If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls and the classic comfort of apple pie, then you are in for an absolute treat with the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. This delightful dish combines soft, cinnamon-spiced rolls with tender, sweet apples in a way that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It is simple to throw together but delivers an impressive flavor and texture that feels indulgent yet homey, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any time you want a fast, comforting baked delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each item has its role, from the cinnamon rolls providing a fluffy, cinnamony base to the apples contributing juicy sweetness and a slight tartness to balance the sugar and spice perfectly.
- 2 cans of store-bought cinnamon rolls (with icing): These save prep time and provide a soft, cinnamon-swirled dough base loaded with gooey goodness.
- 4 medium-sized apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, which adds an irresistible freshness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes that blend perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that elevates the dish with its warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Helps everything meld together beautifully and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce: For an added textural crunch, chewiness, or gooey sweetness, these optional add-ins personalize the bake just how you like it.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly. This step ensures your casserole bakes evenly and releases easily once done, prepping the perfect environment for all those flavors to come together.
Step 2: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully set aside the icing packets for later. Cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces, then arrange them evenly in your prepared baking dish. Laying these pieces out is like creating a soft, cinnamon-streaked foundation that will soak up the apple mixture beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss together your peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract until every piece is coated in that irresistible sweet and spicy blend. If you’re opting for nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, sprinkle them in now and fold gently for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Layer the Filling Over Cinnamon Rolls
Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll quarters, making sure to cover them well. This melding of soft dough and juicy fruit will bake into a sweet, cinnamon-laden feast that is both tender and slightly crispy on top—every bite layered with that perfect balance.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown top and tender, bubbly apples — signs that your Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is ready to come out of the oven and wow everyone at the table.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
After removing the bake from the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes — this slight rest helps the flavors meld even further and makes serving easier. Once cooled a bit, drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing all over the top for that perfect sweet finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top after drizzling the icing. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this warm, comforting dish to decadent heights.
Side Dishes
This bake is rich and filling on its own, but if serving at a brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for balance. Hot coffee or a spiced chai latte complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. You can also add layers of caramel syrup or cream cheese frosting between cinnamon roll pieces before baking for an opulent twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you may find it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake it from frozen, adding extra time until it’s golden and bubbling.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. Adding a fresh drizzle of icing after reheating brings back that freshly-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully, adding a personal touch and allowing you to customize fillings if you like. Just be sure they are prepped and cut into quarters before layering as directed.
What kind of apples are best for the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, which holds up well during baking. Honeycrisp is another excellent choice for a sweeter but still crisp texture. Avoid very soft apples as they can turn mushy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can, by using gluten-free cinnamon rolls available in many stores or making your own. Ensure any add-ins like caramel or nuts are also gluten-free for a fully safe dish for gluten-intolerant guests.
Is it necessary to use the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls?
While the icing adds a deliciously sweet and creamy finish, you can certainly substitute it with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, caramel sauce, or leave it off for a less sweet, fruit-forward bake.
How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, the texture of the cinnamon rolls might change, but the flavor remains delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is one of those rare treats that hits every craving spot — warm, sweet, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re surprising family on a weekend morning or want a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, this dish makes the magic of cinnamon rolls and apple pie deliciously effortless. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
Print
Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a sweet and spiced apple pie filling, perfect for a warm and easy dessert or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cans of store-bought cinnamon rolls (with icing)
Apple Mixture
- 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: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing. Cut each roll into quarters and evenly arrange the pieces in the prepared baking dish, creating a base layer.
- Mix Apple Topping: In a large bowl, peel and chop the apples. Mix them thoroughly with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If desired, fold in optional chopped nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble Bake: Spoon the apple mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite has a good balance of rolls and apples.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. This baking time allows the cinnamon rolls to cook through and the apples to soften.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes to set. While still warm, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top, adding a sweet finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
- Optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or caramel sauce can enhance flavor and texture.
- Letting the bake cool slightly helps the cinnamon rolls set and makes it easier to serve.
- This dish is best served warm but can be reheated gently.
- For a more indulgent version, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when serving.
