Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and apple pie combined into one show-stopping dessert. That is exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna. Layers of fluffy, buttery cinnamon rolls, a sweet and tangy apple filling, and a rich, creamy cheesecake-style layer come together to create a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to impress, this dessert takes the classic cinnamon roll and transforms it into a stunning layered masterpiece. With each bite, you get the gooey sweetness of cinnamon, the tartness of fresh apples, and the creamy richness of a decadent filling.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Layered Perfection: Beautiful layers of cinnamon rolls, apple filling, and creamy topping.
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Warm, Comforting Flavors:Cinnamon, apples, and vanilla cream—pure fall comfort.
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Impressive Presentation: A stunning dessert that looks like it took hours.
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Easy to Make: Uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls for a quick shortcut.
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Perfect for Entertaining: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays and gatherings.
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Customizable: Easily add nuts, caramel, or extra spices.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 30 to 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Servings: 9 to 12
This layered dessert combines cinnamon rolls, a sweet apple filling, and a creamy cheesecake-style layer for a decadent, show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
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4 cups peeled, diced apples (about 4 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
For the Cinnamon Roll Layers:
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2 cans (17.5 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8-count each)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 large egg
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¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Topping:
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Icing from the cinnamon roll cans
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¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
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Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using). Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Set aside the icing for later. Press half of the cinnamon rolls into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, flattening them slightly with your fingers to create an even layer. (If using the 8-count rolls, you will need to stretch them to cover the bottom.)
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and sour cream (if using). Beat until well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom layer of cinnamon rolls. Spoon the apple filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cinnamon rolls, pressing them down gently to form the top layer.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Add the Icing
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Warm the reserved icing slightly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) and drizzle over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm, scooping generous portions to get all the layers in each serving.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna
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Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet layers. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work beautifully.
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Flatten the Cinnamon Rolls: Press the rolls firmly to create an even bottom layer. If they do not cover the entire pan, you can gently stretch the dough.
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Do Not Overbake: The top should be golden brown and the filling bubbly. Overbaking can dry out the cinnamon rolls.
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Let It Rest: Allowing the dessert to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
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Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm, when the cinnamon rolls are soft and the filling is gooey.
Variations and Additions
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Nutty Version: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling.
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Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top layer.
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Raisin Addition: Add ½ cup of raisins to the apple filling.
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Cranberry Apple: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
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Spiced Version: Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna
This decadent dessert is delicious on its own or paired with:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream balances the richness.
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Coffee or Tea: The perfect accompaniment for an afternoon treat.
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Caramel Sauce: Extra caramel for drizzling.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Freezer: This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because of the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The cinnamon rolls provide a soft, buttery base and top, while the cream cheese layer adds richness and tang. The apple filling brings sweetness, tartness, and a tender texture that complements the rolls beautifully.
Layering the ingredients allows the flavors to meld as it bakes, creating a cohesive dessert that is greater than the sum of its parts. The final drizzle of icing adds a sweet, glossy finish that makes this dessert truly irresistible.
Nutritional Information
Please note that values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380–450 |
| Protein | 5–7g |
| Carbohydrates | 55–60g |
| Fat | 16–20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8–10g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Sugar | 35–40g |
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is a dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and sweet, spiced apple pie. With its beautiful layers, creamy filling, and irresistible flavor, it is the perfect treat for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to impress. Simple to assemble and guaranteed to delight, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.
I hope this recipe brings a little sweetness to your table. If you give it a try, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear how it turned out for you.