apple cinnamon roll lasagna is what I make when I want a cozy dessert that tastes like a hug. Maybe you’ve got a few apples rolling around and a can of cinnamon roll dough waiting for a purpose. Maybe you need something special for a family night but don’t want a fussy pie. This dessert has those warm bakery smells, a gooey caramel drizzle, and soft layers you can scoop like a casserole. It’s easy, fun to assemble, and impossible to mess up. Let me show you how I make it at home and keep everyone happy.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’m Alexandraa, the cook behind this Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna. After a few test runs, I dialed in the flavors so it’s easy and full of cozy vibes. apple cinnamon roll lasagna is what I make when I want a cozy dessert that tastes like a hug. Maybe you’ve got a few apples rolling…
Why Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is The Best Dessert
If you love classic apple pie but want something faster and more crowd friendly, this is your move. The layers bake up soft and bubbly, the cinnamon rolls puff around the edges, and the apples stay juicy. It’s a spoonable dessert that feels like a warm cobbler but with extra swirls of sweet dough and silky caramel. You don’t need to be a skilled baker to nail it. The flavors do the heavy lifting.
What makes it special
First, it’s all about texture. The bottom layer soaks up buttery cinnamon syrup, the middle stays tender and cozy, and the top gets just the right amount of golden spots. Every scoop has a little bit of everything. Second, it is customizable. You can use tart apples for more zing or sweeter apples if that’s your style. Add nuts for crunch or skip them if you’ve got picky eaters. Third, it plays well with ice cream. A melty scoop of vanilla on top with a drizzle of caramel? That’s a guaranteed wow.
I also love that this dish works for brunch or dessert. It has that breakfast bakery vibe, but it’s definitely sweet enough to end a meal. If you’re into layered desserts, you might also like these cute apple pie cheesecake trifles for another apple treat that feels special without much effort.
“I made this for our Sunday dinner and my family scraped the dish clean. Not one leftover. I used tart apples and extra caramel, and it was perfect.”
Bottom line, apple cinnamon roll lasagna is comfort food made simple. It’s big-batch friendly, kid approved, and a smart way to turn pantry basics into a showstopper.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
Pantry and fresh
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing, regular size
- 5 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith for tart, Honeycrisp for sweet)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the apple juices
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 4 ounces cream cheese softened for swirls, or a handful of raisins
Simple, right? The refrigerated dough saves time and still gives you that soft, bakery-style bite. The cornstarch helps the apples release their juices without turning watery. A little salt makes the caramel pop. If you’re feeling fancy, dotting the layers with creamy swirls of softened cream cheese makes every bite extra silky.
For apple cravings on a different day, this easy apple pie filling coffee cake is another warm and cozy bake that tastes like a cafe treat in your kitchen. 
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
Prep and assemble
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make the apples: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir 5 to 7 minutes until apples start to soften.
- Thicken: Stir in vanilla and cornstarch. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until the juices look glossy and lightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Slice the rolls: Open the cinnamon roll cans. Set aside the icing packets. Flatten each roll slightly with your fingers or a rolling pin. Cut some in half to help puzzle together a full layer without big gaps.
- Layer one: Arrange a snug layer of rolls on the bottom of the dish. It’s ok if you pinch pieces together to cover the corners.
- Apples and caramel: Spoon half the apple mixture over the dough, then drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Add nuts if using.
- Repeat: Place another layer of cinnamon roll dough on top, then the remaining apples and another drizzle of caramel.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is puffed and golden and the center looks set, not soupy.
- Finish: Let it rest 10 minutes so the layers settle. Warm the icing packets in your hands, then drizzle them over the top, followed by more caramel if you like.
- Serve: Scoop warm portions and top with ice cream or whipped cream. A light sprinkle of flaky salt brings it all together.
Tips that help: If your apples are very juicy, cook them a minute longer so the sauce thickens. If the top browns too fast, lightly tent with foil again. And if your cinnamon rolls don’t fully cover the top, no worries. Gaps let the apples bubble through and it still bakes up beautifully.
If you love cinnamon-forward desserts in general, you might also like this old-fashioned Amish cinnamon bread for a slice-and-share treat on a lazy afternoon.
Storage Options
Once cooled, cover the dish and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The layers firm up a bit when chilled, which actually makes scooping cleaner the next day. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300 F oven until heated through. If it seems dry after chilling, a quick drizzle of caramel or a splash of cream before reheating brings back the shine.
Can you freeze it? Yes, but I prefer freezing single portions. Wrap tightly, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The texture stays surprisingly soft thanks to the sauce. For another freezer friendly option when you want an apple fix without the layers, these 3 ingredient apple danish are super handy for quick breakfasts or snacks.
If you ever want a handheld twist with a fun crunch, try these air fryer cherry cheesecake egg rolls. They’re not apple, but they scratch that fruity dessert itch with minimal effort.
Variations and Substitutions
Easy ways to customize
There are lots of ways to tweak this. Here are my favorites:
Change the apple mix. Use a combo of tart and sweet apples for balance. Fuji with Granny Smith is a winner. If you’re short on time, you can use canned apple pie filling. Just stir in extra cinnamon and a pinch of salt for brightness.
Swap the caramel. Maple syrup works in a pinch, though it’s thinner. Butterscotch sauce gives a cozy bakery flavor. If you like less sweetness, cut the caramel in half and let the apple flavor take the lead.
Add a creamy swirl. Dot softened cream cheese between layers. It melts into the apples and tastes like a cross between pie and cheesecake.
Nuts or no nuts. Toasted pecans add crunch and balance the sweetness. Walnuts work too. If you avoid nuts, try rolled oats mixed with a teaspoon of melted butter and cinnamon for a crisp-like topping.
Play with dough styles. If you want berry vibes, check out these raspberry cinnamon rolls. The idea is similar and gives you a fruity twist without changing the method much.
Serve it with something cool. Vanilla ice cream is classic, but cinnamon ice cream or even lightly sweetened Greek yogurt is great. A thin drizzle of heavy cream over a warm slice tastes old-fashioned and so good.
For something a little more decadent and layered, you might love a caramel and cream combo like the caramel apple cheesecake cake when you’re craving full holiday energy.
Common Questions
Do I have to peel the apples?
Your call. Peels add color and fiber, but they can be a little chewy. I usually peel for a softer, dessert-like feel.
Can I make apple cinnamon roll lasagna ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What apples are best for apple cinnamon roll lasagna?
Granny Smith for tartness and structure, or Honeycrisp for sweet and juicy. A mix gives you the best of both worlds.
How do I know it’s done?
The top should be puffed and golden, and the center should wobble slightly but not look soupy. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Sure. Cut the brown sugar in the apple mixture to 1/4 cup and drizzle less caramel. The apples and dough still give plenty of sweetness.
A sweet final note for your table
When life calls for a warm, shareable treat, apple cinnamon roll lasagna hits every note. It’s simple to build, smells incredible, and makes everyone hover near the oven for that first scoop. If you want another take or more inspiration, I love how this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna – OMG Chocolate Desserts version leans into gooey caramel, and the Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna | 12 Tomatoes take shows how forgiving this idea can be. Try it once, then make it your own with the apples you love and the toppings your family reaches for first. Save a square for breakfast if you can.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir for 5 to 7 minutes until apples start to soften.
- Stir in vanilla and cornstarch. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the juices look glossy and lightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Open the cinnamon roll cans. Set aside the icing packets. Flatten each roll slightly with your fingers or a rolling pin. Cut some in half to help puzzle together a full layer without big gaps.
- Arrange a snug layer of rolls on the bottom of the dish, pinching pieces together to cover the corners.
- Spoon half the apple mixture over the dough, then drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Add nuts if using.
- Place another layer of cinnamon roll dough on top, then layer the remaining apples and another drizzle of caramel.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is puffed and golden and the center looks set, not soupy.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes so the layers settle.
- Warm the icing packets in your hands, then drizzle them over the top, followed by more caramel if desired.
- Scoop warm portions and top with ice cream or whipped cream. A light sprinkle of flaky salt brings it all together.
