Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna brings together everything you love about cinnamon rolls and warm apple desserts all in one comforting stacked bake The layers of tender cinnamon dough caramel sauce and spiced apples melt into each other as it cooks making your kitchen smell like a cozy fall morning Whether for brunch holiday breakfast or a showstopping dessert this recipe promises smiles and second helpings every time

The first time I made this my kids could not stop peeking through the oven door We have made it at every family fall gathering since then and now everyone requests it

Ingredients

• Peeled diced apples: choose firm tart apples like Granny Smith for tangy flavor and structure
• Granulated sugar: balances tart apples and helps create a syrupy filling
• Cornstarch: thickens juices to prevent a soggy bottom
• Ground cinnamon: classic pairing that amplifies warmth and depth use fresh spice for strongest aroma
• Ground nutmeg: adds warmth and complexity use it sparingly and freshly grated if possible
• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: convenient dough that bakes up tender and sweet choose a brand with real cinnamon swirls
• Prepared caramel sauce: store bought is fine for speed but homemade gives a buttery rich finish look for a thick pourable kind
• All purpose flour for dusting: makes it easy to roll and flatten cinnamon rolls without sticking

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat Oven and Grease the Pan:

Warm your oven to a steady 375F Carefully coat your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to keep every layer from sticking

Mix and Season Apple Filling:

In a large mixing bowl combine diced apples sugar cornstarch cinnamon and nutmeg Stir until each apple piece has a glossy sugary coating This makes sure flavors base every bite and helps set the filling

Prepare Cinnamon Roll Layers:

Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and place icing packets aside Slice rolls into rounds and scatter some flour on your prep surface With a rolling pin or your hands flatten each round to three or four inches wide forming thin disks

Build the Layers in Baking Dish:

Start with a single layer of flattened cinnamon roll disks covering the pan bottom Overlap slightly so no gaps peek through Scatter half of the apple mixture over dough Smooth gently Spread caramel sauce on top letting it seep through Next repeat with another round of dough apples and caramel Finish with one last cinnamon roll layer and the rest of your caramel sauce

Cover and Bake:

Seal the pan with a tight sheet of foil This moistens and steams the apples inside Bake for a half hour so everything cooks through

Uncover and Brown:

Remove the foil with oven mitts and let the top bake open for ten more minutes This crisps the cinnamon rolls and caramelizes the top

Cool and Add Icing:

Let the lasagna cool on a counter for fifteen minutes so layers hold together Open icing packets and drizzle across the top so it melts into each ridge and corner

Slice and Serve:

Slice with a sharp knife to show off the layers Serve up warm and gooey as is or add a cold scoop of ice cream or fluffy whipped cream

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When I discovered caramel sauce brings out the apples even more I never left it out again Now my sister expects an extra drizzle and always takes leftovers home

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the baking pan or transfer to an airtight container in the fridge They will stay fresh and moist up to three days A quick reheat in a low oven brings back the gooey texture For freezing wrap cooled portions snugly and thaw in the fridge overnight

Ingredient Substitutions

Try pears instead of apples for a slightly softer filling and gentle flavor Use homemade cinnamon roll dough if you love baking from scratch If you do not have caramel sauce warm maple syrup works for drizzling too

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Serving Suggestions

For brunch add fresh fruit and scrambled eggs on the side For dessert a scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic but cinnamon gelato or maple whipped cream are delicious twists If you want crunch sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts

Cultural and Historical Context

Layered sweet bakes have roots in home cooking traditions where families shared simple comforting food The play on lasagna here adds an American twist by reimagining bakery favorites into a showy casserole format

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon roll dough adds extra flavor and texture, though using the refrigerated version streamlines preparation.

→ What types of apples work best?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

→ How do I prevent soggy layers?

Flatten cinnamon rolls thinly and use cornstarch in the apple mixture to help absorb juices, creating even, set layers.

→ Is caramel sauce essential?

Caramel elevates flavor but can be omitted or substituted with a dusting of brown sugar if preferred.

→ How should I serve leftovers?

Store covered in the fridge and reheat portions in the oven or microwave. The texture remains soft and flavorful.