Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake

Your New Favorite Cozy Recipe is Here: Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake

Hey friend! Isla here, from my kitchen to yours. Have you ever had one of those days where you’re craving something deeply, soul-warmingly comforting, but the thought of measuring a million ingredients or cleaning a mountain of bowls just feels… impossible? Yeah, me too. In fact, I’m having one of those days as I write this. The sky is grey, my to-do list is a mile long, and my sweet tooth is screaming for something that tastes like a warm hug.

That’s exactly why I’m so obsessed with this recipe and why I just had to share it with you today. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is my ultimate secret weapon for conjuring maximum comfort with minimal effort. Imagine the gooey, cinnamon-spiced heart of an apple pie getting together with the soft, fluffy goodness of a fresh cinnamon roll. That’s what’s happening in your oven in under an hour. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone gather around the kitchen island, spoons in hand, waiting for that first bubbling-hot bite. And the best part? We’re making magic happen with just three main ingredients. Seriously! So, preheat that oven, grab your coziest mug of coffee, and let’s make something incredibly delicious together.

A Sticky-Sweet Memory: My Grandma’s “Cheat”

This recipe always makes me think of my grandma—a phenomenal cook who believed that joy was just as important an ingredient as salt or butter. She could make a seven-layer cake from scratch without breaking a sweat, but some of my fondest memories are of her “cheating.” One crisp autumn afternoon, after a long day of school, I walked into her house to the unmistakable scent of baking cinnamon and apples. I expected to see her rolling out pie dough. Instead, she was giggling, snipping a tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a dish with a can of apples. “Our little secret,” she’d whisper with a wink.

That simple, thrown-together bake was pure magic to my eight-year-old self. It wasn’t about the fancy technique; it was about the togetherness, the impromptu sweetness, and the lesson that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that leave you with more time to make memories. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is my grown-up, slightly fancied-up version of her brilliant cheat. It captures that same spirit of effortless joy, and I hope it becomes a part of your own family’s story, too.

Print

Gathering Your Flavor Crew: The Ingredients

See? I told you it was simple! Here’s your short-and-sweet grocery list. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient is pulling its weight to create something spectacular.

• 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (quartered) – This is the foundation of our bake! I usually grab the classic Pillsbury™ or store-brand ones with the included icing. Quartering them creates perfect, bite-sized pillows that soak up all the apple goodness. Chef’s Insight: Let the cans sit on your counter for 10-15 minutes before unrolling—it makes them easier to handle and less likely to tear.
• 2 cans (21 oz each) fried apples with cinnamon (drained and chopped) – This is the superstar shortcut! These apples are already pre-cooked and spiced, giving us that “simmered for hours” flavor instantly. I prefer the “fried apple” style for their softer texture and richer syrup. Pro Tip: Definitely take the minute to drain the excess liquid from the cans. This prevents our bake from getting too soupy. A quick chop also ensures every bite has a perfect piece of apple.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – This is my secret weapon for ultimate richness! It creates a luxurious, custardy sauce as it bakes, binding the cinnamon rolls and apples into one cohesive, decadent dish. Substitution Tip: No heavy cream? Half-and-half will work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a tad less rich. For a dairy-free version, full-fat canned coconut milk is a fantastic swap.
• Icing from cinnamon roll cans (for topping) – Don’t you dare forget this! That little packet of sweet, vanilla-ish icing is the perfect finish. We’ll drizzle it over the warm bake right out of the oven so it melts into every nook and cranny.
• Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan) – A crucial step for easy cleanup and ensuring your bake doesn’t stick! I’m a big fan of using butter for that extra hint of flavor.

Let’s Build Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready? This is where the fun begins. Let’s transform these simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert together.

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook everything through without over-browning the cinnamon rolls too quickly. While it’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with butter or nonstick spray. Get into all the corners! This little step is a game-changer for cleanup later.
2. Prep the Stars: Open your cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Unroll each roll (it’s so satisfying, isn’t it?) and then use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each one into quarters. These little pieces will puff up and create amazing texture. Next, open your cans of fried apples. Place them in a colander to drain off that extra syrup—trust me on this. Give them a rough chop so you have nice, bite-sized chunks.
3. The Big Mix: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the quartered cinnamon rolls, the chopped and drained apples, and that glorious ¼ cup of heavy cream. I like to use a rubber spatula for this. The goal is to coat everything evenly without squishing the cinnamon roll pieces. You’ll see the cream already starting to work its magic, clinging to every surface.
4. Into the Pan: Now, pour that beautiful, creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it out into a nice, even layer. This ensures everything bakes uniformly. Don’t press down too hard; we want to keep it light and fluffy!
5. Bake to Perfection: Slide that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown top and bubbles happily simmering around the edges. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible. Try to resist opening the oven door too early—let the heat work its magic!
6. The Grand Finale: Carefully remove the bake from the oven—it will be hot and bubbly! Immediately, open those packets of icing and drizzle it all over the top. Watch as it melts and cascades into all the crevices. This is the moment! Let it sit for just about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set slightly before serving.

How to Serve This Warm Hug in a Dish

This bake is a dream to serve! I love scooping generous portions into bowls while it’s still warm. For the ultimate experience, add a little scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream with the warm, spiced apples and soft cinnamon rolls is nothing short of heavenly. It’s also fantastic all on its own, maybe with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast (I won’t tell!).

Ride Your Own Flavor Wave: Recipe Variations

Feel like mixing it up? This recipe is a perfect canvas for creativity!

• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples for a wonderful textural contrast.
• Boozy & Bold: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or spiced rum to the heavy cream before mixing for a sophisticated, adult-only twist.
• From Scratch: Have more time? Use 3 cups of homemade diced apples sautéed with 2 tbsp butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon instead of the canned apples.
• Berry Delicious: Swap one can of apples for a can of blueberry or cherry pie filling for a whole new fruit flavor profile.
• Oat-y Crumble Top: For a crunchy topping, mix ½ cup oats, ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 3 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle over the bake before putting it in the oven.

Isla’s Chef Notes & Kitchen Stories

This recipe has become a legend in my house, especially during the fall and holiday season. It’s my go-to potluck dish because it travels like a dream and everyone always asks for the recipe. I’ve evolved it slightly from my grandma’s original—adding the heavy cream was a happy accident one day when I had some to use up, and it transformed the texture completely!

A funny story: I once brought this to a friendsgiving and a very serious foodie friend spent ten minutes trying to guess the “complex spices” I’d used. She refused to believe it was mostly from a can! We still laugh about it. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it tastes like you slaved away, but it’s our little secret. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Your Questions, Answered: FAQs & Troubleshooting

Q: My bake turned out a bit soggy in the middle. What happened?
A: The most common culprit is not draining the canned apples enough! They hold a lot of liquid. Really make sure you let them drain in a colander for a few minutes and give them a gentle shake. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated so the baking process starts immediately.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep it ahead! Assemble the entire dish (without baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready, let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it’s starting from cold.

Q: I can’t find “fried apples.” What can I use instead?
A: No problem! Look for “canned apple pie filling” and chop the apples up a bit. You can also use canned sliced apples, but you’ll want to drain them and then toss them with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon to mimic the flavor.

Q: Is it okay to use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
A: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, use about 3 cups of dough, cut into small pieces. The bake time should be similar, but keep an eye on it as homemade dough may behave differently.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 10 servings): Calories: ~310 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 22g | Protein: 3g

Please note: This is an estimate based on the specific ingredients listed. Values can vary based on the brands of cinnamon rolls and apples used.

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list for a big payoff. With just three simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, gooey treat that feels homemade and indulgent. Perfect for busy mornings, last-minute desserts, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and cozy.