Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with tender apples baked in a rich caramel sauce. It’s a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 1 Pink Lady apple, peeled and diced
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/8 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/8 cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into fourths (save icing)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375° F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples along with the butter. Cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes until the apples start to soften and turn golden brown.
3. Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is warmed through and the apples are fork-tender. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Place the cut cinnamon rolls evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Set aside the icing that comes with the rolls for later.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cooked apple mixture over the cinnamon rolls, spreading it out evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped pecans over the top, if using.
9. Step 9: Return to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes until the cinnamon rolls are fully cooked and golden brown. If they brown too quickly but aren’t done inside, cover with foil and continue baking until cooked through.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and drizzle the reserved icing on top. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Chopped walnuts or almonds can substitute pecans for a different nutty crunch.
• For extra caramel flavor, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
• Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature to help blend smoothly with the warm apple mixture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350° F oven until heated through. The cinnamon rolls may lose some crispness but will remain deliciously soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls can be used; just cut them into pieces similar in size to the refrigerated rolls and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 133 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines tender diced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples cooked in a buttery caramel sauce with refrigerated cinnamon rolls baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple, comforting breakfast or dessert casserole with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of sweet icing and pecans for crunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples & Sauce

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 1 Pink Lady apple, peeled and diced
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/8 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/8 cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature

Casserole Base

• 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into fourths (save icing for topping)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples. Stir continuously for about 4 minutes until the apples soften and begin to turn a light golden brown.
3. Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the light brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing well to combine with the apples.
4. Incorporate Cream: Pour in the room temperature heavy cream and stir until warmed through, allowing the apples to become fork-tender and fully coated in the caramel sauce. Then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish, keeping the canned icing aside for later use.
6. Add Apple Mixture: Spoon the cooked apples and caramel sauce evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the casserole dish.
7. Bake Initially: Bake uncovered on the middle oven rack for 10 minutes to start melting the cinnamon rolls and melding flavors.
8. Add Pecans: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top if using.
9. Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are fully cooked and golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning while baking through.
10. Serve with Icing: Once baked, remove from oven and drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the casserole before serving warm.

Notes

• Using a combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples provides a balanced flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar slightly.
• Chopped pecans are optional but add a wonderful crunchy contrast to the soft cinnamon rolls and apples.
• Ensure the heavy cream is room temperature before adding to prevent curdling.
• You can prepare the apple mixture ahead and keep refrigerated, then assemble and bake fresh.
• Cover with foil if the casserole browns too fast to ensure thorough cooking without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cinnamon roll casserole, cinnamon roll casserole, apple breakfast bake, caramel apple bake, easy cinnamon roll casserole