Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

The Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is the perfect blend of two delicious fall favorites: caramel apple pie and cinnamon rolls. This dessert is an indulgent treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls, the sweetness of caramel apples, and the comforting layers of a lasagna-style casserole. It’s easy to make, visually striking, and sure to satisfy your cravings for a decadent dessert or even an unconventional breakfast casserole.

Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, preparing for a cozy fall gathering, or simply looking to spoil yourself with a delicious dessert, this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit. The layers of cinnamon rolls, caramel sauce, and spiced apple filling create the perfect balance of flavors, making every bite a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Fall Dessert: With the warm flavors of cinnamon, apples, and caramel, this recipe screams fall and holiday gatherings.
  • Versatile: It can be served as a dessert or as a fun breakfast casserole. Serve it at a brunch or holiday breakfast for a fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
  • Simple to Make: Despite its fancy appearance, this recipe comes together quickly using convenient ingredients, making it ideal for any skill level.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and rich flavor combination makes it a guaranteed crowd favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients:

To make this decadent Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Caramel Apple Layer:

  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional for added depth)
  • 2 tbsp water or apple cider (to help soften apples)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Roll Layer:

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Start by preparing the apple layer. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the apple slices, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water (or apple cider). Stir to combine. Let the apples cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and caramelized.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract, and set the apples aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate the rolls. You will use the dough and icing from both cans.
  2. Roll out each cinnamon roll into a flat circle with your hands or a rolling pin.
  3. Brush each flattened cinnamon roll with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon to create an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
  4. Stack the flattened cinnamon rolls on top of each other and slice them into 1-inch strips. This will help layer the cinnamon rolls in the lasagna style.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Start layering the lasagna by placing a layer of cinnamon roll strips at the bottom of the baking dish. You may need to overlap them slightly to create a full layer.
  3. Add half of the cooked caramelized apples over the cinnamon roll layer, spreading them evenly.
  4. Repeat the process: add another layer of cinnamon roll strips, followed by the remaining caramelized apples. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed to create a nice balance of filling throughout.
  5. Finish with one last layer of cinnamon roll strips on top.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
  2. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Be sure to monitor the sauce closely to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Once combined, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

  1. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the entire lasagna, making sure it covers all the layers. This will infuse the dish with richness and sweetness.
  2. Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cinnamon rolls should become golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges, while the apples will be tender and caramelized.
  3. After baking, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve warm and drizzle with the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls for an extra layer of sweetness. You can also top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Tips for Success:

  1. Apple Varieties: The type of apple you use can affect the flavor of the dish. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during cooking, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp. Choose the apple variety based on your preference for sweetness or tartness.
  2. Customize the Toppings: You can top the lasagna with additional caramel sauce or whipped cream to make it even more decadent. For a crunch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
  3. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
  4. Make it a Breakfast Casserole: If you’re serving this as a breakfast casserole, skip the caramel sauce or reduce the amount of sugar in the apples. You can also add a layer of scrambled eggs to make it more of a savory breakfast treat.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Based on 10 servings

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 280mg

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna:

  1. Easy and Fun: The concept of lasagna meets cinnamon rolls, making this a fun and visually impressive dessert or breakfast. It’s a great conversation starter and an eye-catching dish to serve at brunch or gatherings.
  2. Perfect for Fall: This dessert is made for cozy fall days, with its warm apple filling, cinnamon spice, and rich caramel—all the quintessential flavors of autumn.
  3. Versatile: You can customize it with additional fruits like pears or berries, or even add a touch of cream cheese in between the layers for a richer flavor. It can be a decadent dessert or a sweet breakfast casserole.
  4. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve it to family, friends, or guests at a party, this dessert is sure to disappear quickly. It’s the perfect treat for those who love the combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel.

Conclusion:

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna combines the best parts of a classic caramel apple pie and cinnamon rolls into a visually stunning and indulgent dessert. The layers of soft cinnamon rolls, sweet caramelized apples, and rich caramel sauce make it a perfect dish for any fall occasion, from family dinners to special brunches.

Give this recipe a try and indulge in the sweet, comforting flavors of fall—it’s the ultimate treat for your next gathering!