Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is a delightful layered dessert that combines the soft, sweet texture of cinnamon rolls with tart, spiced apples, finished with a creamy cream cheese drizzle and optional caramel topping. This baked treat is perfect for cozy gatherings and offers a comforting blend of flavors reminiscent of apple pie and cinnamon rolls in one scrumptious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Apple Filling
- 2 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 2 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Drizzle
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cinnamon rolls after baking.
- Mix the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped pecans if using. Mix well so the sugar and spices coat all the apple slices evenly, allowing the mixture to develop a sweet and spiced flavor.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them. Roll each cinnamon roll into a flat circle gently. Place a generous scoop of the apple filling in the center of each circle, then fold the edges over the filling to create a sealed pocket. Repeat this process for all cinnamon rolls.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the filled cinnamon rolls into the greased baking dish carefully, arranging them close together but not squished, allowing for even baking and rising.
- Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pourable. This will be drizzled over the cinnamon rolls to add a tangy and sweet finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cinnamon roll apple lasagna in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Test with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes; this helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Optional Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top if desired for extra sweetness and decadence. Slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Greasing the baking dish well is essential to prevent sticking and ease serving.
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for easy mixing into a smooth drizzle.
- Try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and complexity.
- Substitute pears or berries for apples to vary the fruit component.
- Look for gluten-free cinnamon rolls to make the dish gluten-free.
- Substitute plant-based cream cheese and milk to make a vegan version of this dessert.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave.
Keywords: cinnamon roll apple lasagna, cinnamon roll dessert, apple cinnamon dessert, baked cinnamon rolls, apple pie inspired dessert, cream cheese drizzle, easy apple dessert, layered fruit dessert
