Welcome to the delightful world of warm, gooey comfort with this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe! Imagine tender cinnamon rolls baked together with sweet apple pie filling and a crunchy nutty addition, all crowned with that irresistible cinnamon roll icing drizzle. This dish is the ultimate cozy treat that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and apple dessert in one easy-to-make bake. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just a sweet moment to yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for warm, inviting flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe lies in its simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the soft cinnamon rolls providing the base, the apple pie filling adding juicy sweetness, or the nuts lending a delightful crunch. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring all these flavors together.
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls, quartered: These bring the fluffy, cinnamon-flavored base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 1 can of apple pie filling: Adds sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples that burst with flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Gives the bake a nutty crunch and a toasty contrast.
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the cinnamon roll cans): The perfect sweet glaze that ties everything together with that classic cinnamon roll finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by quartering your cinnamon rolls and tossing them into a large mixing bowl. Add the apple pie filling along with the chopped nuts of your choice – walnuts or pecans work beautifully here. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the cinnamon rolls are evenly coated with apple filling and nuts, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour your cinnamon roll and apple mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. This step helps your bake develop that golden, crispy top and soft, tender interior.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C). Bake for around 45 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen will let you know it’s almost ready.
Step 4: Add the Icing Drizzle
Once your bake is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the top while it’s still warm. This icing melts slightly and seeps into the nooks and crannies, delivering bursts of sweet, creamy cinnamon flavor with every forkful.
Step 5: Let it Cool, Then Enjoy!
Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes, just enough so it’s not piping hot but still warm and comforting. This waiting period helps the flavors settle and the texture set, ensuring each serving is pure bliss. Now, dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of gooey, crunchy, and sweet in every bite!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this delightful bake by sprinkling a little extra chopped nuts on top or a light dusting of cinnamon for an aromatic boost. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully and adds an extra creamy sweetness that melts together with the warm bake.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe is a standout dessert on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for breakfast or brunch. For a brunch spread, add some fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars, layering the mixture and icing for a charming presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh, warm it gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
This bake freezes very well! Prepare and bake as directed but wait to add the icing before freezing. Once cooled, wrap it tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Add the cinnamon roll icing after reheating to keep that fresh sweetness intact and your bake tasting just like newly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
While canned apple pie filling simplifies the recipe and comes perfectly spiced, you can definitely use fresh apples. Just make sure to cook them down with sugar and cinnamon first to soften and sweeten them before adding to the bake.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts or pecans are ideal for adding crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweet cinnamon rolls and apple filling. Feel free to experiment with almonds or even skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version.
Is this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! This dish straddles the line between dessert and breakfast perfectly. Its warm cinnamon and apple flavors with nutty texture make it a comforting, indulgent morning treat or brunch centerpiece.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses canned cinnamon rolls, which contain gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free cinnamon roll brand or make your own gluten-free dough to adapt this recipe.
How long does this dish stay fresh after baking?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 3 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making the leftovers a tasty treat as well!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe enough for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and apple desserts. It’s so easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen whipping up something extraordinary. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this bake will bring warmth and smiles to your table every time. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A warm and comforting Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake that combines soft cinnamon rolls with sweet apple pie filling and crunchy nuts, baked to golden perfection and topped with creamy cinnamon roll icing. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls, quartered
- 1 can of apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Topping
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the cans of cinnamon rolls)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Mixture: Quarter the cinnamon rolls and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the apple pie filling and chopped walnuts or pecans. Gently mix everything together until combined well.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Pour the cinnamon roll mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown on top and cooked thoroughly in the center.
- Add the Icing: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the warm baked mixture for a sweet finishing touch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easy to cut and enjoy the comforting dessert at its best.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans based on your preference or nut allergies.
- If you like extra spice, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture before baking.
- This bake is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently for leftovers.
- Using nonstick spray will help prevent the mixture from sticking to the baking dish for easy serving and cleanup.
