Award-Winning Bread Machine Gruyère Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe
There’s a special kind of magic in tasting something truly extraordinary – a dish so delicious it compels you to seek out its creator and uncover the culinary secrets. I’ve often found myself wandering through hotel kitchens, conference center pantries, and restaurant back corridors, driven by a singular mission: to obtain the recipe for an unforgettable meal. This passionate pursuit stems from a deeply held personal philosophy: good food is meant to be shared. It’s a belief that has guided my culinary journey and inspired me to create this very platform, dedicated to bringing delicious recipes to your kitchen.
However, the path to a cherished recipe isn’t always straightforward. You might be surprised by how many talented cooks are reluctant to share their culinary wisdom, be it a special ingredient, a unique technique, or the full recipe itself. While I find this hesitation puzzling given my own ethos of sharing, I understand that some guard their creations closely. Fortunately, for this particular recipe, I encountered a kindred spirit – a cook who wholeheartedly embraces the same sharing philosophy, graciously divulging a secret ingredient that elevates these cinnamon rolls to an award-winning status.
The Secret Ingredient & Our Award-Winning Recipe
It’s with immense pleasure that I introduce you to these Award-Winning Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe was honored as a Winner of Safeway’s Destination Cheese Champions in 2012, a testament to its unique and irresistible flavor profile. The special ingredient, generously shared by a fellow culinary enthusiast, along with the glorious medley of sweet apple pie and savory, creamy Gruyère cheese, creates a symphony of flavors that truly sets these rolls apart.
What makes these cinnamon rolls truly stand out is their unexpected yet harmonious combination. The tartness of green apples, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the subtle, nutty richness of Gruyère cheese are perfectly balanced within a soft, fluffy bun. Each bite offers a complex flavor experience, making these rolls a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food. They are not just cinnamon rolls; they are a celebration of innovative flavor pairing, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
📖 Versatile Variations for Every Baker
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are an exceptional choice for any breakfast or brunch potluck because their scrumptiousness doesn’t diminish with preparation time. They can be made ahead and frozen, making your entertaining effortless. Imagine waking up, popping these into the oven, and having fresh, warm, homemade cinnamon rolls ready to serve with minimal fuss! This convenience, coupled with their incredible taste, makes them a go-to recipe for busy hosts.
Furthermore, don’t fret if you don’t own a bread machine. While my recipe leverages the convenience of a bread maker for perfect dough every time, I’ve also included a fantastic alternative. You can still achieve these delightful rolls with a no-bread-machine option, utilizing refrigerated French bread dough for a quicker, equally delicious shortcut (be sure to check the recipe notes for full details). This flexibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their kitchen equipment, can enjoy the magic of these unique cinnamon rolls.
My Recipe Sharing Philosophy: A Culinary Journey
My journey through the world of food has taught me that sometimes, the challenge isn’t whether a cook wants to share a recipe, but whether the recipe can even be replicated. I recall a particularly memorable brunch about five years ago at Fort Steele, a charming heritage town near Kimberley, British Columbia. Similar to Heritage Park in Calgary, Fort Steele offers a glimpse into “the olden days” with historical buildings and traditional baked goods. It was there that I encountered a chocolate cake so exquisitely scrumptious, it instantly became my culinary obsession.
Convinced that such a masterpiece must have been lovingly crafted over hours in their old-timey wood-fired brick oven, I enthusiastically dragged my family from building to building, determined to find the source of this dreamy dessert. My quest, however, ended in a surprising disappointment. The staff revealed that this legendary cake wasn’t a homemade creation at all, but rather an item ordered directly from Sysco, a food service giant. My heart sank. The idea of recreating it from scratch was impossible, and even buying it was out of the question since Sysco doesn’t sell to the public. This experience, though disheartening, underscored a valuable lesson: not all food expeditions end in successful replication, even when the source is identified. It reinforced my dedication to sharing recipes that home cooks genuinely *can* make and enjoy.
💭 Top Tip: The Unsung Hero – Lemon Zest!
Despite occasional disappointments, many of my food expeditions have led to wonderful discoveries and generous sharing. I was incredibly fortunate to replicate the deliciousness of certain cinnamon buns I first tasted while working out of Spruce Lodge. The cook there, a truly kind soul, shared a game-changing tip with me: add lemon zest to the cinnamon roll dough.
Wow! What an incredible difference that little addition makes. The bright, fragrant lemon zest introduces a subtle layer of complexity and freshness that beautifully complements the rich cinnamon and sweet apple. It cuts through the richness, preventing the rolls from being overly sweet and adding a vibrant zing that elevates the entire experience. This small tweak transforms a good cinnamon roll into an exceptional one, adding a professional touch that will have everyone asking for your secret.
This ingenious tip is integrated into my bread machine recipe, making the entire process remarkably easy. I’m a firm believer in skipping hard labor when it comes to dough-making, and the bread machine handles all the kneading and rising with perfection, resulting in delicious, easy homemade cinnamon buns every time. But as mentioned, if a bread machine isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, don’t despair! When Safeway originally published my recipe, they cleverly suggested using refrigerated French bread dough for a swift shortcut, proving that incredible flavor is accessible to all, regardless of equipment.
If you’re searching for unique and impressive breakfast potluck ideas, look no further. This bread machine cinnamon bun recipe is your answer. It’s a touch more sophisticated than your typical cinnamon roll, offering a delightful fusion where cheese, apple pie, and cinnamon rolls were simply destined to be together. The savory notes of Gruyère provide a beautiful contrast to the sweet apple and spicy cinnamon, creating a truly gourmet experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Through all my culinary explorations, I’ve amassed a wealth of fantastic recipes and invaluable cooking tips, mostly by simply asking. Thankfully, the number of cooks willing to share their knowledge far outweighs those who prefer to keep their secrets. This inspires me to continue paying it forward, sharing my discoveries and creations. Because ultimately, good-tasting food, whether it’s picture-perfect or beautifully rustic, is meant to be shared, bringing people together and creating memorable moments around the table.
🥘 More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
If you loved these unique cinnamon rolls, you might also enjoy these other breakfast and brunch favorites from my collection:
- Maple Sausage Brunch Bites: Perfect savory-sweet mouthfuls for a quick breakfast or appetizer. These bites are incredibly easy to make and disappear fast at any gathering.
- Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Lasagna: A decadent, layered breakfast bake that transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a spectacular dish. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s rich, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
⭐ Your Feedback Matters!
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📋 Bread Machine Gruyère Apple Pie Cinnamon Bun Recipe
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Ingredients
Breadmaker Dough (1 lb):
- 6 oz Half and half
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 egg large
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 ¼ cups white flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Swiss Gruyere cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons bread maker yeast
Filling:
- 3 tablespoons whipped cream
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 cup green apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 apples)
- ¼ cup water
Glaze:
- 1¼ cup sifted powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whipping cream liquid
- 4 tablespoons brewed French vanilla flavoured coffee * can substitute regular coffee and ¼ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Dough (for 1 lb. bread machine):
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Mix all ingredients in bread maker in order given. Ensure to add salt along one side of the bread pan and sugar along the opposite side. Dig a little well in the centre and add yeast last (don’t let it touch anything). Select dough cycle. When dough is complete(about 1 hr and 20 mins), remove to a lightly floured surface. Knead enough to make it easy to handle (if necessary). If too elastic, let rest for 10 more minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9X13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Filling:
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Meanwhile, mix filling: Thinly slices apples and pour ¼ cup water over them. Cook apples in microwave for approximately 3 minutes until soft. Drain water. Toss with brown sugar, almonds and cinnamon.
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Roll dough into a 12X18 rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough. Top with apple mixture and spread evenly across butter. Spread whipped cream evenly on top of apple mixture. Beginning at long end, roll up tightly as a jelly roll. Pinch seam to seal. With sharp knife, cut into 8 equal slices. Pace cut side up in a greased 9X13 inch baking pan.
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Cover dough with clean tea towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until almost doubled in size (30 minutes)
Bake rolls at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until done.
Glaze:
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Mix whipping cream and strong coffee together. Add vanilla and whipping cream mixture to sifted powdered sugar. When buns are done, drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm or cold.Sprinkle with a little powdered/icing sugar, if desired.
Notes
***If you don’t have a bread machine, these cinnamon buns are still possible! When Safeway published my recipe, they used a refrigerated french bread instead of this breadmaker dough to make it quicker. I am unable to find that type of bread at Canada Safeway, but if you live in the US, you may have some luck!
Here’s their short-cut version:
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