Description: These Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns are a decadent and comforting twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced dough swirled with a sweet and tangy apple filling and crunchy toffee bits, then topped with a luscious apple juice glaze and even more toffee, these buns are the perfect treat for a weekend brunch, special occasion, or any time you crave a warm, indulgent pastry.
Why you will love this recipe:
- A delightful flavor combination: The pairing of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery toffee creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Soft and fluffy texture: The buttermilk in the dough ensures a tender and moist crumb, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Easy to make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, even for beginner bakers.
- Impressive presentation: The beautiful swirls and glistening glaze make these buns a showstopper, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Perfect for any occasion: Enjoy these Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special treat any time of day.
Introduction:
Cinnamon buns are a beloved classic for good reason – their warm, comforting aroma and sweet, spiced flavor are simply irresistible. But sometimes, you want to elevate a classic. That’s where these Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns come in. This recipe takes the traditional cinnamon roll and infuses it with the bright tang of apples and the rich, buttery crunch of toffee, creating a pastry that is both familiar and exciting. The addition of apple juice concentrate in both the filling and the glaze amplifies the apple flavor, while the toffee bits add a delightful textural contrast. These buns are surprisingly easy to make, and the results are truly impressive. From the first whiff of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven to the last bite of warm, gooey deliciousness, these Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns will be a hit with everyone who tries them. This recipe is perfect for a special breakfast treat, a delightful brunch dish, or a cozy dessert to share with loved ones. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon thawed apple juice concentrate
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
- 1/4 cup brickle toffee bits
- GLAZE:
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons thawed apple juice concentrate
- 2 tablespoons brickle toffee bits
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped Granny Smith apple and 1 tablespoon of thawed apple juice concentrate. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the apple pieces are tender. This step softens the apples and allows the flavors to meld together. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the apple mixture before proceeding. This will prevent the buns from becoming soggy. Allow the apple mixture to cool slightly before using.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup of sugar and 1-1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside. This mixture will be sprinkled over the dough to create the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference – some people prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, while others like a more subtle hint. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an even more complex spice profile.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 3-1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1-1/4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even rising and a consistent texture. Next, stir in 1-1/4 cups of buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough buns. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 4: Assemble the Buns: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth, about 2-4 minutes. Roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Top with the cooked apple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of brickle toffee bits. Starting with a long side, roll the dough up jelly-roll style, pinching the seam to seal it tightly. This step is crucial for creating the beautiful swirls in the buns. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the roll into 8 slices.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze: Place the sliced buns, cut side down, in a greased 9-inch square or round baking pan. Brush the tops of the buns with the remaining melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 22-28 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown. Let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes on a wire rack. While the buns are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing together 1-1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 3 tablespoons of thawed apple juice concentrate until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the warm buns and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of brickle toffee bits.
COOKING Rating:
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Effort: Medium
- Taste: Excellent
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- These buns are perfect for a brunch gathering or a special occasion breakfast.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy treat.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter to brush the dough.
- Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra warmth.
- If you don’t have brickle toffee bits, you can use chopped pecans or walnuts instead.
- To make these buns ahead of time, assemble them up to the baking stage and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- To prevent the buns from drying out, cover them loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per bun)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
These Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns are a delightful and irresistible treat that will impress your family and friends. The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy toffee creates a symphony of flavors that is perfect for any occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture and beautiful presentation, these buns are sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a batch of these heavenly Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the toffee and cinnamon, you can experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp apples will offer a slightly sweeter and crisper texture, while Braeburn apples will bring a more complex, slightly spicy flavor. If you prefer a softer apple, consider using Golden Delicious. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the apple variety you choose. The key is to use an apple that will hold its shape during baking and not become mushy.
- Can I make these buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these buns ahead of time in two ways. First, you can assemble the buns up to the baking stage and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will allow the dough to rise slightly and ensure a more even bake. Alternatively, you can bake the buns completely and then freeze them. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or reheat them in a low oven. When reheating, consider wrapping them in foil to prevent them from drying out. You can also make the dough in advance, store it in the fridge, and then continue the process the next day.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to measure 1-1/4 cups. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will create a slightly thickened, tangy liquid that mimics the acidity and texture of buttermilk. Buttermilk helps to tenderize the dough and adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors in the buns.
- Can I use a different kind of toffee? While brickle toffee bits provide a classic toffee flavor and a satisfying crunch, you can certainly use other types of toffee. English toffee, with its rich buttery flavor and almond pieces, would be a delicious alternative. You could also use homemade toffee, as long as it is broken into small pieces. If you don’t have toffee at all, consider using chopped pecans or walnuts for a similar crunchy texture.
- What’s the best way to store leftover Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns? Leftover Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. To prevent them from drying out, consider lining the container with a paper towel or storing them in a single layer. You can also freeze leftover buns for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen buns will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw the buns completely and then warm them in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven.
