Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”

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A cozy, layered treat that merges the best parts of apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and warm caramel sauce into one unforgettable dish.

Introduction

There are few things in the world of comfort food that rival the sweet, nostalgic aroma of apples baking with cinnamon. Now imagine combining that scent with the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls and the indulgent richness of a caramel drizzle—all baked together in a bubbling casserole dish. That’s what Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” offers: a dreamy, dessert-for-breakfast twist on traditional flavors that tastes like autumn morning wrapped in a hug.

Perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, weekend treats, or cozy gatherings, this apple-cinnamon layered dessert delivers an impressive look and flavor with surprisingly minimal effort. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a standalone showstopper, this dish is bound to be a crowd favorite.

Let’s dive into this decadent recipe in detail—layer by delicious layer.

What is Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”?

Despite its name, there’s no pasta involved. This “lasagna” gets its title from the way it’s built—layer upon layer of flattened cinnamon rolls, tender spiced apples, and drizzled caramel sauce. Each tier adds more flavor and texture until it culminates in a beautifully baked dessert with crispy edges, gooey centers, and an aromatic finish. The result? A golden, sticky, spiced delight that is as comforting as it is impressive.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, most of which you can find at any grocery store.

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)

Tools You’ll Need

  • 8×8-inch baking dish

  • Rolling pin or your hands (to flatten cinnamon rolls)

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Measuring spoons and cups

  • Knife and cutting board

  • Aluminum foil

  • Nonstick spray or butter for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Preparation Summary

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Bake Time: 40 minutes

  • Rest Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 75 minutes

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Calories per serving (1/9 of pan): Approximately 380 kcal

Pro Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Apples

  • Granny Smith: For tartness and structure

  • Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious: For sweetness

  • Combo: Mixing two varieties brings complexity to the flavor

2. Flatten Rolls Evenly

Flatten the rolls thin (¼-inch) to ensure they bake through properly. Too thick, and they might stay doughy inside.

3. Caramel Considerations

If your caramel is thin or hot, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling so it thickens slightly and doesn’t pool.

4. Add Crunch

Optional: sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a nutty contrast to the soft apples and cinnamon rolls.

5. Homemade Caramel Sauce

Want to make your own? Here’s a quick recipe:

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • ¼ cup heavy cream
    Heat sugar in a saucepan until it melts and turns amber. Stir in butter, then slowly add cream while whisking. Cool slightly.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Assemble the night before and store covered in the fridge.

  • Bake straight from the fridge the next morning, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the bake time.

Storing Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap. Keeps up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Microwave individual pieces for 1 minute, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Freezing

  • Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

  • Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

  • Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat as needed.

Variations

Apple-Pear Lasagna

Replace half the apples with ripe pears for a softer, more floral flavor.

Maple-Glazed Version

Add a maple syrup drizzle on top of the icing or swap the caramel for maple butter.

Pumpkin Spice

Swap cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice. Add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the apples for a seasonal twist.

Cream Cheese Icing Upgrade

Mix the icing packets with a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese before drizzling for a tangier topping.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a versatile dish that works well in many settings:

  • Holiday Breakfasts – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter brunch

  • Dessert for Guests – Serve warm with ice cream after dinner

  • Potlucks or Office Parties – Easy to slice and serve, always a hit

  • Weekend Treats – Turn any morning into something special

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or even cold brew topped with sweet cream for the full café-style experience.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” isn’t just a recipe—it’s a statement. It shows that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With just a few familiar ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and delivers maximum cozy vibes.

Whether you’re hosting family for brunch, contributing to a holiday spread, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this apple lasagna is the warm, sticky, delicious answer.

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