Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls Apple

Pillowy soft cinnamon rolls brimming with warm apples and sweet cinnamon are cooked slowly in your crock pot making this an unbeatable comfort breakfast or dessert. Let the crock pot do the work while you relax with family or prep for a holiday morning. Perfect when you need something special for a group and want every bite to taste like a cozy autumn hug.

I first made these for my daughter’s birthday sleepover every kid kept sneaking back for seconds and now it is our entire family’s favorite holiday breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• Canned cinnamon rolls: Use any classic refrigerated rolls I like Pillsbury for their fluffy texture
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and keeps the rolls soft and moist look for fresh cream with no additives
• Egg: Binds the mixture together for a pillowy crumb
• Brown sugar: Sweetens with a warm molasses flavor try to use fresh soft sugar
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors real vanilla is worth the upgrade
• Cinnamon: Brings in that comforting bakery aroma use freshly bought ground cinnamon for best flavor
• Apples: A blend of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith gives you tartness and sweetness make sure apples are firm and unbruised
• Butter: Lends richness to the apple mixture choose real butter for depth
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting sift out lumps if needed
• Milk: Loosens the frosting for easy drizzling whole milk gives creaminess
• Cream cheese and softened butter: For a tangy luscious frosting use full fat blocks of cream cheese

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Crock Pot:

Coat the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with a generous layer of nonstick spray so nothing sticks during the long cook time

Make the Apple Mixture:

In a bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon heat in the microwave stirring every 20 seconds until brown sugar dissolves Peel and dice apples into uniform one inch cubes then toss them in the warm sugar butter until all pieces are coated evenly

Prepare the Frosting:

Whip together the cream cheese softened butter powdered sugar a splash of milk and cinnamon until silky smooth set aside for drizzling later

Create the Custard Mixture:

In a clean bowl whisk together heavy cream egg brown sugar vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon until the egg is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth

Layer the Cinnamon Rolls and Apples:

Cut each cinnamon roll into four even pieces arrange half the pieces on the bottom of the slow cooker Spoon on half the apple mixture with their juices Pour half of the cream mixture over this layer

Build the Final Layers:

Add the rest of the cut up cinnamon rolls and then the remaining apple mixture and juices Pour the rest of your cream mixture over the top making sure it seeps into the cracks

Add Extra Frosting:

Drizzle about one third to half a cup of your prepared cream cheese frosting over everything this helps to caramelize the tops as they cook

Slow Cook:

Cover with the lid and cook on low for about two to two and a half hours Start checking at the two hour mark if you have a smaller or taller crock pot or extra thick layers stir gently every forty five minutes after the first two hours You want the rolls to be puffed and set and the apples tender

Serve Warm:

Drizzle with the remaining cream cheese frosting and scoop into bowls serve warm and gooey

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Storage Tips

Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat individual servings in the microwave for twenty to thirty seconds Add a fresh drizzle of frosting after warming for extra indulgence

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Honeycrisp apples Fuji or Pink Lady work well If you prefer a less sweet version use reduced sugar cinnamon rolls or swap out some brown sugar for coconut sugar For dairy free try coconut cream and vegan butter in both the rolls and frosting

Serving Suggestions

Serve in wide bowls with a dollop of whipped cream or extra cream cheese frosting Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch For a brunch spread pair with strong coffee crispy bacon and fresh fruit

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A Bit of History

Cinnamon rolls date back to Northern Europe and have been a holiday staple in American kitchens for generations Slow cooker versions save busy cooks from juggling oven space especially on family gatherings when every moment with loved ones matters

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, mixing sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith gives a balanced flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

→ How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done?

The rolls should be puffed and set in the center. Insert a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out mostly clean.

→ What if my crock pot cooks faster or slower?

Crock pot sizes and models vary. Larger appliances may cook faster; check at the 2-hour mark, and adjust as needed.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the layers in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add 15-20 minutes extra to the cook time if starting cold.

→ Is it possible to use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely! Prepare your favorite dough and follow the same assembly and cooking instructions for a homemade touch.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat portions gently before serving.