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A plate of caramel pecan cinnamon rolls on a red cloth with autumn leaves and a caramel apple Hawaiian roll in the background.

Gooey Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

These Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls combine sweet caramel and juicy apples in soft, buttery rolls for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekends, they’re easy to make with no special tools needed. Kids love helping out, and you can even prep them ahead for a fresh-baked morning treat. Ready in just over 30 minutes, these rolls will quickly become a fall favorite in your kitchen.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls
Servings: 12
Calories: 173kcal

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 9x13-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

Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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