If you love the warm, comforting flavors of classic desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. Combining the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the tart, tender apples and cinnamon-spiced brown sugar, it’s a downright irresistible treat that brings together the best of both worlds. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you want a hug on a plate, this bake turns simple store-bought components and fresh apples into a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients, each selected to create layers of flavor and texture that effortlessly blend together. From the soft cinnamon rolls to the crisp apples, every component plays a vital role in making this dish unforgettable.
- 2 cans of store-bought cinnamon rolls (with icing): These provide a soft, fluffy base packed with cinnamon goodness and ready-made icing to drizzle on top.
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great): Crisp and flavorful apples add the perfect tart contrast and keep the dessert fresh and fruity.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness that complements the apples brilliantly.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star spice here, bringing warmth and a touch of spice into every bite.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds the apple mixture and adds richness without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding a subtle fragrant note that lifts the entire dish.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce: For extra texture and indulgence, these add delightful bursts of crunch or gooey sweetness.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures everything bakes evenly right from the start. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously so your apple pie cinnamon roll bake won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and helping the bottoms brown just right.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open your cinnamon roll cans carefully, setting aside the sweet icing for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters—this creates perfect bite-sized pieces to fit snugly in your baking dish. Arrange these pieces evenly across the pan, forming a soft, fluffy layer that will soak up all the apple mixture flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Apple Filling
Peel and chop your apples into small chunks, then toss them in a big bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture transforms into a spiced, luscious apple filling that’s packed with flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in nuts, raisins, or drizzle in caramel sauce for that added wow factor.
Step 4: Combine and Distribute
Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the quarters of cinnamon rolls in your baking dish. Be sure to spread it around to cover the rolls so every bite has a bit of that warm apple goodness combined with the cinnamon-scented dough. This layering is where all the magic begins to happen in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples have softened without losing all their texture. This baking time lets all the flavors marry together while the cinnamon rolls become perfectly tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Step 6: Finish with a Sweet Drizzle
Once out of the oven, give the bake 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly—this helps it set and makes serving easier. While it’s still warm, drizzle the reserved icing over the top. The icing melts a little into the warm apples and cinnamon rolls, creating a glossy, irresistible finish that’s simply heavenly.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh, thinly sliced apples for a pretty presentation. If you’re feeling festive, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few cinnamon sticks on the side to boost the cozy, warm vibe.
Side Dishes
This bake is indulgent enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh berries to cut through the sweetness and add some fresh brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and nuts for a stunning centerpiece that invites sharing and second helpings. Warm cinnamon stick skewers alongside the servings add an extra cozy detail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as comforting when enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bake after it cools completely. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep up to 2 months, letting you enjoy this delicious treat anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole baking dish in a 350-degree oven until heated through. Adding a quick drizzle of warm caramel sauce or extra icing after reheating revives the flavors and texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Fresh cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add a homemade touch, though this recipe shines because it’s easy and quick with store-bought rolls. Just cut and layer them the same way.
What is the best type of apple for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness and firm texture, while Honeycrisp adds a balanced sweetness and crisp bite. Either choice brings life to the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe without getting mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute vegan cinnamon rolls, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and skip the icing or replace it with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly and delicious.
Is it possible to add other fruits?
Certainly. Sliced pears, chopped peaches, or even berries can be mixed with the apples for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
Do I have to use the icing from the cinnamon rolls?
You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended for that extra layer of sweetness and moisture. If you prefer, you can substitute with a vanilla glaze or drizzle of caramel for variety.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both decadent and approachable, perfect for sharing with the people you love. Its blend of familiar flavors and effortless preparation makes it a staple worth revisiting time and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort dessert!
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Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy and delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with tender, spiced apples. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a comforting treat, featuring a golden cinnamon roll base topped with a buttery apple mixture and drizzled with sweet icing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans of store-bought cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cinnamon rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully set aside the icing. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and evenly arrange them in the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Mix apple topping: In a large bowl, peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine. If desired, add any optional nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce at this stage and stir gently.
- Assemble the bake: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage and distribution.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when tested with a fork.
- Cool and glaze: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. While still warm, drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top to finish.
Notes
- Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls for a well-rounded flavor.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch—pecans or walnuts work great.
- Allow the bake to cool slightly before adding icing to prevent it from melting completely.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- To make it ahead, prepare but do not bake, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
