You are in for a treat with these Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls! They’re warm, gooey, and topped with a sweet icing that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

In this sweet recipe, buttery cinnamon roll dough mingles with crisp apples and a decadent cinnamon custard. Slow-cooked to perfection, they’re ooey-gooey and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to steal the show! 

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). We have countless recipes including apple caramel cinnamon rollsBiscoff 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
  • 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 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 forms the base of the custard topping. It transforms the cinnamon rolls into a decadent dish far better than anything straight from a can. 
  • Large Eggs – These thicken the custard mixture and help it solidify as it cooks. As a result, they lock in moisture and create 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! It helps enhance the rest of the ingredients, adding extra depth and sweetness. 
  • Condensed Milk – Pour this 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 rolls, these apple cinnamon rolls come together with minimal prep time!

  1. Prepare the first layer. Slice each cinnamon roll into quarters. Arrange half of the pieces 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 or small bowl, 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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03/13/2024 05:19 pm GMT

Tips for Success

We’ve got a handful of tips up our sleeve to ensure these easy cinnamon rolls come out perfect every time! Here’s how to make sure they’re absolutely failproof:

  • Cut the recipe in half. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you can easily cut the recipe in half. This prevents it from overcrowding and ensures that 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. All slow cookers are different, meaning baking times and temperatures will vary. So, we recommend placing a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper in the bottom of the slow cooker. It helps prevent the bottom of the rolls from burning!
  • Create dairy-free apple cinnamon rolls. 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 or Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Maple Icing
  • Vanilla Icing
  • Caramel Icing

Serving Suggestions

Indulge in these homemade apple cinnamon rolls all on their own for a satisfying breakfast or decadent dessert. Or, turn them into the sweet star of the show alongside a full spread of options like:

Flavor Variations 

Get creative and mix and match different ingredients to craft a showstopping recipe that’ll have everyone talking! Here are some of our favorite variations to inspire you:

  • Ice Cream. Serve these apple cinnamon rolls warm alongside a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. It turns this scrumptious breakfast into an incredible 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, you can use any kind of apple. However, we highly recommend using baking apples like Granny Smith. They have a slightly tarter flavor that pairs well with the decadent custard sauce and icing. Plus, their sturdier texture 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! Stored leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Or, keep them in the fridge for up to three to five days.

You can also 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 as 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

If you’re yearning for more easy cinnamon roll recipes in your life, look no further! We’ve got you covered with these amazing recipes!

overhead image of slow cooker apple cinnamon rolls with icing.

Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls

4.47 from 15 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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98 Comments

    1. Hi Jennie! We haven’t tested them, but it should work. Just keep a close eye on them as they bake!

      Xo,
      Alia & Radwa

    1. Hi Claire,

      We haven’t tested them, but it should work! Just keep a close eye on them as they bake!

      Xo,
      Alia & Radwa

  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.