Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” – A Cozy Layered Dessert That Tastes Like Fall

Imagine the warm, nostalgic aroma of baked apples and cinnamon swirling through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet, gooey richness of cinnamon rolls and buttery caramel. That’s exactly what you get with Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna”—a dreamy, layered dessert that tastes like an autumn morning wrapped in a hug.

This show-stopping dish is perfect for holiday brunches, weekend treats, or cozy gatherings with friends and family. Despite its impressive appearance, it comes together with minimal effort using simple, accessible ingredients. Whether you serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or as a standalone centerpiece, this apple-cinnamon creation is guaranteed to become a crowd favorite.

Let’s explore how to build this delicious dessert, layer by irresistible layer.

What Makes This “Lasagna” Special

Don’t let the name fool you—there’s no pasta here. This dish earns its “lasagna” title from the way it’s constructed: alternating layers of flattened cinnamon rolls, tender spiced apples, and luscious caramel sauce. Each tier builds on the last, creating a beautifully baked dessert with crispy golden edges, gooey centers, and an aromatic finish that fills your entire home.

The result? A sticky, spiced delight that’s as comforting as it is impressive—perfect for anyone who loves the classic combination of apples and cinnamon but wants something more exciting than a traditional pie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on pantry staples and refrigerated cinnamon rolls, making it accessible for any home baker.

For the Spiced Apple Filling:

• 4 cups peeled, diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Roll Layers:

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can), with icing packets
• Extra flour for dusting

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Essential Tools:

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Rolling pin or clean hands
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Nonstick spray or butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease your 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the apple juices as they bubble and caramelize during baking, creating a luscious filling.

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside for later. Carefully separate each roll and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Lightly flour your work surface and gently flatten each round into a 3–4 inch disk. Think of these as your “lasagna noodles”—they should be thin enough to layer and bake through completely.

Build the Layers

Bottom Layer:
Arrange flattened cinnamon roll pieces across the bottom of your greased pan, slightly overlapping them for complete coverage. Spoon half of the apple mixture evenly over the dough, then drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce.

Middle Layer:
Add another layer of flattened cinnamon rolls. Top with the remaining apple mixture, spreading it evenly, then drizzle with another 2–3 tablespoons of caramel.

Top Layer:
Finish with a final layer of cinnamon rolls. Drizzle the remaining caramel over the top—don’t worry about perfection, it will melt beautifully.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This crucial step allows the apples to steam and soften while the cinnamon rolls bake through. Bake covered for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This final step creates a golden-brown, slightly crispy top layer.

Cool and Finish

Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This cooling period allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. Once cooled, drizzle the reserved icing packets over the top in decorative swirls or ribbons.

Slice into 9 squares (or 12 smaller portions) and serve warm. For an extra-indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 40 minutes
• Rest Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 people
• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving (based on 9 portions)

Expert Tips for Best Results

Choose Your Apples Wisely
Granny Smith apples provide tartness and hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious varieties add natural sweetness. For the most complex flavor, try mixing two different apple varieties.

Flatten Evenly
Aim for ¼-inch thickness when flattening the cinnamon rolls. Too thick, and the centers may remain doughy; too thin, and they might tear. Use a gentle touch and add flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Perfect Your Caramel
If your caramel sauce is very thin or hot, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling. This allows it to thicken slightly and coat the layers rather than pooling at the bottom.

Add Texture
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples and tender cinnamon rolls.

Make Homemade Caramel
For an elevated touch, whip up quick caramel sauce: Heat ½ cup sugar in a saucepan until melted and amber-colored. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, then slowly whisk in ¼ cup heavy cream. Let cool slightly before using.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Prepare in Advance
Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The next morning, bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Storing Leftovers
Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 minute, or warm the entire pan in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Freezing Instructions
Cut into individual portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Creative Variations

Apple-Pear Lasagna
Replace half the apples with ripe, diced pears for a softer texture and more floral flavor profile.

Maple-Glazed Version
Drizzle maple syrup over the icing for a deeper, earthier sweetness, or swap the caramel entirely for maple butter.

Pumpkin Spice Twist
Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice, and fold a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree into the apple mixture for a seasonal autumn treat.

Cream Cheese Icing Upgrade
Mix the icing packets with 2–3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese before drizzling for a tangier, more complex topping.

Perfect Serving Occasions

This versatile dessert shines in multiple settings:

• Holiday breakfasts – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter brunch
• Dessert after dinner – Serve warm with ice cream for impressed guests
• Potlucks and parties – Easy to slice, transport, and serve
• Weekend indulgence – Turn any ordinary morning into something special

Pair it with hot coffee, a chai latte, or cold brew topped with sweet cream for a complete café-style experience.

Why This Recipe Works

Cinnamon Roll Apple “Lasagna” proves that comfort food doesn’t need complexity to create lasting memories. With familiar ingredients, simple techniques, and minimal hands-on time, you can produce a dish that looks bakery-worthy and tastes absolutely divine.

The magic lies in the layering: tender apples release their juices, the cinnamon rolls bake into soft, pillowy layers, and the caramel weaves everything together with rich, buttery sweetness. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of textures—crispy edges, gooey centers, and tender fruit.

Whether you’re hosting family for brunch, contributing to a holiday spread, or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, this apple lasagna delivers maximum cozy vibes with every sticky, delicious forkful.