Ooey-Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll

Welcome to your new favorite cinnamon roll recipe, the Ooey-Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll. Imagine a fluffy, oversized cinnamon roll swirling with gooey, naturally sweet date caramel and topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Sounds dreamy, right? Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, need a show-stopping dessert, or simply craving a comforting treat, this cinnamon roll is guaranteed to impress. Made with wholesome ingredients, packed with rich flavor, and offering that pull-apart goodness we all love, it’s the indulgence you didn’t know you needed… until now.

What is an Ooey-Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll?

Think of your classic cinnamon roll, then turn up the indulgence dial. This version features a rich, sticky date caramel spread that replaces traditional refined sugar filling, giving the roll a deeper, naturally sweet flavor profile. Rolled into a single, enormous spiral, it’s visually dramatic and delightfully shareable. The date caramel brings a unique depth, while the creamy topping ties everything together. This isn’t just breakfast, it’s an experience.

Why You’ll Fall In Love With This Recipe

It’s not just the size that makes this roll special, it’s everything packed into each bite. The fluffy, tender dough wraps around thick ribbons of sweet date caramel, and the cream cheese icing melts over the top like a cozy blanket. You’ll love this recipe because:

• The texture is perfect: soft in the center and lightly crisp on the edges.
• It uses natural sweetness from dates, which is rich in fiber and flavor.
• It’s a brunch centerpiece, perfect for holidays or impressing guests.
• It’s easily customizable (hello, pecans or dark chocolate chunks).
• Leftovers? No problem, it freezes like a dream and reheats beautifully.

Want more creative twists on cinnamon bakes? Try the banana bread cinnamon crunch bagels for another comfort-packed delight.

Ingredients Breakdown & Smart Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cinnamon roll masterpiece to life:

Date Caramel:

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted
• Boiling water (to soak)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ½ tsp instant or active dry yeast
• 1 egg (room temp)
• ⅓ cup salted butter, nearly melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (split)
• 2 ½ cups bread flour
• ½ tsp salt

Filling:

• 1 cup prepared date caramel
• ½ cup brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Topping & Icing:

• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Substitution ideas:

• Swap butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Use a flax egg for a plant-based alternative.
• A gluten-free flour blend can work, though the texture may vary.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy kitchen, just these basics:

• A stand mixer or strong hands for kneading
• 9” springform or cake pan
• Rolling pin
• Dough scraper (optional but helpful)
• Food processor or high-speed blender (for the caramel)
• Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula

Having trouble with soft doughs? Learn to easily manage sticky batters by checking out this expert guide in the Double Chocolate Chip Sourdough Bagels post.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips!)

1. Make the Date Caramel
   • Soak dates in boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain.
   • Blend dates with milk, vanilla, and salt until creamy. Set aside.
2. Prep the Dough
   • Mix warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let bloom for 5 mins.
   • Add egg, butter, and remaining sugar. Mix well.
   • Stir in flour and salt. Rest 5 mins.
   • Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
   • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and rise for 30–45 mins until doubled.
3. Shape and Fill
   • Roll dough into a 15×12” rectangle.
   • Spread 1 cup of date caramel evenly.
   • Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon if using.
   • Cut into six 2” wide strips. Roll the first, coil the rest around it in the pan.
4. Final Rise
   • Cover and let rise 45 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
   • Preheat oven to 350°F.
   • Pour warm cream over the dough before baking.
   • Bake 30–35 mins. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
6. Ice & Serve
   • Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Spread over the slightly cooled roll.
   • Slice, serve warm, and enjoy!

Expert Baking Tips for Ooey-Gooey Rolls

• Use fresh yeast, expired yeast = sad, flat rolls.
• Cool your date caramel before spreading; it thickens and stays put.
• Don’t overflour the dough – it should feel slightly tacky, not dry.
• Warm cream before baking adds gooeyness you can’t skip.
• Let it cool 10-15 mins before icing – not too hot or cold.

Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own

This roll is your blank canvas:

• Add nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Chopped chocolate for extra richness.
• Drizzle salted caramel or maple glaze post-bake.
• Spice it up with cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
• Use tahini or nut butter swirls for something unexpected.

Need more naturally sweet inspiration? These matcha pancakes balance health and flavor beautifully.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Generous Slice)

Note: Estimates only, varies by brand & quantity

• Calories: ~360
• Fat: ~15g
• Sugar: ~22g (mostly from dates)
• Protein: ~5g
• Fiber: ~4g

The use of dates instead of refined sugar not only lowers the glycemic impact but also adds vitamins, minerals, and natural fiber, a sweet win!

Best Ways to Store & Freeze Your Roll

Room Temp: Airtight container, eat within 2 days.
Fridge: Store up to 5 days, warm before serving.
Freezer: Wrap whole or slice portions; freeze up to 3 months.

Reheating: Microwave slices in 20-sec bursts or bake wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10–15 mins.

Pro Tip: Store icing separately and spread fresh each time for ultimate gooeyness.

Serving Suggestions You’ll Want to Try

• Brunch centerpiece: Serve with fresh berries and lattes.
• Afternoon treat: With hot coffee or chai.
• Special gift: Wrap and gift to a friend, complete with icing on the side.
• Holiday magic: Top with crushed peppermint or cranberry compote.

Craving a seasonal treat? These strawberry blondies are the perfect next recipe.

FAQs About Ooey-Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Let it rise overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before shaping.

Can I use store-bought caramel?
You can, but homemade date caramel offers natural sweetness and depth.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check your yeast freshness and room temperature. Warm spots help dough proof.

Can I make it vegan?
Use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg.

My dough’s too sticky. What’s it like now?
Lightly flour your hands and surface. Avoid adding too much flour.

Final Thoughts

This Ooey-Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll is everything your brunch table dreams of: warm, gooey, rich, and unforgettable. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and tag your bake, we’d love to see it!

Make this dreamy roll, share your masterpiece, and spread the cinnamon love!