Apple Upside Down Cinnamon Rolls

Savor the delightful combination of warm cinnamon rolls and caramelized apples with this recipe for apple upside down cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (dairy or almond)
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp plus ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ to 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Topping:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Gala or Golden Delicious recommended)

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. Mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour, melted butter, vanilla, and ½ cup of sugar.
3. Gradually add the milk mixture, then the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
4. Knead on medium speed for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, or knead by hand on a floured surface for 6 minutes. The dough should bounce back when poked.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a small bowl.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Once risen, roll out the dough into a 16×14 inch rectangle.
2. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
3. Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.

Preparing the Apple Topping:

1. Melt ⅓ cup of butter and pour into a 9×13 baking pan.
2. Sprinkle ¾ cup of brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
3. Arrange the apple slices over the brown sugar.

Baking the Rolls:

1. Place the cinnamon roll slices on top of the apple arrangement in the pan.
2. Cover and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Bake the rolls for 30 minutes.
5. Allow the rolls to cool slightly, then place a large cookie sheet over the pan and carefully flip to invert the rolls onto the sheet.

Serve warm and enjoy the caramelized apples on top of each cinnamon roll, combining the comfort of a cinnamon roll with the sweet touch of an apple dessert.