If you’re craving the warm, cozy flavors of fall but want to keep things super simple, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is pretty much fall in a dish—gooey cinnamon rolls smothered in sweet apple pie filling, baked to perfection, and topped with that iconic icing. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: Uses canned cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling, so no complicated prep or exotic items needed.
- Perfect for Busy Mornings: It’s a hands-off bake that lets you serve a dreamy dessert-style breakfast with minimal effort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make this, my family goes crazy for it—flavors everyone loves in one dish.
- Versatile and Cozy: Ideal for fall or holiday breakfasts, it’s like an apple pie and cinnamon roll had a delicious baby.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to create that warm, cinnamon-spiced comfort we all crave. Let’s talk about the stars of the show and why I pick these particular ones.
- Canned Cinnamon Rolls: Pillsbury is my go-to here because they bake up fluffy and sweet with that perfect cinnamon swirl. Plus, they come with icing which makes finishing the dish super easy.
- Melted Butter: Coats the cinnamon roll pieces to add richness and helps the brown sugar and cinnamon stick perfectly.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness without being too much.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon and apples are a classic duo—this gives the bake that signature spicy warmth you’re after.
- Apple Pie Filling: Using canned filling cuts down prep time but still delivers those soft, juicy apple chunks and sweet cinnamon syrup for that authentic apple pie vibe.
- Heavy Cream: Just a little drizzle on top adds creaminess while baking and makes the texture irresistible.
Variations
I love making this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s such a flexible dish—you can easily tweak it to suit your needs or mood without losing that cozy magic.
- Fresh Apples Instead of Canned: Sometimes I dice fresh apples and toss them with cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice for a fresher take—just add a sprinkle of flour so the juices don’t get watery.
- Adding Nuts: Walnuts or pecans make a fantastic crunchy topping, and my family loves the surprise texture.
- Dairy-Free Options: You can swap melted butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with canned coconut milk to make this dairy-free—and it’s still delicious!
- Extra Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can elevate the flavor, especially if you’re feeling festive.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cut Your Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish—this helps the bake release easily after cooking. Open the two cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside in the fridge for later (trust me, you don’t want to skip this step). Next, cut each cinnamon roll into 4-6 small triangles—this breaks them up enough to soak up the apple filling beautifully without becoming too dense. I like doing this right in the baking dish to save some dishes, but a bowl works too.
Step 2: Coat the Rolls with Butter, Sugar & Cinnamon
In a medium bowl, toss your cinnamon roll pieces with melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until they’re evenly coated. This step is key to ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored and caramelized when baked. Then, spread them into the greased casserole dish in an even layer. You’ll want to make sure the pieces aren’t piled up too high; a nice single layer helps everything cook through evenly.
Step 3: Prep and Add the Apple Pie Filling
Open your apple pie filling and dump it into the same bowl you used for the cinnamon rolls (or a fresh one if you’re like me and don’t want to wash two dishes). Here’s my secret: scoop out the apple chunks and chop them into smaller pieces on a cutting board if they’re too big for your liking—then toss everything back into the syrupy liquid. This helps the apples nestle nicely between the cinnamon pieces and bake evenly.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Cream
Pour the apple pie filling evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the casserole dish, trying to coat the rolls as much as possible with the syrup and apple pieces. Finally, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream on top to keep the bake rich and tender as it melts down during baking.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Icing
Bake your Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe for 40-50 minutes, checking around 40 minutes to ensure the cinnamon rolls in the center aren’t doughy. You want them golden and cooked through but moist and tender. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes—that step helps the whole bake settle and makes it easier to spread the icing. Then, generously spread the reserved icing on top and serve warm. This last step really brings the whole thing together and adds that final sweet touch everyone loves.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Don’t Skip Cutting the Rolls: Cutting them into smaller pieces helps the filling mingle with each piece and prevents your bake from being doughy in the middle.
- Chop Large Apple Pieces: I’ve found that chopping the apples smaller creates a better texture and helps them distribute evenly throughout.
- Reserve the Icing: Keep the icing in the fridge so it spreads easily without melting too much right away—this keeps your bake looking beautiful and tasting fresh.
- Watch the Bake Time: Start checking at 40 minutes to avoid over-baking; you want it bubbly and golden, but not dry or too browned on top.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple with this recipe because it’s already packed with flavor. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the icing for a subtle kick. A few chopped toasted pecans sprinkled over the icing right before serving adds a lovely crunch and a nice contrast to the soft, gooey bake.
Side Dishes
I like pairing this baked cinnamon roll dish with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. If you want something more substantial, a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon balances out the sweetness perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered fresh apple slices or thinly sliced pears on top of the icing after it sets—it adds visual appeal and a fresh fruity note. Another fun idea is to bake this in individual ramekins for personal servings that look adorable and make guests feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I cover my leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days and is honestly just as delicious warmed back up as it is fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If I’m making a big batch ahead of time, I assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the recipe, adding a few extra minutes since it starts cold. This trick saves so much time during busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and gooey again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy edge and fresh-baked texture—it really makes a difference!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh apples work wonderfully, but I recommend peeling and slicing them thinly, then tossing with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and a dusting of flour to help thicken the juices while baking. This keeps the bake from being watery and ensures a lovely texture.
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What kind of cinnamon rolls are best to use?
I usually stick with Pillsbury canned cinnamon rolls because they’re widely available, bake evenly, and come with a convenient icing packet. That said, any pre-made cinnamon rolls should work fine as long as they’re the classic kind without extra toppings or fillings.
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Can I prepare this Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe the night before?
You sure can! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bake it fresh in the morning. Just be aware that it might take a few extra minutes in the oven since it’ll be cold.
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Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! The 9×13 inch casserole dish yields about 8 servings, making it perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or holiday gatherings. You can double the ingredients and use a larger dish to serve more people.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something both comforting and fuss-free. It hits that perfect sweet spot of cinnamon, apples, and buttery rolls, making it feel like a special treat even on busy mornings. I hope you give it a try and find it as irresistible as my family and I do—seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
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 is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch casserole that combines the warm spices of cinnamon rolls with the sweet, tender apples of a classic apple pie. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling, this comforting dish is perfect for fall mornings or any time you crave a cozy, delicious treat. Topped with creamy icing after baking, it offers a perfect balance of gooey, spiced sweetness and fruitiness in every bite.
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 Topping
- One 21 oz can of Apple Pie Filling
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
- Icing from cinnamon roll cans (reserved)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the accompanying icing aside in the refrigerator. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4-6 small triangles for even layering and easy serving.
- Mix Cinnamon Roll Pieces: In a medium bowl, combine the cinnamon roll pieces with melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with this mixture.
- Layer Cinnamon Rolls: Spread the coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a uniform layer as the base of your bake.
- Prepare Apple Pie Filling: Open the can of apple pie filling and pour it into the same or a separate bowl. Chop the apple slices into smaller pieces if desired, then mix them back into the filling liquid to ensure even distribution.
- Add Apple Filling and Cream: Pour the apple pie filling evenly over the layer of cinnamon rolls. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream over the top to add richness and moisture during baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are fully baked and no longer doughy in the center.
- Cool and Add Icing: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, spread the reserved icing evenly over the top before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for fall and uses convenient store-bought ingredients for quick preparation.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, consider reducing the brown sugar or skipping the icing.
- Cutting the cinnamon rolls into smaller pieces ensures they bake evenly and soak up the apple pie filling flavors nicely.
- Letting the bake cool slightly before adding icing prevents it from melting into a glaze and keeps it thick and creamy.
- Serve warm for a comforting brunch or delightful dessert option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8th of the casserole)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg