This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe is the perfect cozy dessert to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced dough mingling with sweet, juicy apples and crunchy nuts, all baked together into a bubbly, golden casserole that’s drizzled with luscious icing. It’s a simple yet spectacular way to bring comforting bakery flavors into your home with minimal effort, making it an absolute favorite for family gatherings, brunches, or any time you need a sweet treat that feels like a hug in food form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe keeps things wonderfully simple without sacrificing flavor or texture. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and cinnamony goodness, making every bite a joy.
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls, quartered: These provide the soft, fluffy base loaded with that iconic cinnamon flavor that defines this dish.
- 1 can of apple pie filling: Sweet and spiced apples bring natural juiciness and a delightful fruity contrast to the cinnamon rolls.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Nuts add a satisfying crunch and a toasty richness that complements the soft textures perfectly.
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the cans): The creamy drizzle on top brings everything together with just the right amount of indulgent sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by quartering the cinnamon rolls and tossing them in a large mixing bowl. This breaks them down just enough to soak up the apple pie filling that you’ll add next. Add the canned apple pie filling and the chopped nuts to the bowl, then gently mix everything together so the flavors meld but the rolls keep some shape. This step sets the foundation for the perfect texture combination of soft, juicy, and crunchy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray. This ensures your Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe comes out perfectly without sticking. Pour the cinnamon apple mixture into the dish and spread it evenly for uniform baking. The even layer lets the apples and cinnamon rolls cook nicely together, soaking up the flavors and creating a golden crust.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, the cinnamon rolls will puff up and brown beautifully, while the apples soften and the nuts toast gently inside. Keep an eye on it towards the end—once the cinnamon rolls turn golden brown and the filling bubbles, your bake is ready to come out.
Step 4: Add the Icing Drizzle
Right after removing the bake from the oven, don’t wait! Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing that came with your rolls generously over the top while it’s still warm. This step adds that signature sweet creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the warm cinnamon and apple flavors, making each bite rich and decadent.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let your Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe cool for a few minutes so it sets just right and is safe to eat. This cooling gives the layers time to meld together even more. Once ready, dish it out and enjoy that homemade bakery magic without any fuss or fancy techniques!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish shines on its own, adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. A sprinkle of additional chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon powder adds visual appeal and extra texture contrast that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a creamy latte. It makes a delightful centerpiece for brunch alongside fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the sweetness. For a breakfast twist, serve it next to crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory combo that will impress.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe in small ramekins or individual baking dishes. You can also layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream for a pretty, layered dessert perfect for entertaining. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added pop of color and freshness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture satisfying, so you can enjoy it as a ready-made treat whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this bake freezes really well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for a soft, delicious dessert that tastes just like freshly baked.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or thawed portions in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes to bring back that warm, gooey texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best texture, but a quick zap will do in a pinch! Always add a little extra icing drizzle if desired.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can sauté fresh sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar until soft, then use them in place of the canned filling. Just make sure the apples are tender to keep the bake moist and flavorful.
What type of nuts work best for this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are the classic choices because they offer a great crunch and slightly sweet, buttery flavor. However, if you’re allergic or prefer, you could substitute with almonds or skip the nuts entirely without too much impact on taste.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast as well as dessert?
Definitely! The Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe is versatile enough for a special breakfast treat or a comforting dessert. Its cinnamon and apple combo makes it perfect for any time you want a sweet start or finish to your day.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Since this uses canned cinnamon rolls and icing, it’s a bit tricky to make fully vegan without substitutions. However, you can try using vegan cinnamon rolls available at specialty stores and vegan apple pie filling to adapt the recipe. Check ingredient labels carefully to ensure they meet your needs.
How do I keep the cinnamon roll icing from melting too much?
To maintain a visible drizzle, wait just a couple of minutes after baking before pouring the icing. This way the bake is still warm enough for the icing to spread slightly but not so hot that it completely melts away. It creates an appealing glossy finish that’s irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe is truly one of those magical dishes that brings warmth, sweetness, and comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family weekend or surprising friends with a simple yet stunning dessert, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. So go ahead, try it out, and share the joy of this easy-to-make, utterly delicious bake!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with classic apple pie filling and crunchy nuts. Perfect for a cozy family treat, it’s simple to prepare and bakes to golden-brown perfection, topped with creamy cinnamon roll icing.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls, quartered
Filling
- 1 can of apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Topping
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the cans of cinnamon rolls)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: Quarter the cinnamon rolls and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the apple pie filling and chopped walnuts or pecans, then gently mix everything together to combine without breaking the rolls too much.
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the mixed cinnamon roll and apple filling into the dish and spread evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly.
- Add icing: Remove the dish from the oven and while the bake is still warm, drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm dessert.
- Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes to set the icing slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dessert warm.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave out nuts for a nut-free version.
- For added spice, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the apple filling mixture.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
