Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is that one show-stopping dessert I break out for cozy gatherings and chilly fall nights. Layers of gooey cinnamon rolls, warmly spiced apples, and silky cream cheese come together in the oven to create a bubbling bake that tastes like the best parts of breakfast and dessert rolled into one. The included icing finishes it with a creamy sweetness no one can resist.

When I first made this for a family potluck I barely got to steal a bite before the pan was empty. My sister now requests I bring it for every holiday breakfast.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing included: these create a fluffy bready layer that bakes up golden make sure they are fresh in the can and not expired
• Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both wonderful choices for a mix of tart and sweet go for the firmest apples you can find for the best texture after baking
• Brown sugar: brings out the caramel notes in the apples and intensifies the filling
• Ground cinnamon: makes the lasagna deeply aromatic and cozy using fresh cinnamon makes a difference
• Nutmeg: optional but adds extra warmth and depth a fresh grate is best if you have it
• All purpose flour: thickens the apple filling just enough so it is not watery try to use an unbleached brand
• Lemon juice: lifts the flavor of the apples and keeps them from browning select a fresh juicy lemon for the best tang
• Vanilla extract: gives the filling mellow sweetness and aroma use pure vanilla for top flavor
• Cream cheese softened: turns creamy in the oven use for the extra decadent layer the fresher the cream cheese the smoother the mixture will be
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps it stay smooth make sure to sift yours if lumpy
• Vanilla extract: a little extra vanilla in the cream cheese keeps the flavor round

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a large mixing bowl toss together peeled and diced apples with brown sugar ground cinnamon nutmeg flour fresh lemon juice and vanilla stir well so each piece is coated and glossy let it rest while you get the other parts ready

Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a small bowl beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky and smooth scrape down the sides often for the creamiest blend

Prep the Cinnamon Roll Base:

Open the refrigerated cans and gently separate each individual cinnamon roll flatten each one into a round disk about four to five inches across using your hands or a rolling pin line up eight disks in the bottom of your greased square baking dish let them overlap and press all seams together firmly with your fingers so they cover the whole dish like a crust

First Layer:

Spread half of your apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base try to get apples into every corner spoon or dot half the cream cheese filling over the apples if you are using it

Second Layer:

Flatten the rest of your cinnamon rolls into disks again and overlap them to create a second full layer over the filling seal the edges together as best as you can top with the remaining apples and the rest of the cream cheese mixture

Bake Until Golden:

Loosely cover the dish with foil to stop overbrowning place in your preheated oven and bake for twenty five minutes then remove the foil and continue for another ten to fifteen minutes until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender check the center with a fork to make sure the rolls are cooked through

Finish and Serve:

Allow it to cool slightly then take the icing packets from the cinnamon roll cans and drizzle generously over the top for a sweet glossy finish

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The apples always end up being my favorite bite juicy and perfectly balanced with the cream cheese beneath. When we serve this for big breakfasts someone always ends up scraping the corners for every last bit of gooey fruit.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator once cooled. Reheat slices in the microwave or low oven for the softest texture the next day. The flavors seem to meld and deepen by day two making it even more delicious for breakfast or a midnight snack.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find canned cinnamon rolls use biscuit dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and drizzle with an easy homemade glaze after baking. Try mixing pears in with the apples for a fall twist or swap the cream cheese for mascarpone for extra richness. You can also add a handful of toasted pecans to the filling for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert practically begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big swirl of whipped cream on top. It pairs perfectly with hot coffee on a crisp morning. For brunch I sometimes set a bowl of warm caramel or maple syrup on the side for guests to drizzle extra on top.

Cultural Context

Apple desserts like this are a nod to both American apple pie and the cinnamon roll traditions of Midwest and Southern kitchens. Turning refrigerator basics into something layered and celebratory is a trick generations have loved using especially for big holiday meals and potlucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which apples work best for this dessert?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, but any firm apple variety is suitable.

→ Is the cream cheese layer necessary?

The cream cheese layer is optional but highly recommended for extra richness and a creamy contrast to the apples.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be baked in advance and reheated before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator and warm in the oven for best texture.

→ How should I serve this dessert?

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the flavors.

→ What is the purpose of flattening the cinnamon rolls?

Flattening ensures each layer bakes evenly and creates a cohesive crust and topping to encase the apple filling.