Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and baked apples all in a creamy layered dessert that melts in your mouth. This is the kind of bake that wows guests at brunch or gives you that perfect cozy ending to any meal. When you bake it, the warm cinnamon swirls blend with the juicy apples and sweet caramel so every spoonful feels like autumn wrapped in a hug.

I first made this on a chilly Saturday for my neighbors and we hardly left crumbs behind. Now it is a frequent guest at our holiday table.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: These make prepping so quick and keep each layer soft and doughy Choose the brand with the gooeyest center for best results
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing It gives the filling a creamy tang that cuts through the sweetness
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly for a luscious cream cheese layer Sift if clumpy so your filling stays dreamy
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and sweetness Look for pure vanilla for the most aromatic result
• Large apples: Go for tart firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp These hold their shape while baking
• Granulated sugar: Brings out the apples’ juices and caramelizes in the oven Fine grain sugar dissolves best
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dessert with classic cozy spice Choose a fresh fragrant batch for full effect
• Lemon juice: Brightens the apple mixture and balances the sweetness Use fresh lemons for the most vibrant pop
• Caramel sauce: The finishing touch for sweet gooeyness Drizzle with a spoonful of high-quality store-bought or homemade

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Add softened cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a bowl Whisk until everything is silky and no lumps remain The cream cheese should almost look glossy and perfectly smooth

Toss the Apples:

Mix your apple slices with granulated sugar ground cinnamon and lemon juice Toss gently with your hands making sure every apple slice glistens and is coated evenly set aside until juicy

Layer in the Baking Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters Scatter half across the bottom pressing them slightly to create the first layer Next dollop half of the cream cheese mixture then scatter over half the apple mixture Repeat with remaining cinnamon rolls cream cheese and apples so you build distinct layers

Bake to Perfection:

Slide your dish into an oven preheated to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake for about forty minutes The top should turn golden brown while the filling bubbles around the edges If the top gets too dark tent with foil for the last ten minutes

Finish and Serve:

Remove from oven and let it cool slightly Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top before slicing Serve warm the aroma alone is almost impossible to resist

Pin it

My favorite part is using Honeycrisp apples Their crispness pairs so beautifully with the gooey cinnamon. One year my niece helped me drizzle the caramel and she still talks about being the caramel artist.

Pin it

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat a wedge in the microwave for a few seconds so the caramel turns gooey again. This dish also freezes well just wrap individual portions and thaw overnight.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out apples for pears to change up the flavor or use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version. If you do not have caramel sauce try topping with a little maple syrup or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a square of apple cinnamon roll lasagna warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For brunch add a dusting of cinnamon on the plate or pair it with fresh fruit for balance.

Cultural and Historical Context

This dessert is a playful twist on classic cinnamon rolls a staple in many American kitchens especially during the holidays. By layering with apples and cream cheese it transforms the familiar into something special and festive—imagine an apple pie meets cinnamon roll meets decadent lasagna.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prepare the apple mixture?

Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples are mixed with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice for added brightness.

→ What kind of cinnamon rolls should be used?

Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing are ideal, as they're easy to work with and create soft, fluffy layers.

→ Can you prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Drizzle caramel sauce just before serving for best texture.

→ Is there a recommended topping?

Warm caramel sauce is suggested, but a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds extra flavor and appeal.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover and refrigerate. Gently reheat slices in the oven or microwave to restore warmth and texture.