Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Name: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced ((see notes below)); 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 ((set aside icing)); 1/2 cup chopped pecans ((optional))

JUMP TO RECIPE

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines refrigerated cinnamon rolls with fresh apples baked in a caramel sauce for a sweet, shareable breakfast or dessert.

A 30-MINUTE BREAKFAST OR DESSERT RECIPE

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the perfect mix of sweetness and soft pops of cinnamon rolls. It’s simple to make, smells incredible as it bakes, and works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It doesn’t matter if you’re serving it for out of town guests or just making a special treat for your family, this easy casserole is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

A wooden spoon stirring some Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole in the baking dish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make this ahead of time. Place it in the fridge after you have made it. Just pop it in the oven before serving. You may need to add on a few extra minutes baking time since you’re starting everything from cold.

What to serve with this casserole?

You can top each serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if serving as a dessert. If serving as a breakfast, you could serve with some fresh fruit.

Why does the heavy cream need to be at room temperature?

If the cream is cold and poured directly into the sauce, it can curdle. Using room temperature cream will create a smooth and silky sauce.

Can I double the caramel sauce?

Yep, you can double the ingredients for the sauce if you want a gooier casserole. The extra sauce could also be drizzled on top before serving.

Can I use apple filling?

Yes, if you want to use apple filling, I would suggest adding a bit of caramel sauce to the pie filling so it’s more of a caramel apple filling. In fact, I already have a recipe you can use- try my Cinnamon Roll Casserole instead.

How do I store leftovers?

This is definitely best served after it comes out of the oven. You can keep this at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can refrigerate this casserole for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for 20-40 seconds. You can also heat this up in the oven with a foil on top at 325°F or until heated through.

A baking dish with Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole with icing.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

refrigerated cinnamon rolls– cut into fourths, just set aside icing for later use. Using store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls is a huge time saver, but you can definitely make your own from Made From Scratch Cinnamon Rolls. You can use any brand for this recipe.
Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples – I used a combination of apples but you can just use Granny Smith apples. Granny Smith apples are tart and have a firmer texture that holds their shape well. You can use any combination of baking apples. Generally, you want something tart that holds up to the baking process without turning to mush though.
unsalted butter– The butter is needed for the base of the caramel sauce that coats the apples. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control how much salt is in the dish.
light brown sugar– This is the key component for caramel sauce. I use light brown sugar over dark, as it has a more creamy flavor and is milder than dark brown sugar.
maple syrup– or you can use corn syrup (which is not high fructose corn syrup). I like to add this instead of doubling up the brown sugar, as the maple syrup adds a layer of sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
vanilla extract – The vanilla extract offers balance to bring all the flavors together.
ground cinnamon– The cinnamon adds an additional layer to the cinnamon roll flavor without overpowering it.
ground nutmeg – Nutmeg goes great alongside the cinnamon. You don’t need much of it though.
heavy cream– room temperature. Make sure the heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent it from curdling when it hits the hot pan. You can pop the cream in the microwave for 15 seconds, stopping at 5-second increments and mixing.
chopped pecans – You can leave the pecans out if you’re not a fan. If you love nuts, you can use walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds in place of the pecans.

Cinnamon roll dough, Granny Smith apples, Pink Lady apples, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, heavy cream, and chopped pecans.

HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE CINNAMON ROLL CASSEROLE:

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. To a skillet, add the apples and butter over medium heat. Stir for 4 minutes or until the apples start to soften and go golden brown. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and seasonings.

Butter, diced apples and seasonings being cooked in a skillet.

Add heavy cream. Stir until the sauce thickens and the apples are fully coated in the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.

Heavy cream being added to an apple mixture in a skillet.

To the casserole dish, add the cut cinnamon rolls. Set the icing off to the side, as that will be used at the end for drizzling on top. Transfer the apples to the top of the cinnamon rolls.

Cut up cinnamon rolls in a baking dish with apple mixture being added.

Bake uncovered, on the middle rack, for 10 minutes. Sprinkle the pecans on top. Bake for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are fully cooked through and golden brown on top. If the cinnamon rolls are starting to get too dark for your liking, cover with aluminum foil until rolls are done and no longer raw inside. Note: Oven times can vary so please go by doneness and not just time. Remove from the oven and drizzle the reserved icing on top.