When you combine the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls with the sweet, tender taste of baked apples, you get a dessert that feels like pure magic — Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna. This layered masterpiece brings together flaky cinnamon roll dough, spiced apples, and creamy frosting for a dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s indulgent, warm, and aromatic, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a quiet night at home. I made this once for a family gathering, and it instantly became everyone’s favorite. The combination of gooey cinnamon filling, baked apples, and soft layers is like eating an apple pie wrapped in a cinnamon bun — sweet, comforting, and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms classic comfort desserts into one stunning bake. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, requires minimal ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples. Whether served warm or chilled, it delivers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and spiced sweetness.
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna – Warm, Sweet & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is a warm, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth dessert layered with gooey cinnamon rolls, tender spiced apples, and creamy cheesecake filling — the ultimate fall comfort treat that tastes like apple pie meets cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, separated and sliced into rounds
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- Optional toppings: caramel sauce, chopped pecans, or extra cinnamon glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft and caramelized. Set aside.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Flatten cinnamon roll rounds slightly and layer half of them across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolls.
- Add half of the cooked apples on top of the cream layer.
- Repeat with remaining cinnamon roll slices, cream cheese filling, and apples.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Drizzle the included cinnamon roll icing or caramel sauce on top while warm.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm and gooey.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving.
- Use pre-made apple pie filling for a quicker version.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Perfect for brunches, holiday desserts, or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade) form the foundation of this dessert. Their soft, spiced dough acts as both crust and topping, absorbing all the delicious apple juices as it bakes.
Apples—preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—add tartness and freshness that perfectly balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls. Peel, core, and slice them thinly for even baking.
Brown sugar deepens the flavor, creating a caramel-like sweetness that coats the apples beautifully.
Ground cinnamon amplifies the warm spice that makes this dessert so comforting.
Butter adds richness, helping the sugar and cinnamon meld into a luscious sauce that soaks into each layer.
Cream cheese lends a silky, tangy base for the frosting or creamy filling between layers, adding balance to the sweetness.
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese topping and gives it that smooth, luscious texture.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, tying together the cinnamon, apples, and cream with a hint of warmth.
Heavy cream or milk helps create a light, pourable frosting that melts into the warm layers once baked.
Pecans or walnuts (optional) add a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey layers.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Open the cinnamon rolls and separate them. Flatten each roll slightly using your hands or a rolling pin to create thin layers. Place a layer of flattened rolls along the bottom of the dish, covering it completely.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and coated in a thick, glossy syrup. Remove from heat.
Spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll layer. Add another layer of flattened cinnamon rolls on top. Repeat with the remaining apples, then finish with a final layer of cinnamon rolls.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
While it cools slightly, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of heavy cream until smooth. Spread or drizzle it generously over the warm lasagna. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired. Serve warm for the ultimate comforting dessert experience.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people. Prep time: 20 minutes. Bake time: 35 minutes. Total time: about 55 minutes including cooling and frosting.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes. It also tastes great cold — like a creamy apple-cinnamon pudding.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Apple Lasagna – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish.
Maple Glazed Version – Replace the frosting with a maple syrup glaze for a deeper, fall-inspired sweetness.
Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for texture and richness.
Apple-Pear Mix – Combine sliced apples and pears for a subtly sweet, juicy blend.
Pumpkin Spice Twist – Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the apple mixture for an autumn-inspired dessert.
No-Bake Shortcut – Use pre-cooked cinnamon rolls and layer them with apple pie filling and frosting for a quick version.
Cheesecake Layer – Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the apples and rolls for a richer, more indulgent dessert.
Extra Gooey Version – Add an extra layer of cinnamon sugar butter sauce before baking.
Mini Servings – Bake in individual ramekins for elegant single portions.
Holiday Version – Top with dried cranberries or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive look.
FAQs
Can I use canned cinnamon rolls?
Yes, they work perfectly and make the recipe quick and easy.
What apples are best?
Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter balance.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Absolutely, it’s a great time-saving shortcut.
Why is my lasagna soggy?
Make sure to drain excess apple juice before layering.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
No, you can use the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls.
How do I know it’s done baking?
The center should be firm, and the top golden brown.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.
What can I serve it with?
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk alternatives.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is the epitome of cozy indulgence. With its tender apple filling, gooey cinnamon layers, and creamy frosting, it’s everything you love about fall desserts rolled into one. Each bite delivers warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice that makes it impossible to resist. Whether served fresh from the oven or chilled the next day, this dessert captures the heart of homemade comfort and the flavor of pure nostalgia.
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