Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is the ultimate dessert to bridge the gap between decadence and comfort. Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon rolls layered with tender apple filling, sweet caramel, and baked to golden perfection—it’s decadently comforting yet surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself on a quiet night in, this dessert delivers layers of flavor and texture. Melted cinnamon-sugar dough surrounds spiced apples; caramel adds indulgence; and the final bake pulls everything together into a lasagna-like masterpiece. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
- Layers of flavor: Cinnamon rolls provide soft, sweet dough; apples bring juicy tartness; caramel adds rich sweetness.
- Quick prep: Using canned cinnamon rolls speeds things up—no need to make dough from scratch.
- Crowd-pleaser: It looks impressive but tastes like home—perfect for family and guests.
- Versatile: You can tweak apples, spices, and caramel to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Comfort dessert: Warm, gooey, cinnamony, caramel-rich—just what you want when you need dessert to feel like a hug.
Ingredients
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls
- 4 large apples (peeled and diced) — Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work well
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ to ⅓ cup caramel sauce (salted caramel if you like a contrast)
- Icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls (or extra, if desired)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly spray an 8 × 8 × 2‑inch baking dish (or a 7 × 9 × 2‑inch ceramic dish) with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, combine the diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apple pieces are evenly coated—this mixture will cook down into a juicy spiced filling.
- Prepare the cinnamon roll layers: Cut each cinnamon roll into about ¼ inch thick slices. Because the dough tends to be sticky, dust your work surface (and your hands) with flour. Gently roll or press each slice flat; if needed, roll out carefully to make thinner rounds.
- Layer 1: Arrange the flattened cinnamon roll pieces across the bottom and up the sides of the prepared dish. Press them gently to seal gaps well.
- Spread half of the apple filling over this first dough layer. Drizzle about 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce across the apples.
- Layer 2: Cover with another layer of the flattened cinnamon rolls. Press gently to seal.
- Spread the second half of the apple filling over that; drizzle more caramel sauce.
- Layer 3: Finish with remaining cinnamon roll pieces, covering the apples and caramel.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is a golden‑brown color and dough is cooked through.
- After baking, let the lasagna cool for at least 30 minutes—this helps it set so slices hold their shape. Once cooled, drizzle the icing that came with the rolls (or extra icing) over the top. Slice and serve warm or room temp.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip cornstarch—it thickens the apple juices so the dessert isn’t soggy.
- Use apples that hold shape (like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp) so you still get bite, not applesauce.
- Flour your hands and work surface well to prevent cinnamon roll pieces from sticking.
- Sealing the edges well helps trap juices and give cleaner slices.
- Letting it cool well before serving improves texture and makes slicing neater.
Substitutions And Variations
- Fruit swap: Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can replace apples if in season.
- Sugar alternatives: Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper, more caramel‑like taste.
- Spice tweaks: Add a pinch of cloves, allspice, or ginger for more warmth.
- Caramel variations: Use salted caramel, butterscotch sauce, or even dulce de leche.
- Dough alternative: If you prefer, substitute homemade cinnamon roll dough—but be mindful of prep time.
- Topping twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts under the icing for crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Cover leftover slices with foil or plastic wrap; keep at room temp for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Slice into portions, wrap individually, then freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Estimated Calories | Carbohydrates | Fat | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (of 9) | ~ 350‑450 kcal* | ~ 55‑65 g | ~ 12–18 g | ~ 30‑40 g | ~ 4–6 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra decadence.
- A drizzle of extra caramel sauce just before serving amps up the sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea to balance the richness.
- Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top to enhance caramel and cut sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven. - What types of apples are best?
Choose firm apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp for the best texture during baking. - How do I avoid soggy bottom layers?
Be sure to mix the apples with cornstarch and sugar well—it helps absorb moisture as apples release juice. Also make sure your cinnamon roll base is sealed well around edges so juices don’t leak underneath. Cooling before cutting helps significantly. - Can I reduce sugar or use sugar substitutes?
Yes—reduce sugar by a little, use less caramel, or try coconut sugar or erythritol blends. Be aware that flavor and browning may change slightly. - What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make a quick caramel at home using butter, brown sugar, and cream, or use store bought dulce de leche or butterscotch sauce. Even drizzling melted brown sugar/butter mixture works in a pinch. - How to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in the oven at ~ 325–350 °F (160–175 °C) until warmed throughout (10–15 minutes depending on portion size), or use a microwave in short bursts. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel or light warm icing for freshness.
Conclusion
Thank you for baking along with me through this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna journey! I hope this layered, sweet‑and‑spiced dessert brings you all the coziness of apple pie, the richness of caramel, and the comfort of cinnamon rolls—all in one indulgent dish. It’s truly effortless yet full of flavor, bringing together simple ingredients into something special. From my kitchen to yours, I hope each warm bite fills you with joy. Happy baking—and may your home be filled with delicious smells and smiles today and always!
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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 slices 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is the ultimate cozy dessert—made with layers of cinnamon rolls, caramel, and spiced apples. A deliciously easy fall treat that feels like apple pie and cinnamon rolls had the sweetest baby!
Ingredients
2 cans cinnamon rolls
4 large apples (peeled and diced) – Granny Smith or Golden Delicious
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ to ⅓ cup caramel sauce (salted caramel optional)
Icing from cinnamon roll packages
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly spray an 8 × 8 × 2‑inch baking dish (or a 7 × 9 × 2‑inch ceramic dish) with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, combine the diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apple pieces are evenly coated—this mixture will cook down into a juicy spiced filling.
- Prepare the cinnamon roll layers: Cut each cinnamon roll into about ¼ inch thick slices. Because the dough tends to be sticky, dust your work surface (and your hands) with flour. Gently roll or press each slice flat; if needed, roll out carefully to make thinner rounds.
- Layer 1: Arrange the flattened cinnamon roll pieces across the bottom and up the sides of the prepared dish. Press them gently to seal gaps well.
- Spread half of the apple filling over this first dough layer. Drizzle about 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce across the apples.
- Layer 2: Cover with another layer of the flattened cinnamon rolls. Press gently to seal.
- Spread the second half of the apple filling over that; drizzle more caramel sauce.
- Layer 3: Finish with remaining cinnamon roll pieces, covering the apples and caramel.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is a golden‑brown color and dough is cooked through.
- After baking, let the lasagna cool for at least 30 minutes—this helps it set so slices hold their shape. Once cooled, drizzle the icing that came with the rolls (or extra icing) over the top. Slice and serve warm or room temp.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid mushy filling. For extra texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Cool before slicing for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Sugar: ~35 g
- Carbohydrates: ~60 g
- Protein: ~5 g