Apple cinnamon buns

This afternoon treat is delicious served warm from the oven, using British apples and finished with an autumnal cinnamon spice, crunch of nuts and a luxurious caramel sauce.

15 minutes prep. time
15–20 minutes cooking time
Serves 12
Cakes, bakes & desserts

Apple cinnamon bun is a tasty tea-time treat — Apple cinnamon bun | © National Trust Images

250g strong bread flour
125g plain flour
25g caster sugar
7g sachet fast acting yeast
125ml milk
100ml warm water
1 medium egg
25g butter

For the filling

60g butter, melted
15g ground cinnamon
75g soft light brown sugar
325g apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped

For the caramel

50g caster sugar
50ml double cream
25g chopped mixed nuts, toasted

Step 1

Place the flours, yeast and caster sugar in the bowl of your mixer, attach the dough hook and pour in the milk and half the water. Start to mix on a low speed.

Step 2

Once the dough starts to come together add the eggs and any additional water to make a smooth dough.

Step 3

Once the dough has formed, add the butter and continue to mix for around 4 minutes.

Step 4

When the butter is incorporated and the dough is smooth, remove from the mixer and place in a bowl, cover with cling film and leave to prove until doubled in size.

Step 5

Remove from the bowl and place on a floured worktop, give the dough a couple of kneads to bring it together and shape into a rectangle.

Step 6

Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to a rectangle approximately 40cm x 20cm, spread the melted butter over the entire surface, then sprinkle over the sugar, cinnamon and chopped apples.

Step 7

Roll from the long edge making sure you get it as tight as possible, then cut using a sharp knife into 12 buns and place them on the lined baking tray. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size and the buns are all touching each other.

Step 8

For the caramel

Place the sugar in a pan over a high heat and cook until the sugar starts to melt, swirl the pan gently and let the sugar cook until it goes golden brown. Stir in the cream and keep stirring until you have a smooth caramel – take care as the caramel will be hot.

Step 9

Once the buns have risen, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 6) and cook for around 20 minutes until risen and golden. Remove from the oven and immediately spoon the caramel over each one and then sprinkle over the nuts.