There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, but when you combine that with the comforting flavors of apple crisp, you create something truly extraordinary. This Apple Crisp Cinnamon Roll Casserole brings together two beloved desserts in one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.
Imagine tender cinnamon rolls nestled among cinnamon-spiced apples, all topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that gets golden and crisp in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and creates memories around the table. Best of all, it comes together in just 45 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple shortcuts – Uses pre-made cinnamon rolls to save time while still delivering homemade flavor
- Perfect texture contrast – Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls, tender apples, and crispy streusel topping in every bite
- Family favorite – Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, comforting flavors
- Versatile serving options – Works equally well as a special breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or dessert
- Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning
Ingredients
- 1 can Grand cinnamon rolls with icing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided use)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Store-bought caramel sauce (like Smuckers)
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons room temperature water (set aside)
- 2½ teaspoons cornstarch (set aside)
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon old-fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Icing from cinnamon roll can
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 10-inch pie pan or cast iron skillet with some of the melted butter. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cubed apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, water, and orange juice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of room temperature water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the apple filling and stir constantly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the juices thicken slightly.
- Remove apple filling from heat and stir in the ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir in ½ cup of caramel sauce.
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon from the casserole base ingredients. Mix well, then divide into two separate bowls.
- Divide the melted butter (from the casserole base ingredients) into two separate bowls.
- In one bowl, combine one portion of the melted butter, egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, one portion of the sugar-cinnamon mixture, and the flour. Whisk until well combined.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 equal pieces. Add these pieces to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Add the coated cinnamon roll pieces to the bowl with the apple filling, using only 2/3 of the liquid but all of the apple pieces. Gently mix to combine.
- Pour the cinnamon roll and apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Mix the remaining melted butter with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and pour evenly over the top of the casserole.
- In a small bowl, combine all crumble ingredients and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- While the casserole cools slightly, make the enhanced icing by combining the cinnamon roll icing with powdered sugar, half & half, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the icing over the warm casserole, then drizzle with additional caramel sauce. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Apple varieties – Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala offer sweetness. Mix varieties for complex flavor.
- Add nuts – Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for added crunch.
- Spice it up – Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of cloves to the apple mixture for more fall flavor.
- Make ahead – Prepare the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
- Flavor boost – Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the apple mixture for deeper flavor.
- Caramel lover’s version – Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of (or in addition to) the cinnamon roll icing.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but for an extra-special treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of cold and warm creates a delightful sensory experience. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit and a savory egg dish to create a balanced meal.
If serving as dessert, consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted nuts just before serving. Coffee, hot apple cider, or milk are all perfect beverage pairings.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of baking time.
- For best results, dice apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite cinnamon roll recipe, feel free to use it instead. Just prepare the dough through the rolling and cutting stage, then proceed with the recipe.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw completely before baking. If freezing after baking, reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. Avoid instant oatmeal packets as they contain added sugars and flavorings.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Check the cinnamon roll ingredients for dairy, and substitute the butter in the streusel with a plant-based butter alternative. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
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