Introduction To Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Imagine waking up to the sweet scent of warm cinnamon, buttery apples, and gooey icing swirling through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake—a cozy, comforting breakfast casserole that feels like a hug in a baking dish. It’s the perfect dish for fall mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you need something warm, sweet, and soul-soothing.
Combining soft, doughy cinnamon rolls with tender apples and warm spices, this dish is ridiculously easy to make but tastes like something from a country bakery. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent with your morning coffee, this bake delivers.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
This breakfast bake has taken social media and family kitchens by storm—and for good reason. It’s made with just a few easy ingredients (hello, refrigerated cinnamon rolls!) but looks and tastes homemade. It brings together the comfort of apple pie with the fun of cinnamon rolls, all in one ooey-gooey, bubbly bake.
Best of all, it can be made in under an hour and requires no fancy techniques. Kids love it. Adults devour it. Guests ask for the recipe. It’s no wonder it’s become a seasonal favorite, especially during fall and the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍎 Perfect balance of fruit and sweet dough
- 🧁 Gooey, cinnamony, and buttery in every bite
- 🕒 Quick to prep using shortcut ingredients
- 🎃 Ideal for fall, Thanksgiving, or cozy weekends
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- ☕️ Pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cider
- ❄️ Can be made ahead or frozen for later
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
- 🍎 2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)
- 🌀 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters
- 🍯 ¼ cup melted butter – adds richness
- 🧂 1 tsp ground cinnamon – extra spice boost
- 🥄 ¼ cup brown sugar – for caramel-like sweetness
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract – warm, comforting aroma
- 🍋 1 tsp lemon juice – brightens the apples
- 🍮 ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional) – enhances warmth
- 🧁 Icing from cinnamon roll package – drizzled on top after baking
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep pie dish.
Step 2: Cut the cinnamon rolls
Open both cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut each roll into 4 pieces.
Step 3: Mix the apples
In a medium bowl, toss your diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until apples are well-coated.
Step 4: Combine and layer
In the greased baking dish, scatter half of the cinnamon roll pieces. Pour half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining rolls and apples, layering evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the apples are tender.
Step 6: Add icing and serve
Drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing generously over the warm bake. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Variation:
- 🍐 Pear Cinnamon Roll Bake – Swap apples for ripe pears for a milder, floral flavor.
- 🍠 Sweet Potato Swirl – Add roasted sweet potato cubes for a fall twist.
- 🍫 Chocolate Chip Apple Bake – Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips.
- 🍓 Berry Blend – Add blueberries or cranberries for a fruity tang.
- 🍨 Apple Pie à la Mode Bake – Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
- 🥛 Cream Cheese Glaze – Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk for an extra-rich topping.
COOKING Note:
These breakfast bakes are incredibly adaptable, but to get the best results:
- Dice the apples evenly for uniform baking.
- Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet crunch.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the flavor and prevents browning.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during baking.
- Make sure to drizzle the icing while the bake is still warm for the best spread.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or vanilla chai
- Add a side of scrambled eggs or bacon for a savory balance
- Serve with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for dessert
- Include in a brunch buffet with fruit, muffins, and coffee
- Great for holiday breakfasts, birthday brunches, or lazy Sundays
Tips:
- Prep the night before and refrigerate—just pop it in the oven in the morning.
- For more texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Want extra icing? Use a can of store-bought cream cheese frosting.
- Make it gluten-free with GF cinnamon rolls (available in specialty stores).
- Add spiced rum or bourbon to the apple mix for an adults-only version.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
45–50 minutes
Total Time:
55–60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed (you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time).
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: What apples work best?
A: Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Fuji and Braeburn are also great options.
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
A: Definitely! Just prep and cut them into quarters like the store-bought ones.
Q: How do I reheat it?
A: Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is more than just a breakfast—it’s an experience. With every bite, you get layers of buttery dough, warm cinnamon spice, sweet caramelized apples, and a hint of vanilla icing. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a cozy Sunday morning, or just because you need a little comfort food in your life, this recipe checks all the boxes.
It’s nostalgic, it’s simple, it’s delicious, and best of all—it brings people together. One warm slice is enough to make your kitchen the coziest place in the house.
So go ahead. Pour a cup of coffee, wrap yourself in a blanket, and savor every bite.
