Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole: The Perfect Cozy Dessert or Breakfast Treat

Introduction

Nothing says comfort like the warm, gooey combination of cinnamon rolls and baked apples. This Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, sweet apples, and a drizzle of creamy glaze, it’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a simple weekend treat, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.


Recipe Overview

  • What You’ll Love: A delightful combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and buttery rolls in one pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Servings: 6-8

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole

  • Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and no special equipment required.
  • Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
  • Customizable: Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group or indulging with the family.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole

For the Casserole:

  • 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing)
  • 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • Icing packet from the cinnamon roll dough
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

A flat lay of cinnamon roll dough, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter on a wooden countertop, ready for an Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

  • Open the can of cinnamon roll dough and cut each roll into quarters. Spread the pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Hands cutting cinnamon rolls into quarters on a wooden cutting board with brown sugar and a kitchen towel nearby.
Start by cutting the cinnamon roll dough into bite-sized pieces for a perfectly layered casserole.

3. Toss the Apples

  • In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Sprinkle the apple mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces.
Diced apples being tossed in a mixing bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and a peeled apple.
Coat fresh apples with brown sugar and cinnamon to infuse them with warm, sweet flavors.

4. Add the Butter

  • Drizzle melted butter evenly over the casserole for a rich, buttery flavor.
Cinnamon roll pieces and spiced apples being layered in a casserole dish, with melted butter and cinnamon on the side.
Combine the cinnamon rolls and apples in a casserole dish to create layers of flavor and texture.

5. Bake the Casserole

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole baking in the oven, golden-brown and bubbling.
Let the casserole bake until golden and bubbling, filling your kitchen with the sweet scent of cinnamon and apples.

6. Prepare the Glaze

  • While the casserole bakes, mix the icing packet, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed.

7. Drizzle and Serve

  • Once the casserole is baked, drizzle the glaze over the top while it’s still warm. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

  • Apples Matter: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness. Sweeter apples like Honeycrisp also work well for a more dessert-like flavor.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the cinnamon roll pieces are spread evenly to bake properly.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store in the refrigerator. Bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
  • Baking with cinnamon rolls : Tips for Baking with Cinnamon Rolls

Variations and Add-Ons

  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Replace the glaze with store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
  • Fall Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor.
  • Healthier Twist: Use whole-wheat cinnamon rolls and reduce the brown sugar.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sugar: 24g

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cider for a cozy morning treat.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
  • Add a side of fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread.

FAQ Section

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, simply substitute it for the canned dough and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes! Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free butter and skip the cream cheese glaze for a dairy-free option.


Try this warm and gooey Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole for your next breakfast or dessert! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #AppleCinnamonRollCasserole and tag us for a chance to be featured. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite variations or topping ideas!


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