Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake: A Cozy Hug in a Pan
Remember those mornings when the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warm apples filled the air? The promise of something sweet and delightful just waiting to be devoured? Well, get ready to experience that magic all over again, with far less fuss! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that brings together the beloved flavors of autumn and the irresistible comfort of cinnamon rolls, all in one easy, delectable dish. Get ready to create a breakfast (or dessert, no judgment here!) that will warm your soul and create instant smiles around your table: the amazing Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake.
Why Make This Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this incredible Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake:
- Effortless Elegance: Achieve gourmet flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
- Irresistible Comfort: The combination of warm apples, gooey cinnamon, and soft rolls is pure culinary bliss.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: This dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from picky eaters to sophisticated palates.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even a warm dessert – it fits every occasion.
- Seasonal Flavors: It’s the ideal way to celebrate crisp autumn apples and bring that cozy feeling indoors.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
Let’s gather our delicious components for this delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake!
Ingredients of Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
For the Apple Filling
- 2-3 fresh apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Cinnamon Roll Base
- 2 cans (8 counts each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Glaze/Icing (Optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Reserved icing from cinnamon roll cans
Directions of Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a stunning Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake!
Preparing the Apple Filling
- Prep the Apples: You peel, core, and thinly slice your chosen apples.
- Sauté the Apples: You melt butter in a skillet. You add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. You cook until they soften but still hold their shape. You set them aside to cool slightly.
Assembling Your Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: You preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Unroll and Cut Rolls: You open the cinnamon roll cans. You unroll each roll and cut them into quarters.
- Layer First Half: You arrange half of the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Apple Filling: You spoon the sautéed apple mixture over the first layer of cinnamon rolls.
- Layer Remaining Rolls: You distribute the remaining cut cinnamon roll pieces over the apples.
- Pour Cream: You slowly and evenly pour heavy cream over the entire dish, making sure it seeps down between the rolls.
Baking to Golden Perfection
- Bake: You place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness: You ensure the rolls are cooked through and the apples are tender.
Glazing Your Masterpiece
- Prepare Glaze: While the bake cools slightly, You whisk together powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you use the canned icing, you can thin it slightly with a touch of milk.
- Drizzle and Serve: You drizzle generously over the warm Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake and serve immediately!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is fantastic as is, but here are some ways to make it even more special!
Perfect Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Bliss: You serve it with a side of turkey sausage and a hot cup of coffee.
- Brunch Royalty: It makes a magnificent centerpiece for any brunch spread.
- Dessert Dream: You enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Holiday Highlight: It is a perfect dish to share during festive gatherings.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
You store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
- Don’t Overcook: You keep an eye on it to prevent the rolls from drying out.
- Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This helps the glaze set beautifully.
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples (like Granny Smith) hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Evenly Pour Cream: You ensure every part of the bake gets that custardy goodness.
- Cover if Browning Too Quickly: If the top browns too fast, you loosely tent it with foil.
Variation
This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is fantastic as is, but here are some ways to make it even more special!
Exciting Variations
- Nutty Crunch: You add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple layer or on top.
- Caramel Drizzle: A store-bought or homemade caramel sauce would be an incredible addition to the glaze.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: You whip together softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla, then dollop it over the bake before serving.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: You add a dash of pumpkin pie spice to your apple filling for an even more autumnal vibe.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can assemble the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, you let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking as directed. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
Q2: What are the best apples to use for an Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake?
A2: For the best results, you use apples that hold their shape well when cooked and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are excellent choices for your Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake.
Q3: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones for this recipe?
A3: Absolutely! While canned cinnamon rolls make this Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake incredibly easy, you can certainly use homemade cinnamon roll dough if you prefer. You just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces before layering.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- 8x8 or 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 fresh apples e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls 8 counts each
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- Reserved icing from cinnamon roll cans
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the fresh apples.
- Melt butter in a skillet, then add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until apples soften but retain shape, then set aside to cool slightly.
Assembly & Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 or 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Open the cinnamon roll cans, unroll each roll, and cut them into quarters.
- Arrange half of the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the sautéed apple mixture evenly over the first layer of cinnamon rolls.
- Distribute the remaining cut cinnamon roll pieces over the apples.
- Slowly and evenly pour the heavy cream over the entire dish, ensuring it seeps between the rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is golden brown and bubbly, and the rolls are cooked through with tender apples.
Glaze & Serving
- While the bake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, or thin the reserved canned icing with a touch of milk.
- Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake and serve immediately.