Sticky caramel, tart apple pieces and pillowy cinnamon-roll dough come together in a layered bake that tastes like apple pie reinvented. This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna turns canned cinnamon rolls into a rustic crust and topping, creating a showstopping dessert that doubles as an indulgent breakfast casserole.
What this caramel apple lasagna brings to the table
This recipe blends the warm spice of cinnamon with juicy apple filling and rich caramel. Instead of a traditional pie crust, each layer uses flattened cinnamon roll dough. The result is a multi-layered casserole with a tender, sweet exterior and a gooey apple center. It’s an easy way to get fall flavors any time of year.
Ingredients for the layered apple-cinnamon bake
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious recommended)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼–⅓ cup caramel sauce (salted caramel works well)
How to assemble and bake the caramel apple cinnamon roll lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 8×8 (or 7×9) baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Slice each cinnamon roll into thin layers (about ¼ inch). Dust a work surface with flour and gently roll each slice thinner. Dust hands with flour if dough sticks.
- Press the first layer of flattened rolls into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared dish. Seal seams by pressing edges together.
- Spread half of the apple mixture over the dough. Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples.
- Add a second layer of flattened cinnamon-roll dough to cover the apples. Repeat with the remaining apples and another caramel drizzle.
- Top with the last flattened roll layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until the top turns golden brown.
- Cool the lasagna at least 30 minutes. Drizzle the provided cinnamon-roll icing over the top, slice, and serve.
Timing, yield and practical notes
- Prep time: about 15 minutes.
- Bake time: roughly 40–45 minutes total (30 covered, 10–15 uncovered).
- Total time: around 60 minutes, including resting.
- Yield: serves approximately 6–8 portions.
- Best dish: 8×8 or 7×9 ceramic or glass pan works well for even baking.
- Cooling is important. The filling sets as it cools, which makes slicing cleaner.
Variations, serving ideas and troubleshooting tips
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers.
- Swap plain caramel for salted caramel if you want a deeper flavor.
- Try mixing in raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for tart contrast.
- If the dough tears while rolling, pat it gently with flour-dusted hands to reshape.
- To make it a morning casserole, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
- Want a quicker version? Use pre-peeled, pre-diced apples from the grocery produce aisle.
Similar Posts:
- Apple cinnamon roll cupcakes: gooey fall treats you can make in 30 minutes
- Apple cheesecake bars: easy 5-ingredient recipe with buttery crust
- Apple cinnamon roll cake turned upside down: irresistible fall dessert
- Apple recipes: 21 can’t-miss fall desserts, pies and cozy treats
- Pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole: gooey fall breakfast with pumpkin pie flavor
Health advocate and wellness researcher, Dr. Monroe brings clarity to confusing health trends with science-backed advice. Her mission is to help readers live vibrantly, from the inside out.