Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s indulgent, comforting, and downright impressive, look no further than Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna. This dish combines all the cozy flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls with the sweet tartness of baked apples, layered together in a lasagna-style creation. It’s warm, gooey, and perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply treating yourself to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is the perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers, thanks to refrigerated cinnamon rolls, yet impressive enough to serve at holidays or family gatherings. Each bite has the perfect blend of soft, spiced apples, fluffy cinnamon rolls, and sweet icing: making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Comfort food meets creativity – it’s like apple pie and cinnamon rolls had the ultimate dessert baby.
- Easy to assemble – uses canned cinnamon rolls to save time, but still feels homemade.
- Feeds a crowd – baked in a casserole dish, this dessert is perfect for potlucks or family get-togethers.
- Customizable – add nuts, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream for an extra wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples or easy to grab at any grocery store. Cinnamon rolls form the base, apples bring sweetness and texture, and warm spices tie everything together into a cozy, seasonal dessert.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking this dessert doesn’t require advanced skills: just layering and baking. Flatten the rolls, prepare the apple mixture, and assemble everything lasagna-style. Following step-by-step instructions ensures your dish comes out perfectly golden, gooey, and layered every single time.
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare rolls: Separate cinnamon rolls and flatten each one slightly with your hands or a rolling pin.
- Layer base: Place flattened rolls across the bottom of the dish to form a crust.
- Apple mixture: Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter.
- Assemble layers: Spread half the apple mixture over the rolls, then add another layer of flattened rolls, followed by the remaining apples.
- Top layer: Cover with the final layer of cinnamon rolls.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish: Drizzle with the included icing (or add caramel sauce) before serving warm.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Not a fan of nuts? Want a twist on the fruit filling? This recipe is adaptable to your taste. From swapping apples with pears to using caramel sauce instead of frosting, the options are endless. Personalizing it means you can make it your signature dessert.
- Apples: Use pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- Nuts: Swap pecans for almonds or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Frosting: Add cream cheese frosting instead of canned icing for a richer flavor.
- Caramel lovers: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
The way you serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna makes it even more special. Whether you add ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel, there are plenty of ways to elevate this dish. It’s versatile enough to be served as a holiday dessert, brunch treat, or sweet potluck surprise.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Cut into squares for potlucks, or serve as a decadent brunch dish.
Storing Tips
One of the best parts about this dessert is that it stores well, making it easy to enjoy leftovers. With the right techniques, you can refrigerate, reheat, or even freeze portions without losing the gooey, comforting texture that makes it so irresistible.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Chef’s Special Tips

Small tricks can take this recipe from delicious to unforgettable. From slicing apples evenly to letting the lasagna rest before cutting, a few professional tips ensure your layers stay neat and your dessert holds its shape while remaining soft and flavorful.
- Slice apples evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- Don’t skip flattening the cinnamon rolls — it helps create a true lasagna-style layered dessert.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before cutting to help it set.
- For extra gooeyness, drizzle a little heavy cream over the top before baking.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is the kind of dessert that wows both in flavor and presentation. With its gooey cinnamon roll layers, tender apples, and sweet icing drizzle, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any table. Whether you serve it at brunch, as a holiday dessert, or simply on a cozy weekend night, this recipe delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. Gather your ingredients and bake this irresistible treat: your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
