This Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a creative twist on two classic desserts: cinnamon rolls and apple pie. Layers of flattened cinnamon rolls are stacked with spiced apple filling and drizzled with caramel sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with gooey icing, this decadent dessert is a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
📋 Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled, diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cinnamon Roll Layers:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can), with icing packets included
- Extra flour , for dusting the surface
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish using butter or nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom or sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling (10 Minutes)
- In a large bowl, toss together the diced apples , granulated sugar , cornstarch , cinnamon , and nutmeg . Mix until the apples are evenly coated. This mixture will bubble and thicken beautifully while baking.
Step 3: Flatten the Cinnamon Rolls (5 Minutes)
- Open your cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packets for later.
- Carefully separate each roll and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds .
- Lightly flour your surface and gently flatten each round into a 3–4 inch disk . The goal is to make them thin enough to layer and bake through, like sheets of lasagna.
Step 4: Begin Layering (7 Minutes)
- First Layer:
- Place a layer of flattened cinnamon rolls along the bottom of the greased pan. Slightly overlap them to ensure full coverage.
- Spoon half of the spiced apple mixture over the dough and spread it evenly.
- Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples.
- Second Layer:
- Repeat the process with more flattened cinnamon rolls.
- Add the remaining apple mixture and spread evenly.
- Drizzle another 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce .
- Top Layer:
- Add a final layer of cinnamon rolls.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of caramel over the top. Don’t worry about spreading it too perfectly—it’ll melt beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Covered (30 Minutes)
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil . This step ensures the apples steam and soften while the cinnamon rolls bake through.
- Bake for 30 minutes .
Step 6: Bake Uncovered (10 Minutes)
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes . This will allow the top to turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 7: Cool & Add Icing (15 Minutes)
- Remove the pan from the oven. Let the dish cool for 15 minutes to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Drizzle the reserved icing packets over the top in decorative ribbons or thick swirls.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
- Slice into 9 squares (or 12 for smaller servings ).
- Serve warm as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Tips for Success
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, for a balanced flavor.
- Flattening Cinnamon Rolls: If the cinnamon rolls tear while flattening, don’t worry—they’ll still bake beautifully and taste delicious.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking, and add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” combines the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of spiced apples and the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the soft, caramelized apples to the buttery, caramel-drizzled layers of dough. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Dive into this decadent, layered dessert and let it become a family favorite!
⏱ Time
- Preparation Time: 22 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 17 minutes
🍽 Servings:
9–12 servings
🔥 Calories (Approximate):
~350 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and toppings)
