SLOW COOKER APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS

These Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings or an elaborate brunch! This easy slow cooker breakfast recipe requires very little prep time and will give you a comforting sweet breakfast while letting your slow cooker do all the work!

 No breakfast or brunch is complete without the mighty cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls are one of those breakfast pastries that are so delicious, that they can be enjoyed any time of day!

This delicious breakfast can be served alongside some fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee for the perfect fall morning, or it can be served as part of a decadent brunch for a holiday or slow Sunday morning.

No matter how you enjoy them, these easy apple cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new family favorite!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• A great way to use your favorite in-season apples!
• The entire recipe is made with just 7 easy-to-find ingredients.
• No need to turn on the oven! Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• These cinnamon rolls can be served as is or as part of a large breakfast or brunch spread.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Grand Cinnamon Rolls - Take some help from the grocery store by using pre-made canned cinnamon rolls. Quarter them up and add them to the mix!
• Granny Smith Apples - These tart apples pair perfectly with the sweet cinnamon flavors in this easy breakfast.
• Eggs - Help bind the ingredients together to make a casserole consistency.
• Heavy Cream - Adds moisture in the form of creamy richness to the base of the dish.
• Vanilla Extract - Adds a fragrant vanilla flavor to the casserole that pairs well with the warming flavors.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg - Gives this dish even more of a warming spiced flavor.
• Icing - Save the icing in the canned cinnamon rolls to drizzle over for a sweet topping.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS IN THE SLOW COOKER

Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the can. Set the icing aside. Chop each into 4 pieces with a knife, then arrange half of them on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Prepare the apples: Peel the green apples and remove the core. Chop into small squares, then spread them on top of the cut cinnamon rolls in a single even layer. Top with the remaining cinnamon rolls.

Whisk the liquid mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Whisk together to fully combine, then pour over top of the apple and cinnamon mixture.

Slow cook the cinnamon rolls: Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.Ice and enjoy: Once the cinnamon roll casserole is cooked through, warm the icing in the microwave for 30 seconds, then drizzle on top of the cinnamon rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!

RECIPE TIPS

• When chopping the apples, make sure they are all roughly the same size. This will ensure they cook evenly and at the same time.
• The time it takes to fully cook will depend on your individual slow cooker. At the 3-hour mark, test to see if the cinnamon roll pieces are fully cooked through.
• Make sure you fully whisk the eggs into the cream mixture to ensure that there aren't spots of egg whites in the casserole.
• We used Grand cinnamon rolls for this recipe, but you can also use your favorite brands including Pillsbury or Rhodes.

 VARIATIONS

• Granny Smith apples are used in this recipe for their tart flavor, but you can also use your favorite variety of apples including honey crisp, Braeburn, or pink lady apples.
• If you're looking for an extra bit of sweetness, top the cooked casserole with a sprinkle of brown sugar before adding the icing.
• For a fun twist, add some raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a pop of color and flavor!
• Add a crunchy and nutty flavor note by sprinkling the top with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
• For Fall flavors, try using a pumpkin pie spice mixture for an even more warming flavor.

STORAGE

Storing: If you have leftovers, remove them from the crock pot and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing: This recipe can also be frozen for up to three months. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating: The best way to reheat this casserole is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the cinnamon rolls on a baking dish. Bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute.