Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake fresh out of oven
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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

ByAnna

Welcome to homeasyrecipes.com where every recipe tells a story and every bite feels like home. Hi I’m Anna and I created this cozy space to honor my grandmother Mary’s love for simple heartwarming meals She taught me that food isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s about creating memories around the table That’s why I share recipes like this caramel apple cinnamon roll cake a dessert that blends the comforting flavors of cinnamon apples and buttery caramel into a moist swirl of joy

If you’ve ever searched for a recipe that’s both easy to follow and packed with flavor you’re in the right place At homeasyrecipes.com I believe cooking should feel approachable even fun You won’t find complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here Instead you’ll discover real recipes for real life like this caramel apple cinnamon roll cake Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or just craving something sweet on a quiet afternoon this cake is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the warm inviting aroma of fall

So grab your apron and let’s bake something unforgettable together

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

The Perfect Marriage of Flavors

When you take your first bite of this caramel apple cinnamon roll cake, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a favorite among home bakers. The tender crumb of the cake pairs beautifully with chunks of fresh apple soaked in rich caramel sauce, while the buttery cinnamon swirl adds a warm, spicy depth. It’s like combining your favorite apple pie with gooey cinnamon rolls into one decadent dessert that’s perfect for any season.

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake isn’t just about flavor—it’s about creating an experience. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the comforting scent of cinnamon and caramel, a sensory memory that lingers long after the last crumb is gone.

Ideal for Holidays, Potlucks, and Everyday Cravings

One of the best things about caramel apple cinnamon roll cake is its versatility. It shines on a Thanksgiving dessert table, brings cheer to Christmas brunch, and makes an ordinary weekend feel special. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow your guests. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option—perfect for when you want to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this cake delivers every time.

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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake fresh out of oven

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A moist and fluffy caramel apple cinnamon roll cake packed with tender apple chunks, rich caramel swirls, and a buttery cinnamon topping, finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or as a comforting dessert any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups fresh apple, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • For the Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp apple cider
  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  2. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
  3. Slowly stir in the melted butter until incorporated.
  4. In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with warmed caramel sauce.
  5. Fold the caramel apple mixture gently into the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the topping until creamy.
  8. Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the batter and swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
  9. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out nearly clean.
  10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, apple cider, and caramel sauce until smooth.
  11. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for sweeter results.
  • Do not overmix after adding apples to maintain a light texture.
  • The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Individual slices can be frozen and reheated as needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: caramel apple cinnamon roll cake, apple cinnamon dessert, easy cinnamon roll cake, fall dessert recipes, caramel apple cake recipe

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Essential Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

Pantry Staples Meet Fresh Flavors

The magic of caramel apple cinnamon roll cake lies in how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. You probably already have most of these in your pantry but the addition of fresh apples and rich caramel sauce takes it to another level. Flour sugar baking powder and eggs form the base while whole milk and vanilla bean paste infuse subtle richness. For the fruit element fresh diced apples provide natural sweetness and moisture and when combined with warm caramel sauce they create a luscious filling that melts into the batter as it bakes.

The topping is equally divine A mix of butter brown sugar cinnamon and flour gets dropped and swirled into the batter creating that signature cinnamon roll effect This layer caramelizes slightly in the oven giving the cake a beautiful marbled finish and a buttery spiced aroma that will make your kitchen feel like a bakery

Discover great ideas like this Caramel Brownie Pie which also uses pantry basics to create a rich dessert

ding" id="why-fresh-apples-are-non-negotiable">Why Fresh Apples Are Non-Negotiable

While it may be tempting to use canned apple pie filling fresh apples are key for achieving the right balance of tartness and texture Granny Smith apples offer a tart counterpoint to the sweet caramel while Honeycrisp or Fuji provide a milder sweeter flavor Using fresh fruit also means your cake stays moist without becoming overly dense or syrupy

Caramel Sauce for Moisture and Flavor Depth

Caramel sauce doesn’t just add sweetness It melts into the apple pieces creating little pockets of flavor throughout the cake For best results choose a high-quality thick caramel or make your own for a richer more complex taste Don’t skip warming the sauce before pouring over the apples—it helps everything blend seamlessly

This thoughtful combination of fresh ingredients and simple pantry staples is what sets this cake apart making it a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake It Like a Pro

Preparing the Perfect Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking pan In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment combine the flour salt sugar baking powder milk eggs and vanilla bean paste Mix on medium speed until fully blended then slowly incorporate the melted butter The result should be a smooth yet thick batter that holds the caramel apple pieces beautifully without sinking to the bottom

Next prepare the apples Peel and dice two cups of fresh apples and place them in a medium bowl Warm one cup of caramel sauce in the microwave for about 30 seconds then pour it over the apples Stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated This step ensures the caramel infuses every bite of the cake and prevents the apples from drying out during baking

Fold the caramel-coated apple mixture into the batter using a spatula Take care not to overmix as this can lead to a dense texture Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula ensuring the apple pieces are distributed evenly

ding" id="swirling-in-the-cinnamon-topping">Swirling in the Cinnamon Topping

In a separate bowl cream together one cup unsalted butter light brown sugar flour and cinnamon until the mixture is soft and fluffy Using a spoon drop small mounds of the cinnamon topping evenly over the batter With a butter knife gently swirl the topping through the batter creating marbled patterns that will bake into those iconic cinnamon roll swirls

Baking to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center It should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached not wet batter Remember that the cake will continue to cook slightly as it cools so avoid overbaking for the softest result

Glazing for the Final Touch

While the cake is still warm whisk together powdered sugar vanilla apple cider and a couple tablespoons of caramel sauce to create a smooth glaze Drizzle generously over the cake letting it seep into the swirls and crevices for added sweetness This step not only gives the cake a beautiful glossy finish but also locks in moisture ensuring every slice stays soft and flavorful