A warm, gooey baked casserole with soft cinnamon rolls, tender caramelized apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze. This comforting and indulgent dish is the perfect cozy treat for a special Mother’s Day brunch or any family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and convenient – Uses store-bought cinnamon rolls for a quick and effortless dish.
- Warm and comforting flavors – A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar creates a rich, spiced aroma.
- Perfectly caramelized apples – Soft, tender apples add a natural sweetness and texture.
- Great for gatherings – Serves multiple people and is ideal for brunch, holidays, or weekend breakfasts.
- Customizable – Easily add nuts, raisins, or even a caramel drizzle for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the apples by tossing them in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Layer the casserole: Place half of the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, then top with half of the apple mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top (if using), then drizzle with melted butter and heavy cream.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm casserole before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: 360 kcal
Variations
- Caramel Apple Casserole: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked casserole for extra sweetness.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans for an allergy-friendly version.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Swap nutmeg for pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Berry Blend: Add fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking for a dessert-like variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls work well, but adjust the baking time as needed.
What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?
Ensure the cinnamon rolls are evenly distributed and do not overuse heavy cream.
Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, a cream cheese glaze or caramel drizzle would be delicious alternatives.
Can I make this without dairy?
Use dairy-free cinnamon rolls, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and almond milk in the glaze.
What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or slivered almonds are great substitutes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and double the ingredients for a bigger batch.
What’s the best way to serve this casserole?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Can I add raisins to this recipe?
Yes, mix in ¼ cup of raisins with the apples for added texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Apple Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending warm, spiced apples with soft, gooey cinnamon rolls and a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion like Mother’s Day, this easy and delicious dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a sweet, comforting treat with your loved ones!
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, gooey baked casserole with soft cinnamon rolls, tender caramelized apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze. The perfect cozy treat for a special Mother’s Day brunch!
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Layer half of the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, then top with half of the apple mixture. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle pecans over the top, then drizzle with melted butter and heavy cream.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm casserole.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon before serving for a stronger spice flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
