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.
Table of Contents
- Why These Apple Cinnamon Rolls Are So Amazing
- What You’ll Need
- Set It And Forget It! How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the Slow Cooker
- Tips for Success
- Alternative Icing Options
- Serving Suggestions
- Flavor Variations
- Common Questions About This Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- More Cinnamon Roll Recipes
- Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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.
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.
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!
- 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.
- Continue to layer. Sprinkle the apples on top followed by the remaining pieces of dough.
- 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.
- Bake. Cover the slow cooker, and “bake” the cinnamon rolls until they’re golden brown and fluffy and the custard has set.
- Top. Drizzle the reserved icing packet on top, and serve your apple cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm.
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:
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
- Crinkle Phyllo Easy Spanakopita Recipe
- Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese
- Easy Eggs in Purgatory
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.
Common Questions About This Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls 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.
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!
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!
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!
More Cinnamon Roll Recipes
Need more easy cinnamon roll recipes in your life? We’ve got you covered with these great recipes!
- Baklava Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
- Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Rolls
- Pistachio Walnut Cinnamon Rolls
- S’mores Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Not waking up at 3 am to put this recipe on for Xmas morning at 730 lol. Any other advice?
If cooking in oven, what type of dish do you recommend cooking it in? Will a 9×13 over flow ?
Understandable! Yes, you can, however, this is a 7-qt slow cooker, so a 13×9 will be a little too small. You have 2 options. Either you reduce the recipe and use 2 cans of cinnamon rolls, or the batch will make one 13×9 and an 9×9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes!
I love it!!
How many servings..and calorie count per serving please..thx
This serves 8-12! We are working on adding the nutrition facts, stay tuned!
I would like to try making this in the oven. Dutch oven or roasting pan? Thoughts on oven temp and cook time?? (My crockpot is in storage right now but really want to try this for Christmas dinner )
We recommend a baking dish! This batch makes a 13×9 and a 9×9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes!
Can I make this in my Instant Pot?
The insides of mine didn’t cook and the edges burnt. Help! What did I do wrong?
Can I use 25% cream? I can’t find heavy cream.
Yes, that works!
I made this recipe today. It is fun and easy. I did add 3 cups of chopped apples instead of the two cups. I also poured 1/2 of the condensed milk over the apples and poured 1/4 of it over the top cinnamon rolls. Also, if I make this again, I will DEFINITELY USE A LINER. I’m not sure how to avoid it burning on the sides. I threw away the burnt edges.
It’s a good recipe, it just seems to be missing something and I can’t put my finger on what that is. And, I will definitely scale down the recipe. It makes A LOT. I will also try baking it in the oven. I think that should alleviate the burnt issue. I used a cup more apples and, in hindsight, I should have used even more (4 cups).
All in all, good recipe. I’m keeping it and gonna tweak it a little.
Please don’t hate! I don’t like apples. But, I like the idea of making these rolls! Can the fruit be eliminated?
Not hating at all 🙂 if you don’t like apples, feel free to keep them out!
Can you use in a instant pot
We personally have not tried, if you do, set to high for 28-30 minutes.
It’s okay. Very bread-y. Would probably be better with just two cans of rolls and way more apples (or none at all) and seasonings. Keep an eye on the edges as it cooks! The sugar in the sweetened condensed milk can burn easily up the sides.
If I cook on low would it be 6-8 hours? So overnight for Christmas morning? Or not recommend, thank you!
We have not tried it but we do not recommend setting it on low 6-8 hours.
just curious why you don’t recommend this. thanks!
Hi! I was wondering if any dairy free substitute would work?
Yes! You can do full-fat coconut milk instead of the heavy cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of the traditional sweetened condensed milk!
It’s 5am Thanksgiving morning and I just put together this incredible concoction in my crock pot for breakfast. Now all that’s left to do is make a cup of coffee and sit back and wait for the family to wake up in a few hours to the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through our home. Love recipes like this !
It says one can of condensed milk…. how many fl oz? My store had both 11.8 and 14.5.
Hi Kelly- it is 14.5oz!
Can I cook on low for 6-8 hours?
We have not tried but it should work!
Can you use a crock pot liner for easier clean up?
Absolutely! We actually recommend using parchment or a liner!
This looks fabulous! Will try them Thanksgiving morning with the family. What do you think about adding walnuts or pecans?
Yes, that would be fantastic!
Just in time fir Christmas morning !!!
IF I can find the “grand” cinnamon rolls!!! So far no luck in 5 stores 🥴
If you cant find the “grands” feel free to use 4 cans of the regular cinnamon rolls!
The auntie Annie’s brand from target would be a great substitute
Yes! It’s a great option!
Just in time fir Christmas morning !!!
IF I can find the “grand” cinnamon rolls!!! So far no luck in 5 stores 🥴
Can you assemble it the night before? And bake in morning?!
It is recommended that opened canned cinnamon rolls to be used immediately. We suggest making the day before and reheating the morning of.
The icing recipe is not listed. Can you email me the recipe?
The icing is the icing that comes with the package of cinnamon rolls!
Hi guys, Going to make for Christmas, I have a big family gathering. I will need extra so if I double the batch will that work maybe cook a little longer? And what if we need more icing
We don’t recommend doubling this recipe as the inside may not cook. If you leave it longer, the edges will end up burning.
Can I put this in the oven?
Yes! You can cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked.
Hi there! Any idea how to make it egg free?
Yes, You can keep the eggs out all together!