Of course! A Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is the ultimate easy and comforting dessert or breakfast. It combines the flavors of apple pie with the ease of using pre-made cinnamon rolls. It’s like a cross between apple cobbler and a bread pudding made with cinnamon rolls.
Here are a few ways to make it, from the super simple “dump and bake” to a slightly more from-scratch version.
Recipe 1: The Classic & Easiest Version
This is the most popular method, using a can of cinnamon rolls and canned pie filling for maximum ease.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
· 1 (16.5 oz) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count)
· 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
· ⅓ cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
· Optional Add-ins:
· ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
· ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or 11×7 inch baking dish.
- Cut the Rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls. Set the icing aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into 6-8 small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss the chopped cinnamon roll pieces with the apple pie filling. If you’re using nuts or dried fruit, add them now. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the apple and cinnamon roll mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is bubbly.
- Ice and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes (it will be very hot!). Drizzle the reserved icing over the top. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe 2: From-Scratch Flavor (Using Fresh Apples)
This version uses fresh apples for a brighter, less sweet flavor and a homemade sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 (16.5 oz) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls
· 3-4 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is perfect), peeled and sliced
· ¼ cup (½ stick / 56g) unsalted butter
· ⅓ cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
· 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Apples: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the apples have softened slightly and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble: Cut the cinnamon rolls (icing reserved) into bite-sized pieces. Spread them in the prepared baking dish. Pour the warm apple mixture over the top and gently stir to combine.
- Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, until the cinnamon roll pieces are cooked through and golden.
- Finish: Drizzle with the reserved icing and serve warm.
Recipe 3: Overnight Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Perfect for holiday mornings or brunch! Assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up.
Ingredients & Instructions
· Follow the ingredients for either Recipe 1 or 2.
· Assemble the bake completely in your greased dish except for the icing and the butter/sugar topping (if using Recipe 1).
· Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
· In the morning, take the dish out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Uncover, add the butter/sugar topping if using, and bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
Tips for the Perfect Bake:
· Don’t Overmix: When combining the cinnamon roll pieces with the apples, be gentle so the rolls don’t turn into a mushy dough.
· Apple Choices: For the best flavor and texture, use firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala.
· Prevent Burning: If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
· Serve It Right: This is best served warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to another level.
· Get Creative: Add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of bourbon or rum to the apple mixture for a more complex flavor.
Enjoy this delicious, cozy, and incredibly easy dessert