Make this easy Glazed Apple Cinnamon Ring with cinnamon rolls, granny smith apples, pecans, raisins, and a sweet drizzle of icing.

You ever have those mornings where you’re trying to be the “brunch hero,” but life has other plans? That was me last month. I had grand visions of homemade cinnamon rolls—yeast rising, a spotless kitchen, soft morning light… you know, the Pinterest dream.

Reality? I overslept. The kitchen was a disaster. And guests were arriving in 45 minutes.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

I stood in front of the fridge, defeated, when my eyes landed on two tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. You know the ones—the kind that pop open with a heart attack-inducing bang. Next to them sat a couple of apples in the fruit bowl, probably days from becoming mush.

And that’s how this Glazed Apple Cinnamon Ring was born. Pure survival instinct. But you know what? It turned out so good that now I pretend it was my plan all along. Fake it till you make it, right?

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Apple Cinnamon Ring Recipe?

This is what I call a “cheat code” recipe. You’re taking store-bought cinnamon rolls and dressing them up so fancy that people will think you’re some kind of dessert wizard. They don’t need to know you threw it together in under 30 minutes because your toddler was tearing apart the pantry five minutes earlier.

This recipe is:

Fast, like “I need a dessert NOW” fast
Fancy-looking without fancy effort
Sweet and gooey with just the right tart apple balance
Customizable—swap the nuts, raisins, whatever you like
Smells like fall exploded in your oven (even in July)

It’s that perfect sweet treat that looks impressive on the table but feels like a warm hug when you take a bite. Do you get what I’m saying? It’s comfort food with a glow-up.

Ingredient Notes:

Cinnamon Rolls (refrigerated): I mean, they’re the backbone of this whole situation. Can you make homemade? Sure. Will I? Not today.
Granny Smith Apples: Tart, crisp, and they hold up to baking. It’s the tangy bite you need to balance all that sweet.
Ground Cinnamon: Because more cinnamon is never too much cinnamon.
Raisins: I know, I know—raisins are controversial. But they add this chewy sweetness that just works here.
Pecans: The crunch factor. Optional, but I strongly recommend.
Icing (from the cinnamon rolls): It’s not fancy. It’s not homemade. But it hits every single time.

How To Make Glazed Apple Cinnamon Ring?

Step 1: Preheat & Panic (Optional)
Preheat the oven to 400°F. This is also when you should start brewing coffee because you’re going to need it.

Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open those cinnamon roll cans (brace yourself, it’s never not terrifying) and lay them out in a circle on a baking sheet, overlapping slightly to make a ring. Flatten them gently. No need for perfection—this is rustic chic, okay?

Step 3: Apples, Raisins, Pecans… The Fun Part
Layer your apple rings on top of the cinnamon rolls. Toss the raisins and pecans all over like you’re creating edible confetti. Then hit the whole thing with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, because why not?

Step 4: Bake & Smell the Magic
Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like a cinnamon-sugar candle but, you know, edible.

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Step 5: Glaze & Admire Your Work
As soon as it’s out of the oven, drizzle that icing on top. Be generous. Be messy. Drizzle like no one’s watching.

Storage Options:

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before devouring. Freezing? Meh, I wouldn’t. The apples get weird. Just eat it fresh. Problem solved.

Variations and Substitutions:

Not a raisin fan? Use dried cranberries.
Pecans not your thing? Walnuts, slivered almonds… go nuts (literally).
Want to level it up? Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking.
No Granny Smiths? Honeycrisp apples are a great swap for a sweeter version.
Feeling fancy? Add a little orange zest to the icing. Trust me, it slaps.

What to Serve with Glazed Apple Cinnamon Ring?

You could totally eat it straight out of the pan. No judgment. But if you’re playing hostess with the mostess, here are a few ideas:

A hot cup of coffee (obvious, but necessary)
A scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re leaning dessert
Fresh berries on the side if you want to pretend it’s healthy
Mimosas or spiced apple cider because brunch without drinks is just a sad breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I assemble this the night before?
Yes! You can build the whole ring, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning so it’s warm and gooey when you serve it.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Honestly? Nope. I peel them because I like the texture, but if you’re short on time or feeling lazy (been there), leave them on. Rustic charm.

What if I hate raisins?
First of all, fair. Second, swap them out. Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips will all work.

So there you have it. This Glazed Apple Cinnamon Ring is your new best friend for last-minute brunches, lazy weekend baking, or those “I want something sweet but don’t want to try too hard” moods.

If you make it, let me know—are you team “neat drizzle” or “glaze explosion all over the place”? Either way, I’m cheering you on from my messy kitchen.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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