Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna with layers of spiced apples, gooey caramel, and soft cinnamon roll dough. A cozy dessert made for fall!
You ever have one of those moments where you just need something sweet, warm, and a little over the top? That’s how this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna happened in my kitchen.
It was one of those cool fall weekends, and I’d just come back from the farmers’ market with way too many apples (classic me). I didn’t feel like making a pie—it felt too fussy—and I wasn’t in the mood for basic cinnamon rolls either. Then it hit me: why not combine the two? I’ll admit, it sounded a little ambitious at first, but the idea of layering spiced apples with cinnamon roll dough and caramel sauce? Yeah, it was too good not to try.
Let’s just say the kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery by the time it came out of the oven. My family—who weren’t even that hungry—magically appeared, forks in hand, as soon as I pulled it out. And the verdict? This dessert is dangerously good. It’s become a fall tradition now, the kind of thing we make when we want to impress guests (or just ourselves, honestly).
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna Recipe?
So why should this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna be your new fall obsession? Here’s why:
- Layered Goodness: Soft cinnamon roll dough, spiced apples, and caramel in every bite.
- Fall in a Pan: It’s like your favorite fall flavors got together for the ultimate dessert party.
- No Fuss: Pre-made cinnamon rolls keep it simple without sacrificing flavor.
- Smells Amazing: Seriously, your house will smell like a cozy bakery.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, a special brunch, or even a midnight snack (I won’t judge).
Ingredient Notes:
Each ingredient brings something special to the table—here’s the breakdown:
- Cinnamon Rolls: The shortcut hero of this recipe. They make layering easy and taste amazing.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are my go-to. They stay firm while baking and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works, but if you have homemade, use it. Either way, it’s the glue that ties the layers together.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are the heart of the recipe, adding warmth and coziness.
- Cornstarch: A little trick to keep the apple filling thick and not runny.
Pro Tip: If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans between the layers. It’s a game-changer.
How To Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna?
This recipe might look fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple. Let’s get started:
-
Preheat and Prep
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish generously—nobody likes sticking layers. -
Make the Apple Filling
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Coat every piece evenly. It should smell like fall already. -
Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
Open those cans of cinnamon rolls (you know you love that pop) and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Roll each slice a little thinner—don’t stress about making them perfect. -
Layer It All Together
Start by pressing the cinnamon roll slices into the bottom of your dish, overlapping slightly to create a solid base. Add half of the apple mixture, then drizzle a few tablespoons of caramel sauce over the top. Repeat with another layer of cinnamon rolls, the rest of the apples, and more caramel. Finish with a top layer of cinnamon rolls. -
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. -
Cool and Add Icing
Let the lasagna cool for at least 30 minutes (I know, it’s hard, but molten caramel burns are no joke). Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top—it’s the cherry on this sweet dessert sundae. -
Serve and Savor
Slice it up or scoop it out (who cares about presentation when it tastes this good?) and serve warm. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of caramel sauce—it’s not optional.
Storage Options:
If you manage to have leftovers (unlikely, but let’s pretend):
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave to bring back that gooey texture.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to a month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to customize your Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna? Here are some ideas:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for a crunchy twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Edition: Swap the caramel sauce for chocolate sauce or add both—no one’s stopping you.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a dash of pumpkin spice to the apple mixture for extra fall vibes.
- Switch the Apples: Try Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor or Fuji for something crispier.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna?
This dessert can hold its own, but if you’re feeling extra:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop melting over warm lasagna is pure magic.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it balances out the rich caramel and apples.
- Hot Coffee or Cider: The perfect cozy pairing for this indulgent dessert.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an added layer of sweetness and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh for the best results.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Totally! If you’ve got the time and energy, homemade dough will make this even more special.
How do I keep the layers from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking dish generously, and make sure the cinnamon roll slices overlap slightly for a secure base.
So, what do you think? Ready to bake your way to fall dessert heaven with this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna? Let me know how it turns out—or if you added your own twist! I’d love to hear all about it.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
Ingredients
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls
- 4 large apples peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- ¼ – 1/3 cup caramel sauce or salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease an 8 x 8 x 2 inch glass or ceramic baking dish. You can also use a dish like a 7 x 9 x 2 inch ceramic one if you prefer.
- In a mixing bowl combine the apples, half a cup of sugar, one tablespoon of cornstarch, one teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. Make sure to coat the apple pieces with this mixture.
- Take out the cinnamon rolls, from the cans. Cut them into slices measuring about a quarter inch. To prevent sticking lightly flour your work surface. Gently roll out each slice to make it thinner using some flour if necessary.
- Start layering by placing a layer of flattened cinnamon roll slices at the bottom and along the sides of the dish. Press them gently to ensure they stick together well.
- Spread half of the apple filling over this cinnamon roll layer then drizzle two to three tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples for a touch of indulgence.
- Create another layer by placing flattened cinnamon roll slices, on top followed by the remaining apples and another drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Finally, complete the filling with one layer made from cinnamon roll slices.
- Cover the dish, with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven that has been preheated for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until you see a delightful golden brown color on top.
- Once it’s baked let the Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna cool down for at least 30 minutes. Then generously drizzle the accompanying icing, over the top as a finishing touch.
- Cut your creation into portions that offer layers of flavor and warmth. Serve this dessert with loved ones and relish in the interplay of textures and tastes.
- For an added touch of elegance, you may consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sugar or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy each bite savoring the essence of fall flavors!
Notes
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I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!