These Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls are warm, gooey, and topped with a sweet icing. Buttery cinnamon roll dough is combined with crisp apples and a rich cinnamon custard. Cooked long and slow, they’re ooey gooey and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. 

overhead image of slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls topped with white icing.

Why These Apple Cinnamon Rolls Are So Amazing

Cinnamon rolls have a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). With countless recipes like our apple caramel cinnamon rolls, Biscoff cinnamon rolls, and these easy cinnamon rolls with caramel and chocolate chips, they’re our go-to for holiday brunches, weekend breakfasts, and when we just want to make mornings a little more special. 

And these slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls are our favorite variation for fall and winter! Sweet, buttery, and full of warm cinnamon spice and crisp apples, they’re seriously to die for. 

Not to mention, they’re: 

  • Created with just eight ingredients
  • A hands-off recipe you can set and forget. 
  • Great for feeding a crowd
  • Easy to store on the rare chance you have leftovers. 
three rolls of unbaked cinnamon rolls in a vertical line.

What You’ll Need

Simple and quick is the name of the game around here, and these apple cinnamon rolls are no different! Of course, we could create dough from scratch, but who has time for that?

Instead, we use a few shortcuts to cut down the prep time without negatively impacting the flavor. Here’s everything we use: 

  • Cinnamon Rolls – Store-bought cinnamon roll dough is our secret weapon to make this recipe a breeze. We love Grand’s cinnamon rolls, but any brand you like best will work. 
  • Apples – We recommend using baking apples that are just a little tart and perfectly crisp. Sweeter apples such as Gala or Fuji which are meant for snacking are likely to turn to mush as they cook. Our favorite options for this recipe are Honeycrisp and Granny Smith! 
  • Heavy Cream – This is used to form the base of the custard topping, transforming the cinnamon rolls into a decadent dish far better than anything straight from a can. 
  • Large Eggs – These are necessary to thicken the custard mixture and help it solidify as it cooks, locking in the moisture and creating a slightly crisp, golden exterior. 
  • Cinnamon – Our favorite warm spice, cinnamon just screams fall and makes every bite taste like a freshly baked apple crisp
  • Vanilla Extract – Use a high-quality pure vanilla extract in the custard to enhance the rest of the ingredients, adding extra depth and sweetness. 
  • Condensed Milk – This is poured on top just before cooking for the most succulent cinnamon rolls you’ll ever make.
three unbaked cinnamon rolls that have been sliced into quarters.

Set It And Forget It! How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the Slow Cooker

Unlike traditional cinnamon roll recipes that require hours in the kitchen and complicated instructions to roll out the dough, this version comes together with minimal prep time thanks to a slow cooker! 

  1. Prepare the first layer. Slice each cinnamon roll into quarters, and arrange half of them in a single layer in the bottom of a slow cooker greased with cooking oil spray or butter. 
  2. Continue to layer. Sprinkle the apples on top followed by the remaining pieces of dough. 
  3. Whisk. Add the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to a large measuring cup, and whisk until smooth. Pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls, coating them evenly, and add the condensed milk. 
  4. Bake. Cover the slow cooker, and “bake” the cinnamon rolls until they’re golden brown and fluffy and the custard has set. 
  5. Top. Drizzle the reserved icing packet on top, and serve your apple cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm. 
6-Quart Slow Cooker
$69.99 ($1.46 / Ounce)
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12/08/2023 10:17 am GMT

Tips for Success

Just when you think these slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls couldn’t get any better, we’ve got a few tips to guarantee they’re failproof and perfect for you! 

  • Cut the recipe in half. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you can easily cut the recipe in half to not overcrowd it and ensure the dough bakes evenly. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces in an even layer, and check on them after three hours as baking times will vary! 
  • Prevent the bottom of the rolls from burning. Due to the fact that all slow cookers are different, baking times and temperatures will vary. So, in order to prevent the bottom of your rolls from burning, we recommend placing a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper in the bottom of the slow cooker. 
  • Create dairy-free apple cinnamon rolls. To make this recipe dairy-free, just substitute the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, and swap out the sweetened condensed milk for coconut-sweetened condensed milk. They’ll have all the decadent flavor we love with none of the dairy! 

Alternative Icing Options

To keep things simple we use the icing that comes with the cinnamon roll dough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up! Try swapping it out with different options like: 

  • Buttercream Icing
  • Maple Icing
  • Vanilla Icing
  • Caramel Icing

Serving Suggestions

Feel free to enjoy these slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls on their own as a sweet breakfast or dessert. Or, enjoy them as part of a complete spread with options like: 

Flavor Variations 

If you want to create an absolutely showstopping recipe that looks and tastes like you spend all day in the kitchen, try some of our favorite variations! 

Ice Cream. Serve these apple cinnamon rolls warm alongside a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this scrumptious breakfast into an irresistible dessert!  

Carmel Sauce. Nothing says fall like the classic combination of apples and caramel sauce. Drizzle it on top for an out-of-this-world combination. 

Chopped Nuts. These will add a bit of crunch and flavor to the rolls, making them even more unforgettable! Pecans or walnuts are our favorite additions but feel free to experiment with whatever nuts you like best. 

overhead image of slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls.

Common Questions About This Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

Technically, any kind of apples can be used. However, we highly recommend using baking apples like Granny Smith as they have a slightly tarter flavor that pairs well with the decadent custard sauce and icing and a sturdier texture that prevents them from turning to mush when they cook. 

Should I peel my apples before adding them to the slow cooker? 

Technically, you don’t have to, but the skin can be a bit difficult to chew. Therefore, removing it allows for decadent, easy-to-chew bites. We prefer to peel them, but the choice is up to you! 

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? 

Yes! Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and keep them stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for five days. Or, freeze your baked cinnamon rolls for up to two to three months. To eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and just warm them up in the slow cooker, microwave, or oven. They’ll taste good as new! 

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done? 

You’ll know your apple cinnamon rolls are done when they’re fluffy and have a slightly dark golden brown appearance on top. Be sure to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn! 

 

sliced pieces of slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls.

More Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Need more easy cinnamon roll recipes in your life? We’ve got you covered with these great recipes! 

overhead image of slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls with icing.

Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls

4.12 from 27 votes
Author: Food Dolls
Servings: 12 servings
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes
If you've got store bought cinnamon rolls on hand, turn them into slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls for decadent holiday breakfasts, drool-worthy weekend brunches, and more!

Ingredients  

  • 3 cans Grand’s cinnamon rolls
  • 2 cups ~2 small apples, peeled and chopped small (Honey Crisp or Granny Smith)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Reserved icing
  • Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions 

  • Slice the cinnamon rolls into quarters, reserving the pre-made icing.
    3 cans Grand’s cinnamon rolls
  • Butter the bottom and sides of the slow cooker or use non-stick cooking spray (*See note below). Arrange half the cinnamon rolls in a single layer at the bottom.
  • Add the apples, and top with remaining cinnamon roll pieces.
    2 cups ~2 small apples, peeled and chopped small (Honey Crisp or Granny Smith)
  • In a large measuring cup, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the custard over the cinnamon rolls.Add the condensed milk.
    4 large eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • Cover, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the custard is set and the top of the rolls are light golden brown.
  • Once cooked, drizzle with the reserved icing. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, if desired!
    Reserved icing, Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving

Video

Notes

*Due to the fact that every slow cooker will cook slightly differently, we recommend using aluminum foil or parchment paper to line the bottom and prevent your cinnamon rolls from burning. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

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Meet Alia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do! Learn more about us!

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94 Comments

  1. Slow cooker being used. Do I need to do it on Low or High and for how long? I see you asking how big the cinnamon buns being used. What size should be used for this recipe?

    1. Hi! We recommend cooking on high for 3-4 hours or until the custard is set and the rolls are golden. We recommend using big cinnamon rolls, but any size can be used as long as you have enough to cover the bottom in an even layer. Hope this helps!

      Xo,
      Alia & Radwa

  2. 5 stars
    Took this to a dinner the other night and it was a hit, everyone loved it!!! I will definitely make again. Thank you 😊

  3. 2 stars
    I followed this recipe exactly, and it turned out awful! It was overcooked, dry, dense and hard. Too much dough for that amount of custard. What a waste of ingredients and time.