One Sunday morning, I had an unexpected moment of calm while the kids were still asleep. I stood in the kitchen, coffee in hand, flipping through my scribbled notebook of “weekend experiments” – a chaotic mix of recipes, tweaks, and half-formed dessert ideas.

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That’s when I spotted a sticky note I had written after a late-night fridge raid: “cinnamon rolls + apples = layered goodness?” It made me laugh out loud. I remembered that night clearly, too many apples left over from an orchard trip, and a couple of cans of cinnamon rolls I had picked up on a whim.

I wanted something warm and familiar, but playful too. A dessert that felt like fall and smelled like a bakery. That’s how this Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” was born. It’s not a pie, it’s not quite a cake, it’s a layered bake of spiced apples and gooey cinnamon rolls, drizzled with caramel and icing. And yes, the house smelled incredible. It’s one of those “accidental hits” that instantly became a family favorite.

Now, this dessert shows up at brunches, potlucks, and anytime I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy enough to make with your kids but special enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into how it comes together.

Short Description

This Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a cozy, layered dessert made with cinnamon rolls, spiced apples, and rich caramel, then topped with sweet icing. It’s baked until bubbling and golden—a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for fall or any time you want a warm, comforting dessert.

Key Ingredients

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)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

¼ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Tools Needed

8×8-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Cutting board & knife
Rolling pin (optional for flattening rolls)
Aluminum foil
Spatula or spoon

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until apples are well-coated. Set aside—this will become thick and glossy as it bakes.

Step 3: Flatten the Cinnamon Rolls
Separate the rolls and reserve the icing packets. Cut each roll into ¼-inch thick rounds. On a lightly floured surface, press or roll each piece into a 3–4 inch disk.

Step 4: Begin Layering

– Bottom Layer: Line the bottom of your dish with flattened rolls, overlapping slightly.

– First Filling Layer: Spoon half the apple mixture over the rolls and spread evenly. Drizzle 2–3 tbsp of caramel sauce.

– Second Roll Layer: Add more flattened rolls over the apples.

– Second Filling Layer: Top with remaining apples and another 2–3 tbsp caramel.

– Top Layer: Finish with one last layer of rolls and drizzle with the last bit of caramel.

Step 5: Bake Covered (30 Minutes)
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes to let the apples steam and soften.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered (10 Minutes)
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Cool & Add Icing (15 Minutes)
Let the dish rest for 15 minutes to set. Drizzle the reserved icing in swirls or zig-zags across the top.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice into 9 generous squares (or 12 smaller ones). Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if you’d like.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm and Cozy: Every bite delivers cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey rolls in perfect harmony.

Shortcut Friendly: Using store-bought cinnamon rolls makes this a low-effort, high-reward dessert.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for brunches, bake sales, or potlucks.

Kid-Approved: Sweet enough for little ones but not overly sugary.

Customizable: Switch up the fruit or drizzle toppings to keep it fresh.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Too-thick roll layers: If the dough isn’t flattened thin enough, it can stay doughy in the middle. Flatten each piece to 3–4 inches.

Watery filling: Skip watery apple varieties like Red Delicious. Go with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture.

Overbaking uncovered: If baked uncovered too long, the top can dry out. Stick to the 10-minute uncovered window.

Skipping the resting time: It might look done, but letting it cool helps the layers firm up for clean slices.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream.

Drizzle extra caramel sauce or even chocolate for a dessert twist.

Pair with hot apple cider, chai tea, or strong coffee.

For a brunch table, serve it alongside savory egg bakes or bacon.

Works beautifully for holiday potlucks or cozy weekend brunches.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat in Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Microwave Option: Heat a slice for 30–45 seconds—still delicious, though softer.

Avoid sogginess: Reheat uncovered to keep the texture right.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure the dough is soft but firm enough to hold layers and bake through fully.

2. Which apple varieties work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples offer the best balance of sweetness and texture.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as instructed the next day.

4. Is it too sweet for breakfast?
Surprisingly, no. It’s sweet but not overpowering, especially if paired with black coffee or unsweetened tea.

5. What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
Maple syrup or a quick brown sugar glaze makes a great substitute!

Tips & Tricks

Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch.

Dust the top with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

Don’t skimp on the icing—it ties everything together.

If your rolls are sticking when flattening, dust with a bit more flour.

Want extra gooey texture? Add a few dollops of cream cheese between layers.

Recipe Variations

1. Pear and Ginger “Lasagna”
Swap apples for diced pears and add ½ tsp ground ginger to the filling. Use maple syrup instead of caramel for a cozier winter flavor.

2. Berry Medley Version
Replace the apples with 2 cups blueberries + 2 cups diced strawberries. Add 1 extra tbsp of cornstarch to thicken the juices.

3. Apple-Cream Cheese Twist
Before adding the apple filling, spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese (4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp sugar) over each dough layer.

4. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and cornstarch, and ensure your caramel sauce is certified gluten-free.

5. Salted Caramel Apple Version
Stir sea salt into your caramel sauce before drizzling for a salted caramel twist.

Final Thoughts

This dessert didn’t just win over my family, it sparked a full-blown kitchen debate over whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or “both if no one’s watching.” Honestly, when the layers come out warm and gooey, nobody’s asking technicalities. My youngest called it “apple cinnamon pizza cake,” and I’m not even mad about it.

It just is sweet, sticky, soft in the middle, with golden edges that practically beg for a fork (or fingers, if you’re impatient). It brings the aroma of a bakery to your kitchen with very little effort, which is my favorite kind of win.

If you’re the type who finds peace in peeling apples or satisfaction in pulling apart cinnamon rolls, this bake was made for you. And if you’re the type who just likes eating the final result, well, trust me, this one disappears fast. No leftovers made it past brunch.

Make it once, and I promise: this weird, wonderful little “lasagna” will sneak its way into your family’s cravings too.

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a warm, layered dessert with spiced apples, caramel, and cinnamon rolls, finished with icing. Baked until golden and bubbling, it's a cozy crowd-pleaser for fall or anytime.

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Ingredients

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

For the Caramel Drizzle:

¼ cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought

Instructions

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a bowl, mix the diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well and set aside.
Open the cinnamon rolls and save the icing. Cut each roll into thick slices, then press or roll them into flat 3–4 inch circles.
Then, build the Layers
Bottom Layer: Place flattened rolls on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping.
First Apple Layer: Spread half the apple mix over the rolls. Drizzle with caramel.
Second Roll Layer: Add another layer of flattened rolls.
Second Apple Layer: Spread the rest of the apples on top. Add more caramel.
Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of rolls. Drizzle with the last bit of caramel.
Bake with Foil (30 Minutes): Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes so the apples can cook and soften.
Bake Without Foil (10 Minutes): Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it cool for 15 minutes. Drizzle the saved icing over the top.
Cut into squares and serve warm. Great with ice cream or whipped cream!