Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bake

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bake – Warm, Gooey, and Irresistible

Few things say “comfort food” like cinnamon rolls and apple pie. Now imagine combining them into one heavenly, aromatic bake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bake delivers gooey cinnamon swirls, tender apple chunks, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze all in one dish.
It’s easy to make, always a hit, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the irresistible smell of homemade sweetness.

This dish is ideal for weekends, holidays, special gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
It uses simple ingredients, minimal prep, and delivers maximum flavor in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two classic desserts into one indulgent bake
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or potlucks
• Uses convenient store-bought cinnamon rolls
• Easy enough for beginners
• Customizable with nuts, syrup, or extra spices

Ingredients & Their Purpose

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count each): Form the soft, doughy base of the bake and provide built-in cinnamon flavor. Save the icing for garnish.
• 2 cups apple pie filling (chopped): Provides a fruity, spiced center. Dicing the apples ensures even distribution and quicker baking.
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness and enhances the apple flavor with a touch of tartness.
• 5 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, sticky bottom layer.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: Caramelizes during baking, giving deep sweetness and beautiful color.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Intensifies the warm spice notes already present in the cinnamon rolls.
• Optional: Chopped pecans for added crunch and maple syrup for drizzling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking once the dish is assembled.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly butter or grease a 3-quart casserole dish and set it aside. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning.

3. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open both cans and set aside the icing for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into four bite-sized pieces and scatter them evenly into the casserole dish.

Pro Tip: Cutting the rolls into smaller pieces ensures a gooey texture throughout and faster baking.

4. Add the Apples

Chop the apple pie filling into small chunks and mix with the lemon juice. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.

Pro Tip: Tossing apples with lemon juice prevents browning and enhances their natural flavor.

5. Drizzle with Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire mixture to ensure moist, gooey results.

Pro Tip: Melted butter helps the brown sugar caramelize beautifully in the oven.

6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the top of the buttered rolls and apples.

Pro Tip: Adjust cinnamon to your preference for more or less spice intensity.

7. Add Optional Toppings

Scatter chopped pecans across the surface for added crunch and flavor, if desired.

8. Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and the top is golden brown.

9. Finish with Icing

Once baked, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the warm bake. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast
• Add whipped cream for a dessert-style presentation
• Serve as part of a brunch spread with fruit and yogurt

Variations You Can Try

• Add chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans
• Use homemade apple filling for a from-scratch version
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for deeper spice flavor
• Mix in caramel chips for extra indulgence
• Try using pumpkin pie filling in place of apples for a fall twist

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds
• For best texture, reheat in the oven at low temperature
• This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month if tightly wrapped

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Absolutely. Simply peel and dice fresh apples and cook them briefly with sugar and cinnamon before adding to the dish.

Is this a dessert or breakfast?

Both. This versatile bake works beautifully as a sweet breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or comforting dessert.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bake is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Warm, gooey, sweet, and deeply comforting, this dish brings people together around the table.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite that everyone requests again and again.