Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

This decadent cinnamon roll apple lasagna recipe is the ultimate quick and easy dessert for fall cravings or cozy gatherings. By layering refrigerated cinnamon rolls and tender caramel spiced apples, you get all the flavors of homemade apple pie and cinnamon rolls in just one pan, ready in about an hour from prep to finish. With only 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, this irresistible bake guarantees a crowd pleasing treat that comes out golden, gooey, and unforgettable every time.

I first created this cinnamon roll apple lasagna on a busy afternoon when I needed a crowd pleasing, last minute party dessert that felt truly special but required almost no prep. Layering soft cinnamon roll rounds with caramel coated apples quickly became my favorite way to get all my favorite bakery treat flavors in one pan. Today, the creamy icing and rich caramel drizzle are family favorites at potlucks and game nights, and nobody ever guesses it started with store bought dough.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: Delivers soft, gooey cinnamon swirl layers without kneading or rising. Pillsbury or store brand both work, just use your favorite, and gluten free options are available for sensitivities.
• Large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet for classic apple pie flavor. Choose firm, unbruised fruit to keep texture intact after baking.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and draws juice from apples, melting into a syrupy base. Light brown sugar is a tasty substitute for deeper, caramel flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so the lasagna slices neatly. Arrowroot starch is a great alternative if needed.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses each layer with bold, spicy warmth. Use Saigon cinnamon for a stronger, bakery style aroma.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle depth to the apple filling. Freshly grated nutmeg is extra fragrant and worth the short added step.
• Caramel sauce: Creates gooey, flavorful pockets throughout. For best results, choose a thick, pourable sauce made with real butter or a vegan alternative to fit your dietary needs.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Preheat and Prepare Dish:

Heat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Preparing the pan prevents sticking and helps you easily lift out clean, defined layers once baked.

Mix the Apple Filling:

In a large bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg until all pieces are well coated. The cornstarch ensures the filling thickens for neat slicing and prevents a soggy dessert.

Shape and Flatten the Cinnamon Rolls:

Open two cans of cinnamon rolls, slice each roll into 1/4 inch spirals, then gently press or roll each into a thin, slightly oval round. This creates flexible dough sheets that layer smoothly and bake through evenly.

Press the First Cinnamon Roll Layer:

Arrange a single layer of flattened cinnamon roll rounds to cover the bottom of your dish, lightly sealing gaps for a solid crust. This helps support the apples, preventing them from sinking and ensuring each bite has plenty of soft, gooey cinnamon.

Layer with Apples and Caramel:

Spoon half of the apple mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to reach every corner for consistent flavor. Drizzle with half your caramel sauce to add sweet, melting pockets throughout the filling during baking.

Create the Second Cinnamon Roll and Apple Layers:

Add another layer of flattened rolls over the apples, then top with remaining apples and the final caramel drizzle. This builds up texture, richness, and ensures plenty of apple spice in every slice.

Add the Final Cinnamon Roll Layer:

Finish with any remaining dough pieces, covering the top completely for a softer crust or leaving small gaps if you like a crispier, golden texture at the edges.

Bake to Gooey, Golden Perfection:

Cover pan tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to keep layers pillowy. Uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble with caramel. Let rest 10 to 15 minutes before slicing so the layers stay defined and gooey but hold together neatly.

The first time I made this, the caramel pooled in the corners, so now I gently drizzle it over the entire pan for even sweetness. My family always sprinkles on extra cinnamon sugar for a crunchy topping, and sometimes we add chopped pecans for a special game night treat. Every slice is packed with creamy icing and that irresistible baked apple goodness everyone craves around the holidays.

Smart Swaps and Variations

If you want to customize your cinnamon roll apple lasagna, try swapping in pears or using a mix of apples and pears for a fun twist on flavor and texture. Vegan cinnamon rolls and coconut based caramel let you make a fully dairy free dessert, while oat flour cinnamon rolls allow gluten free guests to indulge. Add lemon zest or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a zingy, festive touch, or top with chopped pecans before baking for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Store leftover cinnamon roll apple lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for maximum freshness and flavor development. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic or use airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual slices in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore gooeyness and caramel texture instead of microwaving, and keep icing separate if you prefer a crispier topping after reheating.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Pair slices of cinnamon roll apple lasagna with creamy vanilla ice cream for extra decadence or lightly sweetened whipped cream for a classic dessert finish. Serve alongside hot apple cider, spiced chai, or coffee at brunch and dessert parties for the ultimate fall treat. For breakfast spreads, add scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad, or cut into mini squares for bake sales and potlucks so everyone can sample a bite.

Nutritional Benefits

This cinnamon roll apple lasagna delivers fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants from fresh apples in each comforting slice. It is lower in fat than traditional holiday desserts, relying on cinnamon rolls for richness rather than heavy cream or butter. With 330 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is easy to adapt for vegetarian or dairy free diets and can be made nut free by checking your toppings and dough ingredients.

Recipe Success Tips

If your filling looks dry during assembly, a splash of lemon juice or apple cider adds moisture as the apples bake. Make sure to press seams of the cinnamon roll dough together so filling does not leak underneath, and do not skip cooling time after baking or layers will fall apart when sliced. Chill leftovers uncovered for 20 minutes before wrapping to prevent condensation and maintain the best gooey layers and crisp topping.

Cinnamon roll apple lasagna is my go to dessert for parties or just a cozy night in because it delivers big, nostalgic flavor with almost no effort. Bake it once and you will want to make it part of your rotation for every season and occasion.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls can be substituted for store-bought for a richer, fresher flavor and texture.

→ Which type of apples work best?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and balance the sweetness.

→ How do I prevent soggy layers?

Be sure to dice apples small and coat them with cornstarch. Bake until edges are bubbly and tops are golden.

→ Is the caramel sauce optional?

Caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor but can be left out or replaced with extra icing if desired.

→ Can this be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for ideal texture and warmth.