Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna Recipe

This dessert is surprisingly easy to make and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of gooey cinnamon rolls and warm, spiced apples creates a sweet and satisfying treat that’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The creamy drizzle on top takes it to the next level, making every serving feel extra special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 (8‑ounce) cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
2 cups of peeled and sliced apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped pecans (if using). Set aside.
Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate the dough. Flatten each roll into a round. Place a scoop of apple mixture in the center and fold the edges over to make a pocket.
Arrange the filled cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, placing them close together.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
If you like, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. Allow to cool 5–10 minutes, then slice and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Serves: About 8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Bake time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~45 minutes

Variations

Pear version: Swap apples for pears for a sweeter, softer fruit layer.
Berry twist: Use mixed berries instead of apples for a more tart flavor.
Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free cinnamon rolls for a gluten‑free dessert.
Vegan: Substitute plant‑based cream cheese and milk for vegan dietary needs.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple mixture for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in a low‑heat oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What apples are best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Honeycrisp hold up well and balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely — just roll the dough thin so you can create pockets for the apple filling.

Is this dessert vegetarian?

Yes — the basic version is vegetarian.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze leftovers wrapped tightly for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Grease the baking dish well and avoid excess apple juices in each roll pocket.

Can I leave out the pecans?

Yes — pecans are optional and can be skipped for a smoother texture.

What can I serve with this dessert?

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra richness.

How sweet is this dessert?

It’s moderately sweet, with the cream cheese drizzle and optional caramel adding extra sweetness.

Can kids help make this?

Yes — flattening the rolls and filling them with apples are fun, kid‑friendly steps.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is a fun and flavorful dessert that turns simple ingredients into a show‑stopping treat. With layers of tender cinnamon rolls and warm, spiced apples, every bite feels comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dessert offers a cozy, crowd‑pleasing experience.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

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This Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is a deliciously layered dessert made with sweet cinnamon rolls, spiced apples, creamy cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of icing. It’s a perfect treat for fall or holiday gatherings.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes + 1 hour chilling
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Separate cinnamon rolls and press them into the bottom of the dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until apples soften.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the apple mixture. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Spread half of the cheesecake mixture over the baked cinnamon roll crust.
Top with half of the apple mixture.
Repeat with another layer of flattened cinnamon rolls, cheesecake filling, and apples.
Bake for another 15 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then drizzle with reserved icing from cinnamon rolls.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor contrast.
Let the lasagna chill well so it slices cleanly.
You can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping.
Can be made a day in advance for convenience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 310
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg