rising Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Keyword: Apple Caramel Rolls
Servings: 15 caramel rolls
Calories: 541kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iambaker.net

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 cups (16 ounces) whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 4 ½ cups (562.5 g) all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for dusting
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Caramel Apple Topping

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whiskey, optional
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 2 cups)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans, optional

Filling

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • Heat the milk in a medium microwave-safe bowl for 2 to 2 ½ minutes, or until it reaches 110°F. Stir in the oil and granulated sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 1 minute.
  • Add 4 cups of flour to a large bowl. Pour the milk mixture over the flour and stir until just combined. The dough will be warm, wet, and sticky.
  • Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
  • Add the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining ½ cup flour. Knead until the dough is fully combined. You can knead it directly in the bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
  • When you are ready to assemble the caramel rolls, continue with the caramel apple topping.

Prepare the Caramel Rolls

  • Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place the dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet to catch any caramel that bubbles over.
  • In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, salt, vanilla, and whiskey, if using, until smooth.
  • Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Arrange the sliced apples in a single layer over the caramel. Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the apples, if using.

Assemble the Caramel Rolls

  • When ready to assemble, roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 30x10-inch rectangle.
  • Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
  • In a small bowl, toss the finely chopped apple with the lemon juice. Spread the apple over a paper towel and gently pat dry.
  • Scatter the chopped apple evenly over the brown sugar and cinnamon, keeping it in a single, even layer.
  • Starting with one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 15 equal slices, about 2 inches wide each. Unflavored dental floss works well for making clean cuts.
  • Arrange the rolls cut side up in the prepared baking dish, placing them over the sliced apples and caramel.
  • Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Bake

  • While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. If the tops begin to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil during the final 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the caramel rolls rest for about 15 minutes. The caramel will be extremely hot, so use caution when handling the pan.
  • Place a large serving platter or cutting board over the baking dish. Carefully and quickly invert the pan onto the platter. Be very careful, as hot caramel may run out around the edges. Lift the baking dish away and let any remaining caramel and apples settle over the rolls.
  • Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1caramel roll | Calories: 541kcal