Go Back
–+ servings
Apple Upside Down Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These gooey apple cinnamon rolls are soft, spiced, and layered with caramelized apple topping. Learn how to make the best apple cinnamon rolls with this step-by-step recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Servings 12 Rolls

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • ¾ cup warm milk regular or almond milk
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ – 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature

For the Topping:

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large apples peeled & thinly sliced – Gala or Golden Delicious work best

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is inactive and you’ll need to start over.
  • Preheat your oven to 170°F (or use the “warm” setting), then turn it off.
  • In a stand mixer bowl, add 3 ½ cups flour, melted butter, vanilla, and sugar. Turn mixer to low speed.
  • Slowly pour in the milk mixture.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully.
  • Increase mixer speed to medium (speed 4) and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. If kneading by hand, knead for 6-8 minutes, adding small sprinkles of flour if needed (no more than ¼ cup total).
  • Lightly grease a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours (using the oven crack method or a warm spot).

Step 2: Roll & Fill the Dough

  • Lightly flour your surface, then roll the dough into a 16×14-inch rectangle.
  • Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
  • Gently press the sugar mixture into the dough with your hands.
  • Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Upside-Down Topping

  • Melt ⅓ cup butter and pour into a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • Sprinkle ¾ cup brown sugar evenly over the butter.
  • Arrange thinly sliced apples over the sugar layer.
  • Place the sliced rolls over the apples.
  • Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake & Flip

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Bake rolls for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes, then place a large cookie sheet over the pan and carefully flip it over to reveal the caramelized apple topping.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for the Best Apple Upside-Down Rolls

  • Use fresh yeast: If your yeast doesn’t bloom, start over to ensure fluffy rolls.
  • Don’t skip the second rise: This helps create that soft, airy texture.
  • Choose the right apples: Gala or Golden Delicious hold their shape and add the perfect sweetness.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Keyword apples, cinnamon roll, cinnamon sugar, fall dessert, upside down rolls
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!