Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake: 2 Ways to Share the Love

A Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Remember those mornings? The ones where the aroma of cinnamon and something subtly sweet wafted from the kitchen, instantly making everything feel a little brighter? As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets that crisp, inviting chill, my heart always turns to those comforting, soul-warming flavors. Today, I am sharing a recipe that perfectly captures that feeling – a delightful, fuss-free treat that brings together the best of fall: the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake. It is the kind of dish that makes Sunday mornings feel special and weeknight desserts feel like a warm hug. Get ready to fall in love with this deliciously easy creation!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is simple to make. The results are impressive. Sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and soft, buttery rolls are comforting. It is great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This bake pleases everyone. It is easy to change to your liking. It uses the nice flavors of fall apples.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

You will prepare the apple filling first. Then, you arrange the cinnamon rolls. Next, you layer the ingredients and pour liquid over them. After that, you bake the dish. Finally, you glaze and serve it.

Ingredients of Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

For the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

  • Prepared cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade, 2 cans or equivalent)
  • Fresh apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
  • Unsalted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg (optional)
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (if not using canned glaze)

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Directions of Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, core, and dice your apples into small pieces.
  2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you use it).
  4. Cook until apples are tender-crisp, stirring sometimes, about 5-7 minutes. Set them aside.

Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Preheat your oven to the temperature on your cinnamon roll package.
  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. Unroll each cinnamon roll and cut it into quarters or smaller pieces.
  4. Scatter half of the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly on the bottom of the dish.

Layer and Pour

  1. Spoon half of the cooked apple filling over the first layer of cinnamon rolls.
  2. Arrange the rest of the cinnamon roll pieces over the apples.
  3. Top with the rest of the apple filling.
  4. Whisk together heavy cream and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake.

Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked, and the apples are bubbling.
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool a little before glazing.

Glaze and Serve

  1. If you use canned glaze: Drizzle it generously over the warm bake.
  2. If you make your own cream cheese glaze: Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Breakfast or Brunch Delight

  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with hot coffee or cold milk.
  • Serve with a fresh fruit platter.

Decadent Dessert

  • It is a perfect end to dinner, especially in fall.
  • Serve with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Enjoy with a drizzle of caramel sauce for more sweetness.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for single servings. Or, warm the entire dish in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until it is hot all the way through.

Tips to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

  • Do not overmix the apples: Cook them until they are tender-crisp, not mushy. They should keep their shape.
  • Distribute evenly: Make sure you pour the cream mixture evenly so all the rolls get moist.
  • Watch it closely: Ovens are different. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes to avoid burning.
  • Cool a little: Let it cool for a few minutes before glazing. This helps the glaze set well.

Variation

Spice It Up

  • Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling for more flavor.
  • Use a tablespoon of apple pie spice for an easy spice blend.

Added Textures

  • Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling. Or, sprinkle them on top before baking.
  • Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.

Different Fruits

  • Try pears instead of apples for a new taste.
  • A mix of apples and berries (like blueberries or raspberries) can also be tasty.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls for this Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake?
A1: Yes! Using homemade cinnamon rolls will make this Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake even better. Prepare your rolls as usual, cut them, and then follow the recipe.

Q2: What are the best types of apples to use for an Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake?
A2: For a delicious Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake, use apples that stay firm when cooked. They should have a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are all great choices.

Q3: Can I prepare the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can put the entire Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake together the night before. Cover it tightly and put it in the refrigerator. In the morning, take it out while the oven heats up. Then, bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.

Warm Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake overhead shot

Warm Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

This delightful warm apple cinnamon roll bake combines soft cinnamon roll pieces with tender, spiced Granny Smith apples, all baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet glaze. It's an easy and comforting dessert or breakfast treat perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Bake

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 oz each)
  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Glaze (if not using canned)

  • 2 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your cinnamon roll package (usually 375°F/190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter; add diced apples, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, cooking until tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Unroll and cut each cinnamon roll into quarters, then scatter half of the pieces evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Spoon half of the cooked apple filling over the first cinnamon roll layer, arrange the remaining rolls, and top with the rest of the apple filling. Whisk together heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then pour this mixture evenly over the entire bake.
  • Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through and the apples are bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle generously with either the canned glaze or a homemade glaze prepared by whisking softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Serve warm.

Notes

For an extra touch, you can prepare the homemade cream cheese glaze, but the glaze from the canned cinnamon rolls works just as well. This bake is best served warm.

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