Apple Cinnamon Roll CakeSoft like rolls. Cozy like cake. Made to impress.
Prep time: 25 min Rest time (for dough): 1–1.5 hrs Bake time: 35–40 min Servings: 8–10 Pan: 9-inch round or springform
Dough Ingredients:• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (not hot!)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
Apple Filling:• 2 medium apples (peeled, diced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice (keeps the apples bright)
Cinnamon Sugar Spread:• ¼ cup softened butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze (Optional but recommended!):• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:Step 1: Make the Dough
1 In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 mins until foamy.
2 Add sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3 Add flour and salt. Mix, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4 Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
1 In a pan over medium heat, melt butter.
2 Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3 Cook until apples are tender but not mushy (about 5–7 mins). Let cool.
Step 3: Roll, Fill & Shape
1 Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×15 inches).
2 Spread the softened cinnamon butter evenly across the surface.
3 Sprinkle the apple filling over the butter.
4 Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Slice into 1½-inch thick rolls.
Step 4: Assemble Like a Cake
1 Grease a 9-inch cake pan or springform.
2 Arrange the rolls inside, spirals facing up (like cinnamon buns).
3 Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake & Glaze
1 Bake at 350°F / 175°C for 35–40 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
2 While still warm, drizzle with the glaze. Let it soak into those swirls 
Tips:• For an extra treat, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling 
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert vibes
• Want to skip the yeast? I can give you a no-rise version too!