Apple Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Brown Butter Icing

Oh, the cozy comfort of an Apple Cinnamon Roll! Just the thought of that sweet, spiced aroma drifting through the kitchen brings a smile to my face. It’s a classic for a reason, promising a warmth and sweetness that feels like a hug from the inside out. But today, my dears, we’re taking that beloved flavor profile and turning it into something truly magical and unexpected: a luscious dessert soup, crowned with a rich, brown butter-inspired glaze!

I remember those precious afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, her hands, flour-dusted and wise, guiding mine as we rolled out dough for cinnamon rolls. The house would fill with the scent of apples and cinnamon, a memory I cherish. This recipe takes me right back there, but with a playful twist, embracing the same comforting flavors in a wonderfully new way. It’s a sweet adventure, indeed!

This delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup is not only surprisingly easy to whip up but also a fantastic way to impress your loved ones with something unique and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy evening treat or a special brunch, and my personal tip? Don’t rush the apple base – let those spices truly bloom for the deepest flavor!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Gathering our ingredients for this comforting creation always feels like preparing for a sweet little celebration. We’re focusing on crisp Granny Smith apples for that perfect tart bite, warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and a luxurious creamy base of whole milk and heavy cream. I always make sure I have plenty of fresh apples on hand for an authentic Apple Cinnamon Roll experience. You’ll find the complete list of measurements and specific ingredients in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll

Creating this delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup is a journey of three simple steps, transforming humble ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. You’ll begin by preparing a fragrant apple base, simmering those Granny Smiths with brown sugar and spices until tender. Next, we thicken the mixture to create that perfect soup texture, before whisking in a creamy, vanilla-infused milk base. It’s a surprisingly quick process, leading to a truly unique and satisfying treat.

A close-up of a warm, freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Roll topped with sweet white glaze.

Creamy Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert Soup

A comforting and unique dessert soup, capturing the sweet, spiced essence of apple cinnamon rolls in a warm, creamy broth, perfect for a cozy treat. This recipe ingeniously transforms classic cinnamon roll flavors into a delightful, spoonable delight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Apple Base
  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • pinch ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup apple cider (or water)
  • 1 cup water
For the Creamy Base
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
For the Cinnamon Roll Topping (Garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied pecans (or toasted walnuts)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon sugar
  • Optional cream cheese glaze (see notes)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Immersion Blender (or standard blender)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Apple Base
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
  2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and caramelize slightly.
  3. Pour in the apple cider and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the apples are very tender.
Create the Soup Texture
  1. Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the apple mixture until mostly smooth. A few small apple chunks are fine for texture, or blend completely smooth for a velvety soup. If using a regular blender, transfer in batches and blend, then return to the pot.
Prepare the Creamy Base
  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the whole milk with the cornstarch until no lumps remain. This is your cornstarch slurry.
  2. Return the pot with the blended apple mixture to low heat. Stir in the remaining 1 3/4 cups whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Do not boil.
  3. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. It should be creamy but still pourable.
Serve
  1. Ladle the warm Apple Cinnamon Roll Soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped candied pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze (see notes for recipe).
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy this unique dessert soup!

Notes

Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional): Whisk together 2 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk (or apple cider), and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the soup just before serving.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the soup before serving and add more brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water if it’s too thick.

Pro Tips for Making This Apple Cinnamon Roll

Making this Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup is a joy, and with a few of my tried-and-true tips, you’ll be serving up bowls of sweet perfection every time.

My Secret Trick: Always use good quality ground cinnamon. It makes all the difference! I also love to toast my chopped candied pecans lightly before sprinkling them on top; it brings out their nutty flavor beautifully and adds an extra layer of texture that I just adore.

When simmering your apples, be sure they are tender but not mushy. We want them to hold a little shape and offer a lovely bite within the soup. Keep an eye on them, as different apple varieties cook at different rates.

For that luscious, smooth soup texture, ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely mixed with no lumps before adding it to the warm apple mixture. This prevents any starchy surprises and guarantees a silky finish for your Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup.

Finally, when creating the creamy base, whisk it gently but thoroughly. We want it to be perfectly incorporated and smooth, ready to envelop those spiced apples.

Fun Variations for Apple Cinnamon Roll

I love seeing how you bakers make a recipe your own, and this Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity and let your personal touch shine.

  • Spice It Up: My sister always asks me to add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple base for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. It’s a lovely way to deepen the cozy flavors of this apple cinnamon treat.
  • Fruitful Swaps: While Granny Smiths are perfect, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter profile. You could even swirl in a tablespoon of pumpkin puree with the creamy base during autumn for a seasonal twist!
  • Nutty Nudges: If candied pecans aren’t your favorite, toasted walnuts or even a sprinkle of crumbled shortbread cookies would make a delightful topping. A friend loves when I top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream instead of glaze for an extra decadent touch!

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon Roll

This delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup is a treat all on its own, but sometimes, a little accompaniment makes it even more special. Think of these as little flourishes to complete your sweet moment!

For a truly indulgent experience, I love serving this warm Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup with a tiny dollop of homemade whipped cream, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar. My mom always pairs it with a steaming mug of hot cocoa on a chilly evening – the ultimate cozy combo! You could also offer a side of crisp shortbread cookies for dipping, adding a lovely textural contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each bowl would be absolutely divine.

How to Store This Dessert Soup

After all the joy of creating and enjoying this delicious dessert, you might wonder how to keep any leftovers of your Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup tasting fresh. Don’t worry, it’s quite simple!

To store, let the soup cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This keeps all those lovely apple and cinnamon flavors locked in.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat individual portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. My personal tip for making it feel fresh? A light dusting of ground cinnamon and a fresh sprinkle of candied pecans after reheating brings this Apple Cinnamon Roll treat right back to life! Freezing is not recommended for this particular dessert soup, as the creamy base can separate upon thawing.

Nutritional Benefits

While we bake for joy and flavor first, it’s lovely to know our treats can also offer a little goodness! This Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup, with its generous portion of Granny Smith apples, brings a boost of dietary fiber and vitamin C to your bowl. It’s a comforting treat that balances indulgence with the simple, wholesome benefits of fruit, making it a dessert that’s both satisfying and nourishing in its own sweet way.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use other types of apples for this dessert soup?
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths offer a lovely tartness, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter profile. Just be mindful of their cooking times as they may soften quicker than the Granny Smiths in this Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe.

Faq 2

What if I don’t have apple cider?
No worries! You can substitute the apple cider with an equal amount of unsweetened apple juice. It will still provide a wonderful apple flavor that complements the cinnamon and other spices in this Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert beautifully.

Faq 3

Can I make this dessert soup dairy-free?
You can certainly try! Use a plant-based milk and cream alternative, like full-fat coconut milk or almond milk, in the creamy base. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll inspired treat.

Faq 4

How can I make the cream cheese glaze thinner or thicker?
To thin the cream cheese glaze for your Apple Cinnamon Roll soup, add a tiny bit more milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency. To thicken, slowly whisk in a bit more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Conclusion

And there you have it, sweet friends! This Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to bring warmth, creativity, and a touch of unexpected magic into your kitchen. It’s a delightful journey back to those comforting flavors we all adore, reimagined into a bowl of pure bliss. I truly hope you’ll gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and create some sweet memories around this unique treat. Happy baking, everyone!

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