Are you ready to take your dessert game up a notch? My Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is the perfect blend of sweet and spice. With tender cinnamon rolls, tart apples, and rich caramel, this treat is simple to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something delicious, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (12 rolls each)
– 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
– 1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
This recipe starts with two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. They save time and are easy to use. Next, I choose three medium apples. Granny Smith brings a tart taste, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Both work great.
I love to use one cup of caramel sauce. You can buy it or make your own. The sauce adds a rich flavor. You will also need ground cinnamon, which gives warmth to the dish.
Optional pecans add crunch and depth. If you choose to include them, chop them up. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness and balances the tart apples. Melted butter adds richness, while salt boosts all the flavors.
Finally, for the icing, mix half a cup of powdered sugar with one to two tablespoons of milk. This will create a sweet drizzle to top your bake. Each ingredient plays a role in making this treat so delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bake cook evenly.
2. Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This keeps the bake from sticking.
3. Now, prepare the apples. Peel and dice three medium apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of sweet and tart.
4. In a large bowl, mix the diced apples with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of chopped pecans if you like. Toss well to coat the apples and set this mixture aside.
Assembling the Dish
1. Open the two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into quarters. This makes them easy to layer.
2. Place the quartered cinnamon rolls evenly in the greased baking dish. Spread them out so they cook well.
3. Spoon one cup of caramel sauce over the cinnamon roll pieces. Make sure to cover them generously.
4. Next, add the apple mixture on top of the cinnamon rolls. Spread it out evenly for a balanced flavor.
5. Drizzle two tablespoons of melted butter over the apple and roll mixture. This adds richness and flavor.
Baking Instructions
1. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
2. Keep an eye on it. The cinnamon rolls should puff up and turn golden brown. The edges should bubble with caramel.
3. To check for doneness, look for a fluffy texture and a golden color. The bake should be warm and inviting.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
When choosing apples, look for firm ones that are not bruised. Granny Smith offers a nice tartness. Honeycrisp adds a sweet crunch. You can mix both for great flavor.
To avoid soggy cinnamon rolls, make sure you don’t overload with caramel. Pour just enough to coat the rolls. Also, bake until golden brown and fluffy. This keeps the rolls light and tasty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this caramel apple cinnamon roll bake warm from the oven. It looks great in a simple baking dish. Add a sprinkle of pecans on top for a nice crunch.
Pair it with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm bake. This creates a creamy, delicious mix. You can also add a drizzle of extra caramel on top for a sweet finish.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to change things up, you can switch ingredients. For nuts, pecans are great, but walnuts or almonds work too. They add a nice crunch. You can also skip nuts if you prefer.
For toppings, try using chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers. They add a fun twist. If you want to change the fruit, pears or peaches can replace apples. The bake will taste different but still delicious. You can even use a mix of fruits for added flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls. These are easy to find at most stores. They work well in this recipe. Just check the packaging for other gluten-filled ingredients.
For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use dairy-free milk in the icing too. You can also find vegan caramel sauce. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your caramel apple cinnamon roll bake, store any leftovers properly. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can refrigerate the bake for up to three days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your leftover bake, first, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it moist and warms it evenly. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer, around 30-40 minutes. Enjoy it warm for the best taste and texture!
FAQs
Common Questions
How to make caramel sauce at home?
Making caramel sauce at home is simple. You need sugar, butter, and cream. Start by heating 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Stir it until it melts and turns golden brown. Then, add 6 tablespoons of butter and mix well. Finally, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Let it cool before using.
Can I use frozen cinnamon rolls instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cinnamon rolls. Just thaw them first. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, cut them into quarters and follow the recipe as usual. This will save you time and still taste great!
Troubleshooting Tips
What to do if the bake is too dry?
If your bake turns out dry, try adding more caramel sauce. Drizzle it over the top after baking. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream. This adds moisture and flavor.
How to fix overbaked cinnamon rolls?
If the rolls are overbaked, you can soften them. Add a few drops of water to the baking dish. Cover it with foil and warm it in the oven for a few minutes. This should help bring back some moisture.
This blog post covered a fun and tasty recipe using simple ingredients. We explored how to make a delicious baked dish with cinnamon rolls and apples, topped with caramel. I shared steps for prep, baking, and serving. You learned tips for perfecting your dish and even some tasty variations.
In summary, this recipe is easy and sure to impress. Enjoy making it your own!
