Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Rolls are a deliciously inventive take on a traditional dessert. By combining the warm flavors of cinnamon, apple, and caramel in a lasagna-style format using cinnamon rolls as the “pasta,” this recipe brings together the best of both worlds — the comfort of cinnamon rolls and the indulgence of a layered apple dessert. The apples are tender and spiced to perfection, while the caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness, making each bite decadent. The cinnamon rolls provide a fluffy and slightly chewy base that holds everything together and creates a satisfying texture contrast. This dessert works because it is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to impress anyone who enjoys cozy, fall-inspired treats.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 packets of cinnamon rolls (store-bought, with icing)
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work well)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (or salted caramel sauce if you prefer)
How to Make This Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8″ x 8″ x 2″ glass or ceramic dish with nonstick spray. If you don’t have a dish of this exact size, a 7″ x 9″ x 2″ ceramic dish works as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a bowl, mix the peeled and diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken the mixture and prevent excess moisture during baking. Stir the ingredients until the apples are evenly coated and set aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Cinnamon Rolls
Take your cinnamon rolls from the packages and unroll them carefully. Cut each roll into 1/2-inch strips. To make this easier and prevent the dough from sticking, lightly flour your work surface and your hands as you roll them out. Gently press the cinnamon rolls to flatten them into a wider, rectangular shape, which will help with the layering process.
Step 4: Layer the Cinnamon Rolls and Apple Filling
Start by arranging the flattened cinnamon rolls in the bottom and along the sides of the prepared dish. Press them down gently with your hands to ensure the pieces stay together and cover the bottom of the dish.
Next, spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples to add sweetness and richness. Top this layer with another layer of cinnamon rolls, pressing them down firmly.
Spread the remaining apple mixture over the second cinnamon roll layer and drizzle with more caramel sauce. Finish by topping the apple filling with the remaining flattened cinnamon rolls.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Roll
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cinnamon rolls have cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Drizzle with Icing
Once the dessert has finished baking, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. This will give the layers a chance to set and make it easier to slice. Once cooled, drizzle the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Rolls into squares and serve. This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success:
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and work wonderfully in this recipe, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar and caramel. Golden Delicious apples are sweeter and will give a smoother taste to the dish. You can mix the two varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps absorb the moisture released by the apples during baking, which ensures the filling doesn’t become too runny. It also helps thicken the caramel sauce.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for a delightful crunch. You can also swap the caramel sauce for chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for a different twist.
- Use Salted Caramel for Extra Flavor: If you enjoy a salty-sweet combination, go for salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel. The contrast between salty and sweet adds a layer of depth to the flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the dessert towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can dry out the cinnamon rolls and make them too crisp. A golden-brown top and bubbling apple filling is the perfect indicator that it’s ready.
How to Serve:
Serve the Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Rolls as a warm dessert, right out of the oven. For an extra treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The soft cinnamon rolls, caramel sauce, and tender apples come together to create a cozy, indulgent dessert that is perfect for family dinners, fall gatherings, or simply when you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream goes wonderfully with the warm cinnamon rolls and apple filling.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream adds a light and creamy element to balance the richness of the caramel sauce.
- As a Breakfast Treat: This dessert is also delicious as a breakfast or brunch dish when served warm with coffee or tea.
- Drizzle Extra Caramel: For those who love extra sweetness, drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Time to Make:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Conclusion:
Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Rolls combine the best elements of comfort food, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. The sweet apples, spiced cinnamon, and gooey caramel sauce layer perfectly between fluffy cinnamon rolls, creating a treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dessert or sharing it at a holiday gathering, these rolls are sure to be a hit. Plus, with the simplicity of the ingredients and the minimal prep work, this dessert can be made even by beginner bakers! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a warm, comforting treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.