Delicious and Decadent Caramel Rolls Recipe

If there’s anything that can fix a bad day, it’s a warm, gooey caramel roll. And when it comes to the best caramel rolls out there, Key’s Cafe is a name that always comes up. Lucky for us, the famous cafe has shared their secret recipe for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.

This recipe is not just any caramel roll recipe – this is Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls Recipe. And trust me when I say, you need this recipe in your life.

The soft and fluffy bread dough topped with a sticky, sweet caramel sauce that melts in your mouth is pure heaven. Even better, these rolls are easy to make with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

So get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted. It’s time to head into the kitchen and start baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key's Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls
Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls

You’ll adore the Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls Recipe for many reasons. Firstly, these caramel rolls are pure quality – made with the freshest ingredients, you can taste the warm, gooey texture of every bite. The recipe is well-suited for anyone who loves indulging in cinnamon rolls or sticky buns because these caramel rolls provide a unique and delectable twist on those classics.

One of the most striking things about this recipe is that it has gained fame around the country and even internationally, making its origins famous across various communities. With its roots at Key Cafe Bakery in Minnesota, even those who have never visited Minnesota or Key Cafe Bakery will be unable to resist the sweet aroma of this famously homemade cinnamon pastry with a luscious caramel sauce.

If you’re tired of calorie counting or trying to avoid carbs, here’s more good news: these delicious rolls are not too heavy on calories or carbs. With approximately 276 calories per roll, you can treat yourself on occasion without any remorse.

The best part? These rolls can be made from frozen bread dough which saves significant prep time compared to starting from scratch with homemade bread dough. The recipe is also flexible with many possible substitutions that will make it workable to meet dietary restrictions.

Finally, this recipe provides an opportunity to experiment with a unique blend of brown sugar and butter that makes all the difference in creating this velvety caramel flavor that is truly addictive. The brown sugar-butter mixture is allowed to melt and then combined with cinnamon-sugar mixture before being poured over flattened bread dough pieces before baking.

So why wait? Try out the awesome caramel rolls recipe now and enjoy a heavenly breakfast experience like no other!

Ingredient List

 Golden caramel sauce drizzled over fluffy rolls
Golden caramel sauce drizzled over fluffy rolls

Below are all the ingredients needed to make Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls:

  • Bread Dough: You can either use frozen bread dough or make your own.

  • Brown sugar: We’ll be using this to make the caramel sauce.

  • Butter: To make the caramel sauce and to spread over the bread dough.

  • Heavy Cream: This is a key ingredient for making the caramel sauce.

  • Cinnamon Sugar mixture: A blend of brown sugar, butter and cinnamon that you’ll sprinkle over the bread dough.

  • 9×13 Pan: We’ll be baking our rolls in this pan.

That’s it! These ingredients might seem simple, but they come together to create something truly delicious.

The Recipe How-To

 Sweet morning indulgence for the whole family
Sweet morning indulgence for the whole family

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for – the recipe itself! Follow this step-by-step guide to make Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen bread dough
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Leave your frozen bread dough out to thaw overnight or for at least six hours.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a bowl, blend together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until well combined.
  5. Spread some of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan.
  6. Flatten out the thawed bread dough and sprinkle with more brown sugar and cinnamon.
  7. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into rolls about one inch thick.
  8. Place each roll into the pan cut-side down on top of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  9. Pour the melted butter and heavy cream mixture over the top of the rolls.
  10. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over everything in the pan.
  11. Bake for around 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Once they’re done baking, remove from oven and let them cool for just a few minutes before diving in!

Substitutions and Variations

 Sticky caramel goodness in every bite
Sticky caramel goodness in every bite

If you’re looking to switch things up a little, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make with this famous caramel rolls recipe.

One easy substitution is to use frozen bread dough instead of making the dough from scratch. This can save you time and effort without sacrificing taste. Just be sure to thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator before using.

For those who aren’t big fans of caramel sauce, try making these rolls with a classic cinnamon sugar mixture. Simply blend brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon together and sprinkle on top of the dough before rolling it up. This will give the rolls a classic cinnamon roll flavor that’s just as delicious as the original.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Pecans or walnuts work especially well with the caramel glaze.

Additionally, these rolls can be transformed into sticky buns by flipping them upside down after baking and let the caramel drizzle down over the top. This variation will give you an entirely new pastry that’s still rich in flavor and perfect for breakfast or brunch.

No matter what variation you choose, be sure to experiment with different fillings and toppings until you find the perfect combination that works for you. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe!

Serving and Pairing

 An iconic breakfast treat from Key's Cafe
An iconic breakfast treat from Key’s Cafe

Now that your kitchen is filled with the mesmerizing aromas of brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and heavy cream, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a satisfying and delicious tasting experience. Let me tell you how to serve these famous caramel rolls from Key’s Cafe.

When warm out of the oven, these rolls are soft and fluffy on the inside but crispy and coated in a rich caramel sauce on the outside. The caramel seeps into every crevice of these rolls, making them incredibly moist and flavorful.

These caramel rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch, but they can also be enjoyed as an indulgent dessert after dinner. They pair well with a hot cup of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk or even a smooth bourbon cocktail.

If you want to get creative with these rolls, try serving them with some fresh fruit on the side to cut through the sweetness. Alternatively, add some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to give a contrasting crunch texture to each bite.

Finally, if you want to elevate your serving game with some additional flavors, drizzle extra caramel sauce or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of your caramel roll. This will make your dessert irresistibly mouth-watering!

With this classic recipe, you will soon realize that the famous caramel rolls from Key’s Cafe are not only easy to whip up but also versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Don't let the ooey-gooey caramel fool you - these rolls are worth the mess
Don’t let the ooey-gooey caramel fool you – these rolls are worth the mess

While the Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls Recipe is best served fresh, I understand that sometimes you need to prepare ahead of time. That’s why I’ve got some tips on how to make-ahead, store and reheat these awesome caramel rolls.

To make-ahead, simply prepare the rolls as instructed up to the point where you transfer them to a pan. Instead, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

If you wish to store leftover caramel rolls, I suggest storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to enjoy again, simply warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also reheat them in the oven by wrapping them in aluminum foil and baking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

One thing to keep in mind when reheating any sticky buns or caramel-cinnamon bun recipes, is that they tend to lose their stickiness over time. However, when it comes to Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls, just add a tablespoon of caramel sauce or heavy cream before reheating to bring back some of that lusciousness.

Remember, these famous homemade cinnamon-caramel rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but with these tips you can still enjoy their amazing flavor days later.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Homemade goodness that will make your kitchen smell heavenly
Homemade goodness that will make your kitchen smell heavenly

Ah, the sweet smell of cinnamon and caramel permeating the air! The Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls are here to tantalize your taste buds! If you’re as passionate about baking as I am, you’ll want to get everything spot on. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls come out perfectly every time.

Firstly, when blending the brown sugar and butter for the 9×13 pan, make sure the butter is soft enough. This will help create a smooth paste. You can use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend it together well.

Next, when spreading the mixture on the bottom of the pan, don’t be afraid to be generous. It needs to cover every inch. Also, try flattening the bread dough gently with your fingers before sprinkling cinnamon to eliminate any air pockets that might be trapped inside.

When you roll up the dough, consider using frozen bread dough instead of fresh bread dough as it makes it much easier to work with. After rolling up the dough with filling, place it into your 9×13 pan and let rise for an hour in a warm area until they double in size.

Once done rising, give your rolls an ample amount of topping by pouring heavy cream over them. This helps lock-in moisture for a more tender result. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of cream spread rolls and bake them in preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Lastly but importantly, once those rolls are done baking, turn them out onto plates immediately to prevent sticking. Every ounce of deliciousness counts!

Incorporating these tips into your caramel roll recipe can make all the difference between fabulous bakery-style rolls and average run-of-the-mill ones.

Bottom Line

And there you have it, folks! The recipe for Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls, a decadent indulgence that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe has been perfected over the years to create a sticky, gooey goodness that will make anyone’s day better.

So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re having a family brunch or just indulging in a sweet treat on your own, this recipe is sure to satisfy. And with some simple substitutions and variations, you can customize it to your liking!

Remember these two tips: (1) Use frozen bread dough as it yields the most consistent results; (2) Don’t turn the caramel sauce too soon, otherwise your rolls may turn soggy.

So go ahead and whip up some authentic Minnesota delights at home with the Keys Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls recipe. You won’t be disappointed!

Key’s Cafe Famous Caramel Rolls Recipe

I found this recipe on a copycat site long ago and have been making them frequently. These are not for the faint of heart, but utterly delicious and easy to prepare.

  • 2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed (1 lb.)
  • 3 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 10 ounces butter, melted
  • 1 cup cinnamon-sugar mixture
  1. Blend brown sugar and butter in a 9X13 pan, add cream.
  2. Spread over bottom of pan.
  3. Flatten bread dough, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top and roll up and cut each loaf into 4 pieces.
  4. Place on top of caramel mixture in pan.
  5. Let rise in a warm place to double in size or overnight.
  6. Bake at 350F degrees for about 45 minutes or until brown on top.
Dessert
American
Beginner Cook, Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Christmas, Dessert, Easy, Inexpensive, Kid-Friendly, Oven, Sweet

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]