Gooey Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Add Preferred SourceWhen you think of comfort food, it’s hard to beat the combination of sweet caramel and juicy apples tucked inside soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. These Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls bring all those cozy fall flavors together in one easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re making a special breakfast for your family or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-tos.
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These have to be one of my favorite fall recipes! In just over 30 minutes, you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dessert. They are great for the holidays, potlucks, and lazy fall weekends—you can almost smell them, can’t you? Kids love to help make them, and there are no special tools or ingredients needed. You can prep them ahead and pop them in the oven in the morning – what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Prepare the Cinnamon Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter along with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Microwave the mixture for about 30 seconds or until the butter is completely melted and everything is well combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish and Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Place the 12 Hawaiian rolls into the dish.
Carefully cut out the center of each roll, making sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Brush the tops and insides of the rolls with the melted cinnamon butter mixture.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Cook the Apple Filling
Dice the apples into small pieces. In a pot, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce.
Cook this mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the sauce has thickened.
Fill the Rolls
Spoon the cooked apple mixture into the hollowed-out centers of each roll, filling them generously.
Bake the Rolls
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Add the Caramel Drizzle
Transfer some extra caramel sauce into a small Ziploc bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle the sauce over the tops of the rolls for a sweet finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some of my top tips so that you make the best version of this recipe for you!
- Watch the Oven: These rolls can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly, so keep an eye on them during those last few minutes of baking.
- Love Extra Filling?: If you’re all about that apple filling, double the recipe for a more generous, gooey center in each roll.
- Make It Your Own: Want to mix things up? Try adding chopped pecans, raisins, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Save time in the morning by assembling the rolls the night before. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and enjoy a warm, fresh-baked treat.
- Leftover Caramel Sauce: Got some caramel sauce left? It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even your morning oatmeal.
- Apple Choice Matters: Go for firm apples like Granny Smith—they hold up best when cooked and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Reheat Like a Pro: If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), reheat them in the oven at a low temp to keep that perfect texture. Avoid the microwave if you can—it might make them too soft or soggy.
How to Store Leftover Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warm and gooey again.
These rolls don’t freeze well, as the texture can get a bit off after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
More Easy Dessert Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love desserts, you should try these delicious recipes!
- Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices
- Slutty Brownies
- Apple Spiced Cookies
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
- 12 count Hawaiian rolls
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar divided
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon divided
- 4 apples
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Microwave the mixture for about 30 seconds or until everything is melted and nicely mixed together.4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Arrange the 12 Hawaiian rolls in the dish. Carefully cut out the middle of each roll without cutting all the way to the bottom. Brush the tops and insides of the rolls with the melted cinnamon butter mixture.12 count Hawaiian rolls
- Dice the 4 apples into small chunks. Place the diced apples in a pot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the sauce has thickened into a rich, sweet filling.4 apples
- Spoon the apple filling into the centers of the prepared rolls, making sure each roll is generously filled.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Pour some extra caramel sauce into a Ziploc bag, snip off a small corner, and drizzle the sauce over the rolls to add a sweet, sticky finish. Serve and enjoy!2 tablespoons caramel sauce
Notes
- Watch the Oven: These rolls can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly, so keep an eye on them during those last few minutes of baking.
- Love Extra Filling?: If you’re all about that apple filling, double the recipe for a more generous, gooey center in each roll.
- Make It Your Own: Want to mix things up? Try adding chopped pecans, raisins, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Save time in the morning by assembling the rolls the night before. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and enjoy a warm, fresh-baked treat.
- Leftover Caramel Sauce: Got some caramel sauce left? It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even your morning oatmeal.
- Apple Choice Matters: Go for firm apples like Granny Smith—they hold up best when cooked and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Reheat Like a Pro: If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), reheat them in the oven at a low temp to keep that perfect texture. Avoid the microwave if you can—it might make them too soft or soggy.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
