Why Make This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole is a must-try. It is easy to make and tastes amazing. You get the sweet taste of cinnamon rolls mixed with warm apples. It is good for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat after a meal. This dish will make everyone happy and feel cozy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole
Making this casserole is simple. You will prepare an apple layer first. Then, you will add canned cinnamon rolls on top. You can also add a custard mixture for extra moisture. After baking, you will drizzle the cinnamon rolls with their icing. This creates a warm, gooey, and irresistible dish.
Ingredients of Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole
For the Apple Layer:
* 6 medium fresh apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced or sliced
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Roll Layer:
* 2 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
For the Custard/Sauce (optional, but recommended):
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* A pinch of salt
Directions of Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole
Preparing the Apple Foundation:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Peel, core, and dice or slice your apples.
3. In a large bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are well coated.
4. Add the melted butter to the apple mixture. Stir to combine everything.
5. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Arranging the Cinnamon Rolls:
1. Open the canned cinnamon rolls. Separate the rolls.
2. Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces.
3. Place the cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish.
Adding the Custard (If Using):
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
2. Gently pour this custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls and apples. Make sure it seeps into all the gaps.
Baking to Golden Perfection:
1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apples are tender. The casserole is ready when a knife inserted into an apple piece comes out easily.
The Grand Finale: Icing it Up!
1. Take the casserole out of the oven.
2. Immediately open the cinnamon roll icing packets. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm **Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole**. The heat will melt the icing, making it spread nicely.
3. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It is delicious on its own. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, serve it with a side of turkey sausage or a fresh fruit salad. It also pairs well with your morning coffee.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for single servings. For the whole casserole, cover it with foil and warm it in a moderate oven (around 300°F/150°C) until it is heated through.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole
- Do not overbake the casserole. This can make the cinnamon rolls dry. Watch it carefully during the last baking stage.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Taste the apple mixture before baking. Add more brown sugar if you want it sweeter.
- Cut apples into similar sizes for even cooking.
Variation
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the apple mixture for extra warm flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the casserole before baking for added texture.
- Berries and More: Mix a handful of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the apple layer for more color and taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can. Assemble the entire casserole the night before. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You might need to bake it for a few extra minutes.
Q2: What kind of apples are best for a Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole?
A2: Use crisp apples that hold their shape well when cooked. Good choices are Granny Smith for a tart taste, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor in your **Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole**.
Q3: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?
A3: Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls if you prefer them. Just make sure to cut them into pieces to spread evenly in the casserole. This will take more time than using canned rolls for your **Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole**.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake Casserole with Custard
This delightful casserole combines tender apples baked with a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, topped with pieces of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, all bathed in a rich custard and finished with melted icing. It's a perfect comforting dessert or brunch item.
Equipment
- Oven
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Separate bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
Ingredients
Main
- 6 medium fresh apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and diced or sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Custard
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Peel, core, and dice or slice the apples.
- In a large bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice until well coated.
- Stir the melted butter into the apple mixture.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Open the canned cinnamon rolls, separate them, and cut each roll into four pieces.
- Place the cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls and apples, ensuring it seeps into all gaps.
Baking & Serving
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately drizzle the icing generously over the warm casserole.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness. The cooling time allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. If you don't have nutmeg, the recipe is still delicious without it.