If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of fall mornings, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. It’s a delightful mashup of two all-time favorites—warm cinnamon rolls and chunky apple pie filling—baked into one irresistible dish that your whole family will fight over. Honestly, when I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how simple it was, yet so impressive to serve. So grab your apron, because I’m about to share everything you need to know to nail this at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You just need a few easy-to-find staples, like canned cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling, to whip this up fast.
- Perfect for Brunch or Dessert: This bake is as cozy for a lazy weekend morning as it is for a sweet finish to dinner.
- Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this — and I bet yours will, too.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: No rolling dough or fussing, just delicious layers baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right starts with good-quality cinnamon rolls and a flavorful apple pie filling. I like to pick the classic refrigerated cinnamon rolls — they bake up soft and gooey, which pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon-spiced apples. Here’s the rundown on what you’ll grab from the store:
- Cinnamon Rolls: I recommend refrigerated ones like Pillsbury for that soft, pillowy texture with built-in cinnamon goodness.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the rolls.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note that deepens the flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: For that warm, classic apple pie spice touch.
- Apple Pie Filling: Store-bought is perfectly fine here — chunky apples in cinnamon syrup save loads of time.
- Heavy Cream: Just a little drizzle on top before baking adds moisture and richness that makes it extra dreamy.
Variations
I love making this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe my own depending on the occasion — it’s so flexible! You can easily swap ingredients or add toppings to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use fresh apples: If you prefer, chop up peeled fresh apples instead of canned filling for a more natural texture—just toss with cinnamon and sugar before layering.
- Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Swap butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and oat creamer.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar for more warmth and complexity.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish really well so nothing sticks. Open your two cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully remove the icing packets – pop those in the fridge so they’re nice and cool when it’s time to drizzle. Then cut each cinnamon roll into 4 to 6 small triangles. Cutting them into smaller pieces helps them bake evenly and soak up all the apple pie flavors. I like using a sharp knife for clean cuts, so you don’t squash the rolls.
Step 2: Coat the Rolls with Butter and Sugar
In a medium mixing bowl, toss those cinnamon roll pieces with melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Make sure every piece gets a little glistening coat — this locks in flavor and gives you that gorgeous, caramelized crust you want. I usually use my hands for the best mixing control here. Once coated, spread the cinnamon roll pieces in an even layer in your greased casserole dish.
Step 3: Prep and Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Open your apple pie filling can and pour the contents into the same mixing bowl (less dishes, yay!). If the apples are chunkier than you want, scoop them out onto a cutting board and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Then toss them back in with the syrupy filling. Pour the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the casserole dish, spreading it out so every roll bite has some apple topping. This part smells like heaven—I never can resist sneaking a little taste.
Step 4: Drizzle Cream and Bake
Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream over the entire bake. This little touch keeps everything moist and adds richness. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You want the center cinnamon rolls to be fully cooked but still super soft, and the apples bubbly and caramelized. A tip? Check it at 40 minutes — if the middle still feels doughy, give it a bit more time. Let it cool for 10 minutes before the last step.
Step 5: Top with Icing and Serve Warm
Once the bake is out of the oven and just warm enough to handle, spread the reserved icing over the top. This melt-in-your-mouth glaze pulls everything together and makes it pure magic. Serve this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake warm — it’s perfect fresh but still delicious a day later (if it lasts that long!).
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Icing: I learned this the hard way—warm icing melts right off, but cold icing spreads beautifully without running.
- Cut Rolls Uniformly: Cutting cinnamon rolls into roughly equal pieces helps everything bake evenly and avoids doughy pockets.
- Use a Light Hand with Butter: Too much butter can make the bake soggy, so just enough to coat will give that perfect caramelization.
- Patience During Baking: Resist opening the oven early; baking steady at 350°F creates that beautiful golden finish and fully cooked center.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this bake with a little extra cinnamon sprinkle and sometimes a handful of chopped toasted pecans for crunch. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is pure heaven—especially if you’re serving it as dessert. Fresh apple slices or a mint leaf can add a pretty touch if you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
When we have this for brunch, I like serving it with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. It also pairs super nicely with a cup of strong coffee or a chai latte to complement those warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I’ve served this bake in mini muffin tins instead of a casserole dish for cute individual portions. Another fun idea: layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream for a quick apple cinnamon breakfast parfait twist. No matter how you serve it, the cozy aroma always wows everyone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake covered tightly with foil or in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days — I find it’s actually better the next day because the flavors have time to meld together. Just bring to room temp before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this bake successfully by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently in the oven until heated through. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy mornings!
Reheating
Reheat portions in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warm and gooey. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the texture chewy instead of soft and tender. I like to spread a tiny bit of extra icing on top after reheating to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven deliciousness.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will make this dish even more special. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust the baking time if your rolls are thicker or denser than store-bought ones.
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Is it okay to substitute other types of pie filling?
Definitely! While apple is classic, you can swap in cherry, peach, or blueberry pie fillings for a fun twist. Just keep in mind texture and sweetness might vary slightly, so taste as you go.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cinnamon rolls, dairy-free butter, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. The flavor will be just as comforting and delicious.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream—can I skip it?
You can skip the heavy cream if needed; it adds richness but the bake will still be tasty without it. You might consider drizzling a bit of milk or a tiny splash of melted butter on top instead.
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How do I know when the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake is done?
Look for golden brown edges, bubbly apple filling, and no doughy spots in the center. If you touch the middle gently, it should feel firm but soft, not sticky or raw.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is seriously one of my favorite comfort food hacks—so easy yet so cozy and delicious. It’s saved me many mornings when I wanted something special without the hassle. Give it a try for your next brunch, holiday morning, or whenever you want to indulge in that perfect mix of cinnamon, apples, and buttery goodness. I promise you’ll be smiling with every warm, gooey bite.
Print
Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls and apple pie in an easy-to-make casserole. Featuring canned cinnamon rolls and ready-made apple pie filling, this warm, comforting dish is perfect for fall breakfasts or brunches, offering a sweet, gooey treat with a creamy icing finish.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Mixture
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (such as Pillsbury)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Apple Pie Filling
- One 21 oz can of Apple Pie Filling
- Optional: Cut apples into smaller pieces
Topping
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
- Icing from the cinnamon rolls (reserved)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and prepare for layering.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the two cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully separate each roll. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4-6 small triangles to ensure even baking and more surface area for coating.
- Coat Cinnamon Roll Pieces: In a medium bowl, toss the cinnamon roll triangles with melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until all pieces are thoroughly coated with the mixture.
- Layer Cinnamon Rolls: Spread the coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the greased casserole dish to form the base layer of your bake.
- Prepare Apple Pie Filling: Open the can of apple pie filling. For a more rustic texture, remove the apples from the liquid, cut them into smaller pieces on a cutting board, and then return them to the liquid. This step is optional but enhances the distribution of apple pieces.
- Add Apple Filling: Pour the apple pie filling evenly over the coated cinnamon rolls in the casserole dish, ensuring coverage across the entire surface.
- Drizzle Heavy Cream: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream over the apple and cinnamon roll mixture to add richness and help meld the flavors during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The dish is done when the cinnamon rolls in the center are fully cooked and no longer doughy, turning golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Ice: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes. After cooling, spread the reserved cinnamon roll icing evenly over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake warm for the best flavor and texture experience, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for autumn and holiday mornings, offering a simple yet indulgent way to combine two classic desserts.
- Using store-bought cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling significantly cuts down on prep time without compromising flavor.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though texture may vary slightly.
- Make sure to cool slightly before icing to prevent icing from melting off completely.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; icing may need to be reapplied or warmed slightly for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8th of the casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
