Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple That You’ll Love Forever

Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple are going viral—and for good reason. Gooey cinnamon swirls meet buttery apple pie filling, slow-cooked to perfection in one magical, no-fuss breakfast. Think: sticky, fluffy, cinnamon-packed goodness with melty cream cheese icing on top. And the best part? You toss it all in the slow cooker and walk away. No kneading. No babysitting. Just warm, sweet comfort food on repeat.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry weekend crowd, spicing up your holiday brunch, or just craving something insanely cozy, these Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple hit all the right notes. They’re soft, sticky, warm, and practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for slow mornings or dessert nights—this is the kind of recipe that disappears fast.

Table of Contents

A Slow Cooker Breakfast You’ll Actually Want to Wake Up For

What Makes Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple So Irresistible

There’s something magical about warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the slow cooker—especially when they’re loaded with buttery, caramelized apples. Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple are sticky, sweet, soft in the center, and packed with cinnamon spice in every bite.

The cinnamon rolls puff up as they cook low and slow, soaking up the brown sugar–apple mixture and heavy cream. The apples break down just enough to become soft and jammy, but still have that perfect little bite. It’s like cinnamon rolls and apple pie got cozy in your Crock Pot—and you’re invited.

This dish is comfort food without the effort. You don’t need to babysit the oven or stress about overbaking. Just layer everything in, set your timer, and enjoy your morning while your kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon and warm apples.

Why This Version Beats Traditional Oven-Baked Rolls

Sure, oven-baked cinnamon rolls are good—but these? They’re next-level. The Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple are:

• Softer and gooier in the center
• Easier to make (no rise time, no yeast)
• Almost impossible to burn
• Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or holidays

Plus, since it’s all cooked in one dish, clean-up is easy. And let’s be honest: no one’s saying no to warm cinnamon rolls served straight from the slow cooker.

If you’re a fan of easy breakfast recipes, stay tuned—we’ve got plenty more like these coming up.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple

Canned Cinnamon Rolls Make It Easy

When it comes to Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple, shortcuts are part of the charm. This recipe skips homemade dough and goes straight for the ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls. It’s fast, foolproof, and delivers bakery-level results with zero stress.

Here’s what you’ll need from the fridge:

• 2 cans of cinnamon roll dough (Pillsbury or any store brand)
• Use the icing that comes in the can or skip it if you plan to make cream cheese frosting from scratch
• 1 large egg – helps thicken the cream mixture and bind everything
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – the secret to ultra-moist, custardy layers

You’ll also need a Crock Pot and some nonstick spray or butter to coat the inside. That’s your base—and it’s already easier than 90% of breakfast bakes.

Pro tip: For more easy, sticky-sweet brunch bakes, check out our Viral Honey Bun Cake—another no-fuss winner that tastes like dessert for breakfast.

Fresh Apples + Homemade Cream = Next-Level Flavor

Don’t skip the apples—they transform this dish. The combo of tart and sweet fruit brings balance to the richness of the rolls. Here’s what to grab:

• 2 Granny Smith apples (tart, hold shape when cooked)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples (sweet, slightly juicy)
• Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon – to coat the apples and create that caramelized pie filling
• Vanilla extract – just a splash to round out the flavor

The apples soften slowly in the Crock Pot, releasing juice and sugar that melts into the dough. It’s like baked apples and cinnamon rolls made a very delicious deal.

Optional upgrades: add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a drizzle of maple syrup for warmth.

Prep Your Apple Mixture and Sweet Cream Base

How to Dice and Flavor the Apples

Fresh apples bring more than just flavor—they create texture, moisture, and natural sweetness inside your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple. To get the perfect bite every time, you’ll want to prep them right.

1. Peel and core your apples.
2. Dice into 1-inch chunks—big enough to hold shape, small enough to soften fully.
3. In a bowl, mix with:
   • ¼ cup melted butter
   • ⅓ cup brown sugar
   • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Microwave the mixture for 30–60 seconds to melt the sugar into the butter, then stir in the apple chunks. Let them soak up that syrupy coating while you prep the next step.

This creates the apple pie filling layer that makes these cinnamon rolls taste so homemade—without the hassle.

Looking for another fruit-based favorite? Try our crowd-pleasing Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for a bright, fresh dessert that works year-round.

Whisking the Heavy Cream Mixture

This is the secret sauce—literally. The heavy cream mixture turns basic cinnamon rolls into soft, custard-style bites.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Whisk until smooth. This mixture gets poured over the layers in the Crock Pot, helping the rolls steam, rise, and soak up all that spiced flavor. It’s what gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture without needing any extra work.

You’re now ready to build the most delicious layers in your slow cooker.

Layering Your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple the Right Way

Cutting the Rolls for Even Cooking

One of the easiest ways to get the perfect texture in your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple is to prep the dough the right way. Straight out of the can, cinnamon rolls are thick—but when you cut them into quarters, they cook more evenly and soak up more flavor.

Slice each roll into four pieces. This helps:

• Distribute them more evenly across the Crock Pot
• Prevent raw centers or undercooked spots
• Let the heavy cream mixture soak through every bite

Spread a thin layer of butter or nonstick spray at the bottom of your slow cooker. This prevents sticking and adds a little extra richness to your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple.

How to Build the Perfect Layers

Now the fun part—layering.

1. Add half of the cinnamon roll pieces to the Crock Pot.
2. Top with half of the apple mixture, making sure to include some of the buttery brown sugar juices.
3. Pour half of the sweet cream mixture on top, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Repeat with the rest: cinnamon rolls, apples, and cream.

This two-layer build ensures your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple cook from the bottom up while staying gooey in the center.

Optional: drizzle a few tablespoons of the canned icing (or cream cheese frosting) over the top before slow cooking to add an extra layer of sweetness as it cooks.

Looking for more cinnamon roll creativity? Try our Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Tortilla for a crispy twist that takes just minutes.

The Slow Cook Method You Can Trust

Cook Times for Different Crock Pots

The beauty of Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple is that they cook low and slow, giving you gooey texture and deep flavor without much effort. But here’s the deal—your cook time depends on your slow cooker size.

• If you’re using a standard 6-quart Crock Pot, expect to cook on LOW for 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Using a smaller, deeper slow cooker? You may need up to 4 or even 5 hours on LOW. The dough will be stacked higher, so it cooks slower in the middle.

Don’t rush it. Cranking the heat to HIGH may seem tempting, but it will likely burn the edges before the center is done. Trust the slow heat—it’s worth it.

To check doneness, use a spoon to lift the center gently. If the dough looks wet and raw, give it more time. The edges should be golden and the center should bounce back slightly when pressed.

Why Stirring Can Save Your Cinnamon Rolls

In smaller Crock Pots, the dough can get crowded. That’s when gentle stirring becomes your best friend. It keeps everything cooking evenly and prevents burned bottoms.

Here’s how:

• After the first 2 hours, lift the lid and gently fold the mixture.
• Do this every 30 to 45 minutes until the center is fully cooked.
• Be careful not to break apart the layers too much—just lift and turn from the bottom.

This technique ensures your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple cook through without burning, while keeping that soft, gooey texture intact.

Want another comforting slow-cooked idea? You’ll love our rich and gooey Peanut Butter Pie—perfect for pairing with cozy brunches or family gatherings.

Making and Using the Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make a Thick, Drizzly Frosting

A warm batch of Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple wouldn’t be complete without a smooth cream cheese drizzle. This homemade frosting is quick, easy, and way better than anything out of a packet.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp butter, also softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (for thinning)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but delicious)

Whisk everything until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner drizzle or less for a thicker spread. You can make this frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a quick stir before serving.

Want something fun and sweet to serve alongside? Try these Cream Cheese Mints—they’re quick, colorful, and great on brunch tables or dessert platters.

When to Add Frosting for Maximum Melt

Timing matters when adding frosting to your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple. You have two solid options depending on the result you want:

• Option 1: Add during cooking
  Drizzle about ¼ cup of frosting before putting the lid on. It melts down into the layers, making everything extra gooey and sweet.
• Option 2: Add after cooking
  Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes, then pour the frosting over the top. This gives you that pretty, drizzly finish with thicker texture.

Either way, be generous. The frosting ties everything together and balances the tart apples with a creamy finish.

Serving Ideas and Variations

How to Serve Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple

Once your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple are done, warm, and glazed in cream cheese frosting, you’ve got one of the coziest dishes on the table. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or brunch—presentation and pairing make it shine.

Here are a few ideas:

• Brunch board style – Scoop into ramekins or bowls and pair with bacon, fruit salad, and scrambled eggs.
• Fall-themed dessert plate – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
• Holiday buffet – Offer alongside coffee, cider, and something savory for balance.

Portion it with a big spoon—this is not a neat-and-slice recipe. People will love the ooey-gooey texture and sweet apple layers.

Hosting guests? Round out your dessert table with our classic Blueberry Sour Cream Scones—they’re light, fluffy, and complement cinnamon-heavy dishes perfectly.

Flavor Variations to Try Next

Want to switch it up? These Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple are super versatile. A few small swaps can create totally new flavors:

• Add nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for crunch.
• Use maple syrup – Add a tablespoon or two to the cream mixture for a cozy twist.
• Try caramel bits – Layer in caramel baking pieces for a melty surprise.
• Make it pumpkin-spiced – Add pumpkin pie spice or a spoon of pumpkin purée to the apple mix in fall.

You can also swap the apples. Pears, peaches, or berries all work beautifully depending on the season.

No matter how you serve them, these cinnamon rolls are warm, welcoming, and always the first thing to go.

Time-Saving Tips and Storage Hacks

How to Prep Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Ahead of Time

Want a stress-free morning? You can prep your Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple the night before, so all you have to do is hit “LOW” and wait for the magic.

Here’s how:

• Dice your apples and mix with sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Store covered in the fridge.
• Cut your cinnamon rolls into quarters and keep them in an airtight container.
• Mix your cream sauce and refrigerate in a sealed jar.
• If using homemade frosting, make it ahead and chill.

In the morning, layer everything in your Crock Pot and cook as usual. You can even drizzle the frosting early or save it for the end.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Yes, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully.

To store:

• Scoop portions into containers once cooled.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat:

• Microwave for 20–30 seconds (add a splash of cream if needed).
• Or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes covered with foil.

They’ll come out just as gooey and soft as day one.

Looking for more make-ahead friendly ideas? Try our cozy, freezer-friendly Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls—perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or busy mornings.

These Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple aren’t just easy—they’re a time-saving win any day of the week.

FAQs About Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple

Final thoughts 

If you love easy, cozy, no-fail recipes, Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls with Apple will be your new go-to. The combo of soft dough, warm spices, buttery apples, and melty frosting checks all the boxes—without ever turning on the oven.

Whether you’re serving brunch, spoiling your family, or impressing holiday guests, these cinnamon rolls bring joy in every scoop. Dump, cook, drizzle, and devour.

Want more slow cooker wins and sweet hacks? Keep browsing—we’ve got plenty of viral recipes where this came from.

For more creative baking inspiration and marketing ideas, explore the Facebook and Pinterest.

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