Introduction: A Layered Dessert Dream

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and apple pie, look no further than Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”. This indulgent treat takes the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll, layers it with soft, tender apples, and bakes it to perfection. It’s then topped with a luscious caramel glaze and cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s sweet, gooey, and totally irresistible.

This dessert is a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something unique. Plus, it’s super easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. The layering process mimics a lasagna, with cinnamon rolls forming the base and caramelized apples adding layers of flavor and texture.

Let’s dive into how to make this amazing Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”:

For the Apple Layer:

  • 4 cups peeled, diced apples (approximately 4 medium apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their tartness and texture)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for sweetening the apples)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the apple mixture)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (to enhance the flavor of the apples)

For the Cinnamon Roll Layer:

  • 1 can (8 count) cinnamon rolls (store-bought cinnamon rolls work perfectly for this recipe, but you can also make homemade rolls if you prefer)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (to brush on the cinnamon rolls before layering)

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup brown sugar (to give the sauce a rich, caramel flavor)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for a smooth and tangy frosting)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (to thin out the frosting to the right consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Layer

  1. Peel and dice the apples: Peel the apples and dice them into small chunks. You should have about 4 cups of diced apples. Set them aside.
  2. Cook the apples: In a large saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.
  3. Cook on medium heat: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the apples have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Layer

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Open the cinnamon roll dough: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and remove them from the packaging. Separate the cinnamon rolls and set aside the included icing packet for later.
  3. Slice the cinnamon rolls: Slice each cinnamon roll into quarters. This will make it easier to layer them in the baking dish and create a more uniform texture.
  4. Butter the cinnamon rolls: Brush the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish with the melted butter. Then, arrange the quartered cinnamon rolls in the dish, ensuring they are spread evenly. You may need to gently press them down so they fit snugly in the dish.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

  1. Layer the apples: Once the cinnamon rolls are arranged, spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Make sure the apples are spread across the entire dish, filling in any gaps between the cinnamon rolls.
  2. Top with cinnamon rolls: Next, layer the remaining quartered cinnamon rolls on top of the apple mixture. This will create a “lasagna” effect, with the apples and cinnamon rolls alternating.
  3. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The apples should be soft and bubbling, and the top should be slightly crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

  1. Make the caramel sauce: While the dish is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble.
  2. Simmer the sauce: Once the sauce is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
  3. Drizzle the caramel sauce: Once the caramel sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. After the dish has finished baking, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top of the baked cinnamon roll and apple layers.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  2. Top the lasagna: Once the Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna has cooled for about 5-10 minutes, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top of the dish. This will add a tangy and sweet finish to balance the rich, caramelized apples and cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve the lasagna: Slice the Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” into squares and serve while still warm. It’s perfect with a side of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of extra caramel sauce.
  2. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this decadent dessert with family or friends! It’s a fun twist on the classic apple pie and cinnamon rolls that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”, assuming the recipe makes about 8 servings:

  • Calories: ~350-400 kcal per serving
  • Protein: ~3g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sugar: ~35g
  • Sodium: ~150mg

The nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used, such as cinnamon rolls, cream cheese, and caramel sauce.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” turns out perfectly:

  1. Use tart apples: For the best balance of sweetness and tartness, use apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape when cooked and give a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
  2. Don’t overfill the apples: Be sure to slice the apples into bite-sized pieces. If they’re too large, they may not cook evenly and might be tough to bite into.
  3. Make ahead: You can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate the dish overnight. Bake it the next day for a quick and easy dessert.
  4. Customize with toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for a crunch, or sprinkle with extra cinnamon for added flavor.
  5. Serve warm: This dessert is best served warm, straight from the oven. The caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting pair beautifully with the warm cinnamon rolls and apples.

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try for a twist on the Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”:

  • Peach or Pear Version: Replace the apples with peach slices or diced pears for a different fruity twist.
  • Caramelized Nuts: Add caramelized pecans or walnuts in between the layers for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Oatmeal Crumble Top: Add an oatmeal crumble topping to give it a streusel-like texture for extra crunch.
  • Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cinnamon rolls to make this dessert vegan-friendly.

Storage and Reheating

This dessert is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead indulgence:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together as it sits.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few great options to serve with your Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”:

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
  • A drizzle of extra caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
  • Coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert pairing.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a fun and delicious twist on the classic apple pie and cinnamon rolls. With layers of caramelized apples, cinnamon rolls, and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a brunch, or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress.

Enjoy this indulgent dessert with family and friends, and don’t forget to save some for later!