Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”

If you’re craving a dessert that combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the comforting sweetness of apple pie, then look no further than Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna.” This indulgent no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners. With layers of soft cinnamon roll dough, spiced apples, creamy fillings, and a golden caramelized topping, this dish brings together all the best elements of fall baking in one luscious, easy-to-make treat. Despite its name, it’s not a traditional lasagna—instead, it’s a layered dessert inspired by the structure and richness of both cinnamon rolls and apple pie, baked into a casserole-style delight.

The History

The concept of “lasagna” used in desserts isn’t new—it stems from a broader culinary trend of repurposing familiar savory formats into sweet versions. Think cookie lasagna, peanut butter lasagna, or banana pudding lasagna—all beloved for their layered textures and rich flavors. The idea behind Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” likely originated from home bakers looking to merge two classic American favorites: the gooey, buttery goodness of store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls and the homey appeal of baked apples.

In the early 2010s, social media platforms like Pinterest and Facebook began popularizing creative dessert hybrids. Recipes combining canned cinnamon rolls with fruit fillings—especially apples and cherries—gained traction due to their simplicity and nostalgic flavor profile. Over time, bakers started layering these components more deliberately, mimicking the strata of a lasagna, hence coining the term “Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna.” Today, it’s a staple on community cookbooks, church potluck menus, and seasonal food blogs, especially during autumn and winter holidays when apples are abundant and comfort food reigns supreme.

Ingredients Breakdown

What makes Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” so irresistible is its combination of accessible ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Let’s break down each component:

Canned Cinnamon Rolls: The foundation of this dessert. Typically, a standard tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury Grands!) provides eight large rolls. These offer a soft, slightly sweet bread base that puffs up when baked, forming a pillowy bottom and middle layer.
Apples: Use firm, tart varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape during baking and provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the rolls and glaze. Peeled and thinly sliced, they form the fruity heart of the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a caramelized apple layer. Melted butter is often mixed with the apples or drizzled over layers to enhance moisture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with molasses notes. Used in the apple mixture and sometimes sprinkled between layers for extra decadence.
Cinnamon: A signature spice that ties everything together. Generous amounts are mixed into the apples and sometimes dusted between layers.
Nutmeg and Allspice (optional): Warm spices that elevate the apple filling, adding complexity and depth.
Cream Cheese Filling (in some variations): A luscious middle layer made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sometimes sour cream or whipped topping for fluffiness.
Vanilla Pudding or Custard (optional): Some recipes include a premade or instant vanilla pudding layer for added creaminess between the apples and dough.
Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts add crunch and a nutty contrast, often sprinkled on top before baking or folded into the apple layer.
Glaze: Comes pre-packaged with the cinnamon rolls, but many bakers enhance it with milk, cream cheese, maple syrup, or caramel sauce for a richer finish.
Caramel Sauce (optional but popular): Drizzled over the top after baking for an ultra-indulgent touch.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice 4–5 medium apples. In a large bowl, toss them with ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg (optional), and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside to macerate while preparing other components.
Layer the First Dough Base: Unroll the cinnamon rolls and flatten them slightly using your hands or a rolling pin. Arrange four of the rolls (or all if making a single-layer version) in the bottom of the baking dish, pressing them together to form a solid crust. If needed, stretch or tear the dough to cover gaps.
Add Cream Cheese Layer (Optional): In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream) until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture evenly over the dough layer.
Spread the Apples: Pour the prepared apple mixture over the cream cheese (or directly onto the dough if skipping the cream layer). Distribute evenly, ensuring full coverage.
Add Middle Dough Layer (Optional): For a true “lasagna” effect, add another flattened layer of cinnamon roll dough over the apples. This step enhances texture and ensures every bite has doughy, sweet elements.
Top with Final Layer: Place the remaining cinnamon roll pieces on top, flattening and connecting them to seal in the filling. For extra richness, dot the top with small cubes of butter (about 2–3 tablespoons).
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–38 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the dough is fully cooked through, and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Glaze: While the lasagna bakes, mix the included glaze with 1–2 teaspoons of milk or cream to thin it. Optionally, blend in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of maple syrup for enhanced flavor.
Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes. Drizzle the warm glaze (and optional caramel sauce) generously over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Tips

Seal the Layers: To prevent leakage, make sure the top dough layer overlaps slightly and press gently around the edges to close any openings.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the dessert during the last 10 minutes. Overbaking can dry out the cinnamon roll layers, making them tough instead of soft and fluffy.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially important for the cream cheese layer—cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and may leave lumps.
Enhance the Apples: Sauté the apples in butter and sugar for 5 minutes before layering to deepen their flavor and reduce excess moisture.
Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner.
Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish (except baking) the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge—just add 5–8 minutes to the cooking time.
Freezing: Once cooled, this dessert freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious twists to try:

Fruit Variations: Swap apples for pears, cherries, blueberries, or even canned pie filling (peach or cherry). Adjust spices accordingly—cardamom pairs beautifully with pears, while almond extract complements cherries.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free canned cinnamon rolls (available in many grocery stores) and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.
Vegan Option: Substitute with plant-based cinnamon rolls, vegan butter, coconut cream cheese, and egg-free dough. Use maple syrup instead of honey-based glazes.
Protein Boost: Add a layer of Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla and sweetener instead of cream cheese for a tangier, higher-protein alternative.
Breakfast Version: Reduce sugar, skip the glaze, and serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or a fried egg on the side for a sweet-savory brunch option.
Dessert Pizza Twist: Skip layering and instead stretch one cinnamon roll into a crust, top with apples and cream cheese, bake, and glaze.
Mini Jars or Muffins: Make individual servings by layering ingredients in oven-safe mason jars or greased muffin tins for portable treats.
Boozy Apple Layer: Deglaze sautéed apples with 2 tablespoons of bourbon, rum, or amaretto for an adult-friendly upgrade.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a high-calorie, sugar-dense dessert. A typical serving (1/12 of the pan) contains approximately:

Calories: 380–450
Total Fat: 12–18g (including saturated fat from butter and dough)
Carbohydrates: 65–75g (with 30–40g from sugars)
Protein: 4–6g
Fiber: 2–3g (mainly from apples)
Sodium: 250–400mg (from dough and added salt)

To make it healthier:

Use reduced-sugar or whole wheat cinnamon rolls.
Reduce added sugar in the apple layer by relying on the natural sweetness of ripe apples.
Omit the glaze or replace it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a yogurt-based drizzle.
Incorporate oats or crushed graham crackers between layers for added fiber.
Serve smaller portions alongside fresh fruit or a green salad to balance the meal.

Those managing diabetes, heart conditions, or weight should enjoy this dessert occasionally and in moderation. Pairing it with a protein source (like a glass of milk or a handful of nuts) can help stabilize blood sugar spikes.

Ingredients

1 tube (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
½ cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip or whipped cream)
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
2 tablespoons caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss well and set aside.
Unroll the cinnamon rolls and flatten them. Press four rolls into the bottom of the baking dish to form a base layer.
If using, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and whipped topping until smooth. Spread over the dough layer.
Pour apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese (or dough).
Add another flattened layer of cinnamon roll dough over the apples, sealing edges if possible.
Top with remaining dough, flattening and connecting pieces. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with nuts if desired.
Bake for 30–38 minutes until golden and bubbly. Internal temperature should reach 190°F.
Let rest for 10 minutes. Mix glaze with 1–2 tsp milk and drizzle over top. Add caramel sauce if using.
Slice and serve warm. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

FAQ

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Yes! Substitute with your favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough. Roll it out into rectangles and layer as directed. Just note that rising times may affect prep duration.

Why are my apples watery?
Apples release moisture when baked. To minimize sogginess, sauté them first or toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before layering.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, soft texture and familiar flavors. It’s a hit at school events and birthday parties.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a 325°F oven.

What can I serve with this dessert?
Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a scoop of Greek yogurt. A cup of coffee or spiced cider completes the experience.

Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes. Skip the cream layer entirely or replace it with a vanilla pudding or custard layer for similar richness.

Summary

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” is a decadent, easy-to-make dessert that fuses the best of cinnamon rolls and apple pie into a comforting, layered casserole. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights, it delights with warm spices, soft dough, and juicy apples under a glossy glaze.
Bake once and feed a crowd—this unforgettable treat will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe!