If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch treat, let me introduce you to this fan-freaking-tastic Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this mashup of sweet cinnamon rolls and classic apple pie filling comes together in a warm casserole that’s impossible to resist. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it was—and how my family went crazy for it. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll find this recipe becoming a go-to for chilly mornings or weekend indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: Using store-bought cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling means minimal prep but maximum flavor.
- Perfect Comfort Food: It’s like having warm apple pie and cinnamon rolls in one heavenly dish.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole serves about eight, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Flexible and Fun: You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or toppings for a personal twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe lies in simple ingredients that come together to make an impressive dish. Each component plays a role—you want that buttery cinnamon swirl combined with the tart sweetness of apples, and a creamy finish that brings it all home.
- Cinnamon Rolls: I usually grab Pillsbury ones because they’re reliably soft and buttery, plus they come with icing that you’ll love drizzling on top.
- Melted Butter: This coats the cinnamon rolls beautifully, helping them bake up golden and rich.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds that deep molasses flavor which just screams fall vibes.
- Ground Cinnamon: A must for that signature warm spice taste.
- Apple Pie Filling: I stick to canned for convenience—it’s perfectly spiced and makes the recipe a breeze.
- Heavy Cream: Drizzled over the top, this gives the bake a lovely creaminess and helps everything meld in the oven.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to play around and switch up the fillings, spices, or toppings to match your mood or the season.
- Spice it Up: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon mix—it gave the bake that cozy, mulled-spiced feeling I adore in fall.
- Fruit Swap: If you’re not feeling apple pie filling, try blueberry or cherry pie filling for a fruity twist that’s just as delicious.
- Nutty Crunch: Topping with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds a delightful texture contrast that my family loves.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free butter and substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish well—this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Open your cinnamon roll cans and set aside the icing—pop it in the fridge so it stays fresh while you bake. Then, cut each cinnamon roll into 4-6 small triangles. This helps them spread out evenly and bake through perfectly.
Step 2: Coat Cinnamon Rolls in Butter, Sugar, and Cinnamon
In a medium bowl, toss your cinnamon roll pieces with melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until they’re all beautifully coated. This step is key because it infuses each bite with sweetness and spice, giving you that luscious, bakery-style finish. Spread the coated pieces evenly in the casserole dish—don’t crowd them too tightly so the apple filling can seep through later.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Apple Pie Filling
Open your apple pie filling and pour it into the same bowl you used for the rolls to save on dishes (because who likes washing extra bowls, right?). Cut the bigger apple chunks into smaller pieces — I usually scoop them out onto a cutting board to make this easier. Toss the chopped apples back into the liquid so the filling stays juicy and flavorful. Then, evenly spread the apple mixture over the cinnamon roll layer, making sure every corner gets a little love.
Step 4: Drizzle Cream and Bake
Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream on top to add richness and help everything bake up tender and dreamy. Pop your casserole into the oven for 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the top should turn golden and the center cinnamon rolls should no longer feel doughy. This balance makes all the difference between a gooey center and a fully baked, yet soft, dessert-bake.
Step 5: Cool and Ice It Up
Once baked, let your dish cool for about 10 minutes—this little pause helps everything set nicely. Then, spread the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top. The icing melts just slightly and creates a sweet, glossy finish that takes this casserole to next-level tasty. Serve warm and watch your friends and family dig in happily!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Butter Toss: Coating the cinnamon roll pieces with butter and sugar before baking gives the best golden color and flavor, so don’t skimp!
- Cut Apples Smaller: I found that smaller apple chunks spread more evenly, ensuring every bite is loaded with fruit.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Because ovens vary, start checking around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking the rolls.
- Use the Icing Last: Waiting until after baking to add icing stops it from melting too much and keeps that creamy glaze on top.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the icing for a subtle contrast that amps up the flavors. A dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted pecans also adds a lovely finish and texture. For extra decadence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on the side never hurts.
Side Dishes
This bake is indulgent enough to stand on its own, but I sometimes pair it with fresh fruit salad or a light green smoothie to balance the sweetness. A fresh brewed coffee or chai latte is my beverage of choice to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming touch. You can also layer some crunchy granola or streusel topping on before baking to add a surprise crunch that guests rave about. For holiday brunches, I garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs—they add a pop of color and a subtle festive aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? No worries! Just cover the bake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. I’ve kept mine fresh for 3-4 days and it reheats beautifully without drying out, which is always a relief when managing busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer—just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. I love having this stash for unexpected guests or lazy weekends.
Reheating
I reheat leftover servings in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to retain that perfect soft-yet-caramelized texture. The microwave works too for a quick fix, though the edges won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned for the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully here and add a personal touch. Just make sure they’re partially baked or sturdy enough to hold up once cut and layered with the apple filling. You might need to adjust baking time slightly depending on your dough.
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Is it possible to make this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps! Use vegan cinnamon rolls (many store-bought options exist), a dairy-free butter alternative, and plant-based cream or coconut milk in place of heavy cream. The apple pie filling is usually vegan but check labels to be sure.
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What’s the best way to prevent the bake from getting soggy?
Coating the cinnamon roll pieces with melted butter and brown sugar first helps create a barrier that keeps them from absorbing too much of the apple filling’s liquid. Also, cutting the apples into smaller chunks ensures they cook down nicely without drowning the rolls.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble your dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into a cold dish. It’s perfect for stress-free mornings or holiday brunches.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends—and it delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors without complicated steps. Every time I whip this up, I’m reminded why simple ingredients and a little love in the kitchen go such a long way. You really can’t go wrong jumping into this recipe, so go ahead and give it a try. I promise it’ll become one of your new favorites just like it did for me!
Print
Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake combines the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls and classic apple pie filling into a cozy, easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, this dish layers buttery cinnamon roll pieces with spiced apple pie filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with sweet icing for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Layer
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (such as Pillsbury)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Apple Pie Layer
- One 21 oz can of Apple Pie Filling
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Open the two cans of cinnamon rolls and save the icing by refrigerating it for later use. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4-6 small triangular pieces for even layering.
- Coat Cinnamon Rolls: In a medium bowl, toss the cinnamon roll pieces with the melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until all pieces are evenly coated. Then spread this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare Apple Pie Filling: Open the can of apple pie filling and transfer it to the same bowl used for the cinnamon rolls, or a new bowl if preferred. Cut the apple slices into smaller pieces on a cutting board if necessary, then mix the apples back with their syrupy liquid.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the prepared apple pie filling evenly over the coated cinnamon rolls in the casserole dish. Drizzle the heavy cream over the entire top to add richness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls in the middle are cooked through and no longer doughy.
- Cool and Ice: Let the bake cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the reserved icing on top. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Using store-bought cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling makes this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or drizzle less icing on top.
- This casserole is perfect for fall breakfast or brunch and can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Ensure the bake cools slightly before icing to prevent the icing from melting completely and running off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
