Last Sunday morning, I was craving something sweet and comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. My daughter suggested making apple pie, but I was looking for something easier and more creative. That’s when inspiration struck—what if I combined the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the warm spiced apples of a classic dessert? The result was this incredible Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna, a layered dessert that tastes like fall wrapped in a cozy blanket.
This no-bake dessert has become a weekend favorite in my house. It’s perfect for when you want something impressive without the fuss of traditional baking. The layers of soft cinnamon rolls, spiced apples, and creamy filling create a harmony of textures and flavors that everyone loves. If you’re looking for more easy dessert ideas, check out my 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies that pair beautifully with coffee.
Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work
- Uses store-bought cinnamon rolls to save time without sacrificing flavor
- Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or Sunday brunch
- Kid-friendly with customizable sweetness levels
- Makes impressive presentation with beautiful layers of apple cinnamon goodness
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans (17.5 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional)
Why we use Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and holds shape when cooked. Best substitute: Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples.
Cream cheese layer: Creates a tangy, rich contrast to the sweet elements. For dairy-free option, use cashew cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cinnamon rolls according to package directions until golden. Let them cool completely before assembling.
- While rolls bake, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook the apple mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but not mushy. The natural pectin will thicken the mixture slightly.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy filling.
- Cut cooled cinnamon rolls in half horizontally to create layers. This creates more surface area for the filling to shine through.
- In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange half the cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer, cut side up.
- Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the rolls, then add half the cooked apple mixture evenly.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with apples on top. Drizzle with reserved icing from cinnamon roll cans and optional caramel sauce.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows flavors to meld and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert shines at brunch gatherings alongside coffee and fresh fruit. The combination of breakfast and dessert elements makes it perfect for late morning entertaining.
Serve it at Thanksgiving or Christmas as an alternative to traditional pies. The festive apple-cinnamon flavor fits the holiday spirit perfectly while being easier to prepare than most desserts.
For casual family dinners, pair it with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The contrast of cold ice cream with the chilled but creamy dessert creates wonderful texture.
Cut into smaller squares for potluck portions that are easy to serve and eat. This recipe easily feeds 12-15 people, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Variations and Suggestions (Make it Yours)
- Replace apples with fresh peaches or mixed berries for a summer version that celebrates seasonal fruit
- Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for dietary restrictions
- Reduce sugar by 25% and use unsweetened applesauce in the apple layer for a lighter option
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for extra crunch and nutty flavor
- Make it boozy by adding 2 tablespoons rum or bourbon to the apple mixture for adult gatherings
Emily Dawson Tips for Recipe Success
Always let your cinnamon rolls cool completely before assembling. Warm rolls will melt the cream cheese layer and create a soggy mess instead of distinct, beautiful layers.
Don’t skip refrigeration time—2 hours minimum is essential. I learned this the hard way when I tried serving it after just 30 minutes. The layers were sliding everywhere and impossible to cut cleanly.
Cook your apples just until tender, not mushy. Overcooked apples release too much liquid and make the dessert watery. They should still have a slight firmness when you bite into them.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for Instagram-worthy presentation that shows off those gorgeous layers.
Common mistake: Adding the icing too early. Wait until just before serving to drizzle the icing, otherwise it absorbs into the dessert and loses its visual appeal.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese keeps everything fresh and prevents the cinnamon rolls from drying out.
This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the cream cheese layer, which can become grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within the 3-day window.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the apple mixture and cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers, then assemble the dessert 2-4 hours before serving.
If the dessert seems too cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This brings out the flavors more fully and softens the texture slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade rolls will make this even more special. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and not too dense, or they’ll overpower the other flavors. Soft, fluffy rolls work best for proper layering.
How do I prevent the dessert from becoming too sweet?
Use tart Granny Smith apples and reduce the brown sugar in the apple mixture to 2-3 tablespoons instead of 1/3 cup. You can also use unsweetened whipped cream instead of adding powdered sugar to the cream cheese layer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cinnamon rolls, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and cashew-based cream cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and just as impressive visually.
Why is my dessert watery?
This usually happens when apples are overcooked and release too much juice. Make sure to cook them just until tender, and if your apple mixture seems too wet, drain excess liquid before layering.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Pears work wonderfully and cook in the same time as apples. You can also add fresh cranberries for tartness or raisins for chewiness. Just maintain the same total fruit quantity.
How far in advance can I make this?
Assemble it up to 8 hours before serving for best results. Any longer and the cinnamon rolls may become too soft from absorbing moisture. The filling and apples can be prepped 24 hours ahead though.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna has transformed the way I think about easy desserts. It proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated, and that sometimes the best recipes come from combining familiar favorites in unexpected ways.
I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Did you try a different fruit combination? Add a special spice blend? Share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media. Your creative variations inspire me to keep experimenting in the kitchen.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell like cinnamon and apples!