When the weather turns crisp and the air fills with the scent of spices, there’s nothing quite like baking a batch of warm, gooey apple cinnamon sticky buns. These delicious treats combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and sugar, all nestled in a soft, fluffy dough that’s baked to perfection. Whether served for a family breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a dessert after dinner, apple cinnamon sticky buns are sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making these sticky buns from scratch, offering tips on how to make them even more special, and highlighting how they relate to other popular apple-based recipes like Apple Pudding Cake, Crockpot Desserts, and Puding Roti.
The Magic of Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns
Apple cinnamon sticky buns are the perfect marriage of cinnamon rolls and apple pie, creating a sweet, spiced, and irresistible treat. The apple filling is both tart and sweet, providing a wonderful balance against the warm, sticky caramel sauce that oozes out when the buns are pulled apart. The dough, rich and fluffy, forms the ideal base to soak up the flavors of the apples and cinnamon, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns
Making apple cinnamon sticky buns requires a few essential ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these irresistible treats:
Dough Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 de xícara de açúcar granulado
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 colher de chá de sal
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup manteiga sem sal, derretida
- 2 ovos grandes
- 1 colher de chá de extrato de baunilha
Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (choose a sweet variety like Gala or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 colher de sopa de suco de limão
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Sticky Bun Topping:
- 1/2 xícara de manteiga sem sal
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey
- 1 colher de chá de extrato de baunilha
- Uma pitada de sal
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, along with the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, or until it becomes soft and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the apple filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter. Toss the mixture together until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spices. Set the filling aside.
3. Assemble the Sticky Buns:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12 x 18 inches in size. Brush the dough with melted butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough, leaving the edges bare. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the longer edges. Once rolled, slice the dough into about 12 equal pieces, using a sharp knife or dental floss.
4. Prepare the Sticky Bun Topping:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Pour the sticky topping into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced buns on top of the sticky mixture, ensuring they fit snugly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow the buns to rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Buns:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the sticky topping is bubbling.
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter to allow the sticky sauce to drizzle over the buns. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious apple cinnamon sticky buns!
Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns: A Versatile Recipe
While apple cinnamon sticky buns are a delightful treat on their own, there are many ways to incorporate other flavors and ingredients into this recipe. For example, you can use the same dough and cinnamon filling to make Cinnamon Sticky Buns, or add a touch of caramel to make them even more indulgent. If you’re a fan of crockpot desserts, you can also try baking your sticky buns in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach that still delivers a warm and gooey result.
Additionally, apple cinnamon sticky buns can be made in advance, which is perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings. Simply assemble the buns the night before, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, all you have to do is bake them, and you’ll have fresh sticky buns ready to enjoy!
Related Apple Dessert Recipes
Apple desserts are a favorite during the fall and winter seasons, but they can be enjoyed year-round. Here are a few related apple dessert recipes that will bring comfort and sweetness to your table:
Apple Pudding Cake:
If you love the combination of apples and cake, you’ll adore Apple Pudding Cake. This warm, custardy dessert has the sweet flavor of apples and a soft, fluffy cake-like texture that pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The best part? The cake bakes into a rich, syrupy bottom layer that’s perfect for spooning over the top.
Apple Pudding:
Apple Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for cool evenings. Made with a mixture of apples, milk, sugar, and spices, this pudding is similar to a traditional custard but with the added warmth of baked apples. It’s a simple dessert that’s rich in flavor and textures, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Puding Roti:
Puding Roti is a Malaysian dessert made with bread and a rich custard filling. This comforting dessert is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet, bread-based treat. Though it’s not an apple dessert by default, adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and diced apples can elevate this traditional dish, infusing it with the flavors of fall.
Slow Cooker Apples:
If you’re short on time but still craving apple-based desserts, consider making Slow Cooker Apples. This dessert involves slow-cooking apples with spices, sugar, and a bit of butter to create a warm, tender apple filling that can be served with ice cream or used as a topping for pancakes or oatmeal.
Cake Christmas:
For a festive twist, you can use your apple cinnamon sticky bun recipe as inspiration for a Cake Christmas. Add a handful of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and bake the mixture in a bundt pan for a beautiful holiday cake. The result is a delicious, apple-infused cake that’s perfect for your Christmas celebrations.
Why Apple Cinnamon Sticky Buns Are a Must-Try
Apple cinnamon sticky buns are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall and winter baking. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious result every time. The combination of tender dough, sweet apples, and gooey cinnamon-sugar syrup creates a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. If you’re looking for the perfect dessert or breakfast for your family or guests, these sticky buns are sure to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon sticky buns. Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful smells of apples, cinnamon, and sugar, making this recipe the perfect way to welcome any season.
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