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Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake

This decadent Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the best of two classic desserts: a soft, sweet cinnamon roll dough filled with a spiced apple pie filling and a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It's the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert, offering warm, comforting flavors in every bite.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 12 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Medium saucepan
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
  • Aluminum foil
  • Toothpick

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • 2 fresh apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of granulated sugar; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt, then add melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture; mix until a shaggy dough forms and then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the Apple Pie Filling:

  • While the dough rises, peel, core, and dice the apples.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter; cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
  • Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, stir it into the apple mixture, and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and let cool completely.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then set aside the melted butter separately.

Assemble the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake:

  • Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and roll it into an 18x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  • Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough surface and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously, leaving a small 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
  • Evenly spread the cooled apple pie filling over the cinnamon sugar layer, again leaving the small border uncovered.
  • Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side opposite the uncovered border, forming a log; pinch the seam to seal, and then cut the log into 12-14 slices, approximately 1.5 inches thick.
  • Arrange the slices in a prepared 9x13 inch baking dish, close together but not overly packed; cover loosely and let rise again for 20-30 minutes, or until slightly puffy.

Bake the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and cooked through; loosely tent with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
  • A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean, indicating it is cooked through.

Prepare and Apply Frosting:

  • While the cake cools slightly, beat softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated, then add vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy; add milk or cream if the frosting is too thick, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm-to-touch cake and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. The apple pie filling can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream sparingly until the desired consistency is achieved. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.