Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that combines gooey cinnamon rolls and tender, caramelized apples, the Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is your new kitchen hero. This dreamy bake takes the best of both worlds—the warm, spiced flavors of homemade apple pie and the irresistible pull-apart joy of cinnamon rolls—and brings them together in one glorious dish. Whether you’re serving this as an indulgent breakfast, a holiday brunch centerpiece, or a comforting dessert on a chilly evening, it’s bound to become a requested favorite. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be amazed by how much flavor and comfort you can deliver in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake keeps things simple yet utterly delicious, relying on a small cast of staple ingredients that each play a starring role. From the buttery richness that softens the apples to the spicy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, every ingredient is essential for building layers of taste, aroma, and texture in every bite.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The shortcut to fluffy, spiced layers—these form the pillowy base and topping while the icing adds the perfect finishing sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Melts down to coat the apples and spices, giving richness and helping caramelize everything beautifully.
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced): The star of the show! Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that classic cozy aroma and flavor you expect from any cinnamon roll treat.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch deepens the spice profile, making each bite taste like fall in a dish.
- Brown sugar: Melts into the apples for a caramel-like sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a warm, bakery-style note.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake lifts out of the pan with no sticking or fuss.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This step sets you up for success, ensuring the cinnamon rolls bake evenly and nothing gets left behind when serving. A well-prepped pan also makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Sauté the Apples
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced apples, then sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Sauté everything for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and take on a delicious, caramelized sheen. This not only infuses the apples with all that cozy spice, but also ensures they’re tender and ready to meld with the cinnamon rolls.
Step 3: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into quarters—this creates more surface area for soaking up the apple goodness, and makes every bite extra special. Trust me, this little step is the secret behind that dreamy, pull-apart texture.
Step 4: Layer the Bake
Scatter half of the cut cinnamon roll pieces into your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the apple mixture evenly over the rolls, letting the juices seep between the dough. Repeat this layering process with the remaining cinnamon roll pieces and apple mixture. Layering ensures that every forkful has both soft, gooey cinnamon roll and spiced apples!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing—the hardest part is waiting!
Step 6: Finish with Icing and Serve
Once baked, remove the Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Drizzle the reserved icing all over the top, letting it melt into every nook and cranny. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Garnishes
Give your Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake an extra flourish by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top for some nutty crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take this dish from fantastic to unforgettable. For a little color, add a few fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon just before serving.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with savory breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or a crisp bacon strip, balancing out the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to lighten things up and add a refreshing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch—perfect for brunch parties. You can also slice and layer leftovers into a parfait glass with Greek yogurt and granola, or use squares of the bake as an indulgent base for an ice cream sundae. The possibilities are as delightful as the dish itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as tempting as the first serving.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bake cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions below.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave also works for single servings—about 45 seconds does the trick. For the freshest taste, drizzle a little extra icing or add a splash of cream before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you love making cinnamon rolls from scratch, feel free to use your favorite homemade dough. Just make sure it’s prepped and cut into pieces before layering with the apples. The bake time may need a slight adjustment, so keep an eye on it until golden and cooked through.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
I recommend firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These types hold their shape well during baking and won’t turn to mush.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch and flavor. You could also toss in raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Is this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake suitable for making ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the entire bake the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy holidays or brunch gatherings.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The cinnamon rolls should be puffed up and golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. The apples should be tender and bubbly. If the top is getting too brown before the center is cooked, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you simply have to try this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake. It’s easy, adaptable, and absolutely delicious—the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making for every special morning… or any time you need a little extra joy in your day!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake featuring soft cinnamon rolls layered with a spiced apple mixture, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet icing. Perfect for a festive breakfast or cozy brunch during fall or holiday seasons.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (8-count) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Apple Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften and become slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters.
- Layer the Bake: Arrange half of the quartered cinnamon rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the cinnamon rolls. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon rolls and apple mixture, layering evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Icing and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls evenly across the top. Serve warm for a deliciously sweet and spiced treat.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple layers before baking.
- This bake is an ideal choice for holiday breakfasts, festive brunches, or cozy fall desserts.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a better balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure not to overcook the apples during sautéing to retain some bite and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
