Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake: Make-Ahead Morning Treat
There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet apples filling your kitchen. This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its simplicity. By using refrigerated cinnamon rolls as the base, you eliminate the need for yeast, rising time, and complex dough preparation. The addition of apple pie filling transforms these humble store-bought rolls into a bakery-worthy creation that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The reality? This entire dish comes together in just minutes of hands-on time.
The beauty of this breakfast bake lies in its versatility as a make-ahead recipe. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you wake up, making it ideal for busy mornings when you still want something homemade and delicious. It’s also a crowd-pleaser that serves a group, making it perfect for hosting guests or feeding a hungry family.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cinnamon Roll Base
- 2 cans (8 count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling
- 21 ounces apple pie filling (approximately half a standard can)
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup
- Additional caramel syrup for garnish (optional but recommended)
The ingredient list is intentionally simple, with most items being pantry staples or readily available at any grocery store. The refrigerated cinnamon rolls serve as both the dough and provide convenient icing packets for finishing. Choose a quality brand of cinnamon rolls for the best results, as they form the foundation of this dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Preparing Your Baking Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature ensures the cinnamon rolls bake through completely without burning the sugary edges. While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13 inch casserole pan by coating it thoroughly with cooking spray. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where the sugar mixture might stick.
Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and cinnamon. Use a whisk to break up any lumps in the brown sugar and ensure the cinnamon distributes evenly throughout. This mixture will coat the cinnamon roll pieces, creating pockets of concentrated sweetness and spice throughout the bake. The dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor compared to light brown sugar, complementing the apple filling beautifully.
Cutting and Coating the Cinnamon Rolls
Open both cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packets in a safe place—you’ll need these later for drizzling. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each cinnamon roll into four equal quarters. The pizza cutter works particularly well for this task as it glides through the soft dough without squishing it.
Transfer all the cinnamon roll quarters into the bowl with your cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss the pieces until each one is evenly coated. Be careful not to handle them too roughly, as you want to maintain their shape while ensuring good coverage of the sweet coating.
Assembling the Base Layer
Scoop the entire contents of the mixing bowl—cinnamon roll pieces and any remaining sugar mixture—into your prepared casserole pan. Spread everything out into an even layer, creating a uniform base for your breakfast bake. The pieces don’t need to be arranged in any particular pattern; simply distribute them evenly across the pan.
Pour the melted butter over the entire surface, making sure to drizzle extra around the edges. This butter serves multiple purposes: it prevents the edges from drying out during baking, adds richness to the dish, and helps create those irresistible golden-brown spots on top.
Preparing and Adding the Apple Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apple pie filling with the caramel syrup. Mix them together until the caramel is evenly distributed throughout the filling. The caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and creates a lovely sauce that mingles with the cinnamon rolls as they bake.
Using a knife or fork, cut the apple slices in the filling into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This step is important because it ensures every bite contains apple pieces and makes the finished dish easier to serve and eat.
Spoon dollops of the apple mixture over the cinnamon rolls in several locations across the pan. Then, using a spoon or spatula, gently spread the mixture into a relatively even layer. Don’t worry if not every cinnamon roll piece is covered—you want the apples scattered evenly across the top, but some rolls should remain exposed to create textural variety.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for cinnamon rolls that feel firm to the touch and are beginning to turn golden brown on top. The edges should be slightly darker and caramelized, while the center pieces should be cooked through but still tender.
Finishing Touches
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the filling to set slightly, making the dish easier to serve. While it’s still warm, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll packages over the top in a decorative pattern. If you want extra decadence, add additional drizzles of caramel syrup as a garnish.
Serve the breakfast bake warm, scooping portions onto individual plates. The combination of tender cinnamon rolls, sweet apples, and creamy icing creates an unforgettable breakfast experience.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing Leftovers
Any remaining breakfast bake should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing for Later
This dish freezes beautifully for 3 to 4 months when placed in a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely before freezing, and consider portioning it into individual servings for easier thawing and reheating.
Reheating Methods
Reheat portions in the microwave for quick individual servings, or warm larger amounts in the oven until heated through. The microwave method takes just 30 to 60 seconds, while oven reheating at 350 degrees Fahrenheit takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Expert Tips for Success
The icing packets that come with your cinnamon rolls are essential—don’t discard them. If you purchase a brand that doesn’t include icing, simply make your own by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of water until you achieve a thick, pourable consistency.
When preparing this casserole the night before, be mindful of your bakeware material. Cold glass or ceramic dishes can crack when placed directly in a hot oven, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature transitions.
For the best texture, serve this breakfast bake fresh from the oven while it’s still warm. The contrast between the soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls and the tender apple filling is most pronounced when freshly baked.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 115 calories, with 21 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fat, and 15 grams of sugar. The dish also provides small amounts of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
This Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake proves that impressive, delicious breakfasts don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep work and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
