Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Roll – A Cozy Dessert Masterpiece
Imagine the sweet aroma of baked cinnamon, tender spiced apples, and rich caramel sauce wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of this Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Roll — a warm, indulgent dessert that captures the very essence of comfort food. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or a creative twist on classic apple pie, this dessert brings together the nostalgic flavors of fall in a unique lasagna-style bake.
This recipe is not only delicious, it’s also simple enough for bakers of any level. Made with convenient ingredients like ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls and fresh apples, it requires minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Layered Like a Lasagna: Rolled cinnamon dough creates a playful lasagna effect, making it beautiful to serve and delightful to eat.
- Loaded with Apples: Four large apples ensure every bite bursts with soft, juicy flavor.
- Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the dessert with warm, seasonal notes.
- Quick and Easy: With pre-made cinnamon rolls, there’s no dough to make — just roll, layer, and bake!
- Visually Stunning: It looks like a bakery masterpiece but takes little effort to pull off.
Ingredients (And Why They Matter)
- 2 packets of cinnamon rolls: These pre-made rolls form the “pasta” layers of our dessert lasagna. Flaky, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon, they bake into a sweet, tender structure that holds everything together.
- 4 large apples, peeled and diced: The star of the show. Use a mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp) apples for a balanced flavor and soft texture once baked.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and helps caramelize them during baking.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A must-have for that cozy, familiar apple pie flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warm spice and complexity. A little goes a long way.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture as it bakes, preventing sogginess and keeping the filling rich and gooey.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (or salted caramel): Drizzled between and over the layers, this adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Icing from the cinnamon roll packets: Reserved for the final drizzle — the finishing sweet touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish (around 7×9 inches or similar) with non-stick spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and diced apples. Sprinkle over the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. This spiced mixture will soften into the perfect filling as it bakes.
Step 3: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
Remove the cinnamon rolls from both packages and slice each into ½-inch wide strips. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the strips to lengthen and flatten them. Don’t overwork the dough — just stretch until soft and pliable.
Step 4: Assemble the “Lasagna”
Start layering like you would a lasagna:
- Place a layer of flattened cinnamon roll strips on the bottom of your baking dish, slightly overlapping.
- Spoon half of the apple mixture evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle with a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce.
- Add another layer of cinnamon roll strips on top of the apples.
- Repeat with the remaining apples and caramel, finishing with a final layer of cinnamon roll strips on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with caramel.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the dish cool for at least 30 minutes. This allows the layers to set and the filling to thicken. Drizzle with the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls for a sweet final touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use mixed apples: Combining sweet and tart varieties adds depth and prevents overwhelming sweetness.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It keeps the apple filling thick and luxurious — no watery lasagna here!
- Try salted caramel: The slight saltiness balances the sweet and enhances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
- Make ahead friendly: You can assemble this dessert a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Serve warm with ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Roll
Though it stands beautifully on its own, here are some ways to elevate your dessert experience:
- Vanilla bean ice cream: Classic, creamy, and melts perfectly into the warm apple layers.
- Whipped cream: Light and fluffy, adds a beautiful contrast.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle on top before serving for crunch and flavor.
- Hot apple cider or cinnamon tea: Cozy beverages to enhance the warm spices of the dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry or crescent dough instead of cinnamon rolls?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Cinnamon rolls provide a built-in spice and sweetness that makes this dessert special.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Cinnamon Apple Dream
The Apple Cinnamon Lasagna Roll is more than just a dessert — it’s a showstopper. Easy enough for a weeknight treat, impressive enough for guests, and cozy enough for the holidays, this recipe checks every box.
With layers of warm spiced apples, gooey caramel, and pillowy cinnamon roll dough, each bite delivers nostalgic comfort with a twist. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again — and your family will request it by name.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and bring this cinnamon apple masterpiece to life — one delicious layer at a time.