Imagine the comforting swirl of a cinnamon roll, the soft spiced apples of a homemade pie, and a drizzle of cream cheese glaze and warm caramel on top. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna delivers — all in one layered, pull-apart, gooey dessert. If autumn could be baked into a dish, this would be it. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering, treat your family on a chilly weekend, or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this cozy dessert is about to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

There’s something magical about desserts that bring comfort, and this one checks every box. It’s not just a sweet treat; it’s a sensory experience. From the smell wafting through your kitchen to the warm, gooey texture when you take that first bite — this dish is cozy, nostalgic, and just plain delicious.

• Warm & Cozy: The cinnamon-apple combo is a classic fall pairing that brings all the cozy vibes.
• Super Easy: Using canned cinnamon rolls means less prep time, more indulgence.
• Family Friendly: It’s kid-approved and adult-loved. You’ll probably have no leftovers.
• Pull-Apart Style: The “lasagna” format lets you scoop and serve in layers, making it great for parties.

It’s like having cinnamon rolls and apple pie in one. If you’re the type to drizzle caramel on everything (who isn’t?), you’re really in for a treat.

What Is Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna?

Despite the name, there’s no pasta involved! This dessert layers flattened cinnamon rolls with an apple pie-style filling to mimic the structure of lasagna. The layers bake together to create a gooey, soft-on-the-inside, slightly crisp-on-the-edges dessert. It’s then topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese drizzle and optional caramel sauce.

Think of it as a warm cinnamon apple bake that you serve in squares or scoops — kind of like lasagna, but 100% dessert and 100% delicious.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down the ingredients so you know what you’re working with and why each one matters.

Apple Filling Breakdown

• Apples: The star of the show. Use about 2 cups, sliced thin.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth with a hint of molasses.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warm spices that make the apples sing.
• Pecans (Optional): Add crunch and a nutty note.

Cinnamon Roll Dough

• Two 8-ounce cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (usually 10 rolls total).
• These form the base and top layers of your “lasagna.”

Cream Cheese Drizzle

• Cream Cheese: Softened so it mixes easily.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture.
• Vanilla & Milk: To flavor and thin the glaze.

Optional Caramel Sauce

• Store-bought or homemade — either way, it brings this dish to the next level.

Choosing the Right Apples

Picking the right apples is key. You want apples that hold their shape while baking but also get soft and tender — not mushy.

Best Varieties for Baking:

• Granny Smith: Tart, firm, perfect for balance.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart and very juicy.
• Fuji: Naturally sweet and firm.
• Braeburn or Jonagold: Great combo of tart and sweet.

Avoid Red Delicious or overly soft apples — they tend to break down too much and become mushy.

Pro Tip: Mix a tart apple (like Granny Smith) with a sweet one (like Fuji) for the best flavor depth.

Making the Apple Filling

This is where the flavor starts to build.

How to Make It:

1. Peel and thinly slice about 2 medium apples.
2. Toss them in a bowl with:
   • ½ cup brown sugar
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
   • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
   • ¼ cup chopped pecans (if using)

Mix everything until the apples are coated and slightly glossy. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften and soak up the sugar and spices.

Why This Works:

The sugar starts to draw moisture from the apples, creating a syrupy mixture. That syrup gets soaked into the cinnamon roll layers during baking, making everything sticky, sweet, and flavorful.

Rolling & Filling Cinnamon Rolls

This is the hands-on fun part. You’re basically turning cinnamon rolls into edible envelopes.

How to Flatten & Fill:

• Take each cinnamon roll and use your fingers or a rolling pin to press it into a flat circle (about 3–4 inches wide).
• Spoon a bit of the apple filling in the center.
• Fold the edges inward and press gently to seal.

Tips:

• Don’t overfill or it’ll leak out.
• If a roll doesn’t stay sealed, it’s okay — it’ll still bake up nicely and look rustic.

Layering the Lasagna

Here’s where the “lasagna” magic happens.

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the filled cinnamon rolls snugly in the dish, like puzzle pieces. They should be touching.
3. If you have extra apple filling, spoon it between or over the rolls.

The layers will puff up and blend together during baking, creating a soft, pull-apart texture that mimics lasagna layers.

Making the Cream Cheese Drizzle

No cinnamon roll dessert is complete without a lush, velvety cream cheese drizzle — it’s the frosting on the (cinnamon) cake! The great part? You only need a few simple ingredients and about five minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened cream cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk (adjust for desired thickness)

How to Make It:

1. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
3. Mix in vanilla and slowly add milk, a little at a time, until the glaze is pourable but not watery.
4. Taste test — if it’s not sweet enough, add a bit more sugar. Too thick? Add a touch more milk.

Pro Tip:

Make it a little thicker if you want that dramatic drizzle look. Or thin it out for a light glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny.

Time to Bake

Now it’s time to let the oven do its thing! This is where the magic happens — all those layers bake together into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden on top and cooked through in the middle.
• You might see the cream cheese drizzle bubble a little — that’s totally fine. It creates this caramelized edge that’s chef’s kiss.

How to Know It’s Done:

• The tops should be golden and slightly crisp.
• Insert a toothpick between rolls — it should come out clean, not doughy.
• The apple filling should be bubbly, and the edges of the rolls will be beautifully caramelized.

Adding That Caramel Touch

This step is technically optional… but honestly? You don’t want to skip it.

Caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that brings all the flavors together and makes the dessert feel extra indulgent.

How to Add It:

• Warm the store-bought or homemade caramel sauce slightly for easy drizzling.
• As soon as the lasagna comes out of the oven, drizzle generously over the top.
• Let it pool in the corners and sink into the cracks — that’s where the flavor lives.

Want to Make Your Own?

If you’re feeling fancy:

• Melt ½ cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
• Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
• Simmer for 5–6 minutes until thick.

That’s your quick homemade caramel fix!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is baked and drizzled, it’s time to dig in — but how?

Best Way to Serve:

• Let it cool for 5–10 minutes so it firms up a bit.
• Use a large spatula or spoon to scoop out square portions, just like a savory lasagna.
• Each bite should include a bit of cinnamon roll, apple filling, and cream cheese drizzle.

Pair With:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
• A dollop of whipped cream.
• A hot drink: chai latte, apple cider, or a classic coffee.

It’s an ideal dessert for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend in.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers (you probably won’t), here’s how to keep them tasting just as good the next day.

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Keeps for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Store in individual portions wrapped in foil or a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating:

• Microwave: 30–45 seconds for a single slice.
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
• Optional: add extra cream cheese drizzle or caramel sauce after warming.

Reheated slices are almost better — the flavors soak in overnight and the gooey factor doubles!

Easy Variations to Try

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to mix it up depending on what you have or what you’re craving.

Tasty Add-Ins:

• Chopped walnuts or raisins in the filling.
• A few dollops of apple butter between the layers.
• Use maple syrup instead of caramel.

Flavor Twists:

• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the filling.
• Berry Cinnamon Lasagna: Mix in chopped strawberries or raspberries with the apples.
• Maple Pecan Glaze: Swap out caramel for warm maple syrup and top with pecans.

Once you master the base recipe, it’s easy to get creative!

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This dessert hits all the right notes — sweet, spiced, gooey, creamy, and soft with a bit of crunch.

Here’s Why It’s Foolproof:

• Using canned cinnamon rolls makes it approachable for anyone — no dough-making needed.
• The apple filling is balanced — not too sweet, not too tart.
• Baking it all together infuses flavor through every layer.
• The cream cheese drizzle cuts the sweetness with a slight tang.

Whether it’s your first time making it or your fifteenth, the results are always bakery-worthy.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is not just a dessert — it’s a warm hug in a baking dish. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or those evenings when you just want something sweet, it’s a treat that brings comfort with every bite. The combination of cinnamon rolls, apples, cream cheese drizzle, and caramel is pure magic. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests.

Next time you’re in the mood for something cozy and crowd-pleasing, give this a try — and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe).

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely. If you have the time and want to go the extra mile, homemade cinnamon roll dough will work perfectly — just be sure to keep the thickness similar to store-bought rolls.

3. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Pop a slice in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or reheat a larger portion in the oven at 325°F. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free cinnamon roll dough (available at many stores) and ensuring your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Totally! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. You might need to extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Print