There’s something magical about the combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and gooey icing that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even a quick sweet fix after dinner. It’s ridiculously easy to make and smells like heaven while baking. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family breakfast, hosting a brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions or just because!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a few steps, this is a stress-free recipe that anyone can make.
Customizable: Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra indulgent.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients
Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Cinnamon Rolls: The base of this bake, these rolls get perfectly golden and fluffy while soaking up all the sweet, spiced apple goodness.
Apples: The star ingredient! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add a slight tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a caramelized, buttery texture.
Cinnamon: Enhances the warm, spiced flavor and makes the whole house smell amazing.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A little touch of vanilla brings out all the flavors and adds depth.
Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch, sprinkle in some chopped nuts.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your bake the perfect texture.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the apples are well coated in all that deliciousness.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place them in the prepared baking dish. Pour the apple mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts if using.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overbake.
Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the included cinnamon roll icing over the top while it’s still warm. This is where the magic happens!
Serve and Enjoy
Dig in while it’s warm, and enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-spiced bite!
Notes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: The warm cinnamon flavors pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea.
- Topped with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream turns this into an irresistible dessert.
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: For extra decadence, add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
- With a Side of Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream balances out the richness of the bake.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, firm apples work best for this recipe. Softer apples may turn mushy.
- Try Different Nuts: If you love crunch, swap pecans for almonds or hazelnuts.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh in the morning!
- Extra Icing: If you love extra sweetness, mix up a quick icing with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned? Yes! If you have time, homemade cinnamon rolls will take this recipe to the next level.
What’s the best type of apple to use? Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best because they hold their shape and add a slight tartness.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning.
Can I freeze this? You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
How do I reheat leftovers? Microwave for a quick warm-up or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Can I add raisins or cranberries? Absolutely! Dried fruits add a nice chewy texture and extra sweetness.
Is this good for a holiday brunch? Yes! It’s a perfect addition to any holiday breakfast spread.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? You can substitute it with white sugar and a little honey or maple syrup.
Can I use puff pastry instead of cinnamon rolls? Puff pastry won’t give the same gooey texture, but it can work for a crispier version.
How can I make this healthier? Try using whole wheat cinnamon rolls, reducing the sugar, and adding more apples.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is the ultimate comfort treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just as a sweet indulgence, it’s bound to be a hit. So grab those cinnamon rolls and apples, and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake is the ultimate cozy dessert! Fluffy cinnamon rolls are baked with tender spiced apples, creating a warm, gooey, and irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and apple pie in one delicious bake.
Ingredients
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: In a bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Assemble the bake: Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and spread them evenly in the baking dish. Add the spiced apples on top.
- Add the topping: Drizzle melted butter and maple syrup over the cinnamon rolls and apples. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Finish with icing: Remove from the oven and drizzle the icing (from the cinnamon roll package) over the top.
- Serve warm: Enjoy straight from the oven as a dessert or breakfast treat!
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture.
If you prefer a less sweet bake, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of bake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg