This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bake is the ultimate comfort dessert-meets-breakfast dish. It combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the warm spiced flavors of apple pie, all baked together in a rich, nutty casserole.
Finished with a drizzle of icing and optional maple syrup, it’s indulgent yet easy to prepare—perfect for cozy weekends, family gatherings, or holiday mornings.
Why People Will Love This Recipe
Easy yet impressive – Uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling for quick prep with a homemade feel.
Warm and cozy flavors – Cinnamon, brown sugar, apples, and pecans make this dish taste like fall in every bite.
Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or holidays—everyone from kids to adults will love it.
Customizable – Can be made with different nuts, fruit fillings, or glazes to suit your taste.
Double-duty dish – Works as both a breakfast bake and a dessert.
Key Ingredients
Refrigerated cinnamon rolls – A time-saving base that bakes up gooey and golden.
Apple pie filling – Brings fruity sweetness and spiced warmth to balance the richness.
Brown sugar & cinnamon – Add depth and a caramel-like note.
Pecans – Offer a crunchy, nutty contrast to the soft, gooey layers.
Butter – Ensures richness and helps bind flavors together.
Icing/Maple syrup – A sweet finishing drizzle that elevates presentation and taste.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bake
Ingredients
Refrigerated cinnamon rolls – 2 cans (8 rolls each), icing reserved for garnish
Apple pie filling – 2 cups, apples diced into small chunks
Fresh lemon juice – ½ tablespoon
Butter – 5 tablespoons, melted
Brown sugar – ⅓ cup, packed
Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
Pecans – 1 cup, roughly chopped or halved
For Garnish
Icing from cinnamon rolls – as needed, warmed for drizzling
Maple syrup (optional) – to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
Prepare the dish: Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter and set aside.
Cut the cinnamon rolls: Open both cans of cinnamon rolls, reserving the icing for later. Cut each roll into quarters and place the pieces evenly in the prepared dish.
Add melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure they’re lightly coated.
Mix sugar and spice: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered cinnamon roll pieces.
Prepare the apple filling: Dice the apples from the pie filling into smaller chunks, if needed. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice until well combined.
Assemble the bake: Spoon the apple filling evenly over the cinnamon rolls, then scatter the pecans on top. Gently fold the mixture together just enough to incorporate without overmixing.
Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake for 40 minutes.
Finish baking: Remove the cover and bake for another 3–5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on the pecans to prevent burning.
Drizzle with icing: Warm the reserved icing in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then drizzle over the casserole. Serve warm, with maple syrup if desired.
Important Notes
Cut cinnamon rolls evenly so they bake at the same rate and don’t clump together.
Don’t skip the lemon juice in the apple filling—it adds brightness and keeps the flavors from being overly sweet.
Keep it covered while baking for most of the time; uncovering at the end helps achieve a golden, caramelized top.
Check for doneness at 40 minutes; bake a few extra minutes uncovered if needed, but watch the pecans closely to avoid burning.
Best served warm for gooey texture; leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven.
Nutrition Information:
(per serving, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 345 kcal | Total Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 420 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 47 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 25 g | Protein: 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Yes, homemade rolls will work beautifully, though baking time may need slight adjustment.
2. Can I use a different pie filling?
Absolutely! Try cherry, peach, or blueberry pie filling for a fun twist.
3. Can this be made nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the pecans. The bake will still be delicious and gooey.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
5. Can this be made ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the layers ahead and bake just before serving.
6. Why cover the bake for most of the cooking time?
Covering traps steam, ensuring the rolls bake through without drying out.
7. Can I skip cutting the cinnamon rolls into quarters?
It’s not recommended. Smaller pieces allow the apple and spice mixture to coat each bite evenly.
8. How do I prevent the pecans from burning?
Add them on top before baking, but watch closely during the uncovered stage. Tent with foil if they brown too quickly.
9. Can I make this in a different pan size?
Yes, but adjust baking time. A smaller, deeper dish may need more time, while a larger shallow dish may bake faster.
10. How do I know it’s done?
The cinnamon rolls should be puffed, golden brown on top, and no longer doughy in the center.
