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🍎🍥 Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna Recipe
🌟 Introduction
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is the ultimate cozy dessert that blends the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of baked apples. Imagine layers of tender, caramelized apples nestled between soft, golden cinnamon rolls, baked to perfection, and drizzled with creamy icing. This dish is a creative twist on traditional apple pie and cinnamon rolls, making it a showstopper at family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even weekend brunch. It’s indulgent, heartwarming, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
📝 Ingredients
For the Base & Layers:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count each)
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Reserved icing packets from cinnamon rolls
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Set aside the icing packets for later use. Flatten half of the rolls slightly and press them into the bottom of the baking dish to form the first layer.
- Cook the Apples:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Spread half of the cooked apples over the cinnamon roll base.
- Place another layer of flattened cinnamon rolls on top.
- Repeat with the remaining apples.
- Finish with the final layer of cinnamon rolls on top.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Icing: Once baked, drizzle the reserved icing packets over the warm cinnamon roll apple lasagna.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
🛠️ Methods
- Layering Method: The “lasagna” style layering of cinnamon rolls and apples creates a multi-textured dessert.
- Caramelization: Cooking the apples in butter and sugar enhances their natural sweetness and ensures soft, flavorful filling.
- Double-Bake Technique: Covering with foil first prevents over-browning, while uncovering later ensures a golden crust.
📜 History
The concept of “dessert lasagna” has gained popularity in recent years as a playful twist on classic Italian lasagna. Instead of pasta, layers of sweet elements like cookies, fruits, or cakes are used. Cinnamon rolls, originally from Sweden (“kanelbullar”), have become a beloved American breakfast staple, while apple desserts trace their roots to European traditions like apple strudel and pie. Combining them into a “Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna” is a modern innovation, reflecting the fusion of comfort foods into one irresistible dessert.
💚 Benefits
- Comfort Food: Perfect for autumn and winter gatherings, giving warmth and coziness.
- Quick & Easy: Uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls, saving time.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Can be served as breakfast, dessert, or holiday treat.
🏗️ Formation
The dish is structured in layers:
- Cinnamon roll dough (base)
- Caramelized apples
- Another cinnamon roll layer
- More apples
- Topped with cinnamon rolls + icing drizzle
This layering creates a “lasagna” effect when sliced.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1/10 of dish)
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values vary based on brand of cinnamon rolls and portion size.)
❤️ Lovers of This Dish
- Apple Pie Lovers: Because it’s a twist on classic apple desserts.
- Cinnamon Roll Enthusiasts: Who adore gooey, sweet rolls with frosting.
- Holiday Bakers: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall family gatherings.
- Kids & Sweet Tooth Lovers: Fun, playful, and indulgent.
🔚 Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is the perfect fusion of two classic favorites: cinnamon rolls and baked apples. It’s warm, gooey, and decadent, making it the ultimate comfort dessert. Whether served at brunch, as a holiday centerpiece, or simply as a weekend indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new tradition in your kitchen. 🍎✨
Would you like me to also create a holiday variation (like adding pecans, caramel sauce, or cream cheese filling) for an even richer version?