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Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $$

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)

  • ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • Pinch of salt

For the Cheese Layer:

  • 16 oz (452g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Assembly:

  • 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls total) with included icing

  • ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

  • ½ cup (85g) cinnamon baking chips or butterscotch chips (optional)

For the Topping & Finishing:

  • All the icing from the cinnamon roll cans

  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream, to thin icing if needed

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to coat.

  2. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the apples have softened slightly but still hold their shape. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.

  3. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the apples and stir vigorously for 1 minute until the released juices thicken slightly.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

  1. In a medium bowl using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth, about 1 minute.

  2. Add the granulated sugar and beat for another minute until well combined and fluffy.

  3. Scrape down the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed just until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Do not overmix. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the “Lasagna”

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.

  2. Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Reserve the icing containers for later. Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each cinnamon roll into a thin, roughly 4×4 inch square. They will be irregular, and that’s perfect—it adds to the rustic, layered look.

  3. Place 4 of the flattened cinnamon roll squares in the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping as needed to create a solid(ish) base layer. It’s okay if there are small gaps.

  4. Layer 1 (Cream Cheese): Spread the entire bowl of cream cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of dough.

  5. Layer 2 (Apples): Spoon all of the slightly cooled apple filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. If using, sprinkle the optional nuts and/or baking chips over the apples.

  6. Top Layer (Dough): Carefully place the remaining 4 flattened cinnamon roll squares over the apple layer, stretching and overlapping to cover as much as possible.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven on the center rack.

  2. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top cinnamon roll layer is a deep golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted into the doughy top should come out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter).

  3. Important: If the top is browning too quickly after 30 minutes, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 5: Cool, Frost, and Serve

  1. Remove the dish from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period is critical—it allows the layers to set, making it possible to slice. Serving it piping hot will result in a delicious but soupy mess.

  2. While the lasagna cools, prepare the icing. Place the reserved icing from the cans in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second increments until it is pourable. Stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream if needed to reach a drizzle consistency.

  3. Drizzle the warmed icing generously and artistically over the entire top of the cooled lasagna.

  4. For a final touch, you can dust lightly with powdered sugar. Slice into squares and serve.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

  • Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold shape. For a sweeter profile, use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Braeburn.

  • Don’t Skip the Cool: The 30-minute cooling time is not a suggestion—it’s a requirement for clean slices. For even neater slices, you can refrigerate it for 2 hours and serve it cold or re-warm individual pieces.

  • Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire lasagna (through Step 3) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

  • Serving Variations: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible dessert. For brunch, a dollop of whipped cream or a side of breakfast sausage links creates a perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 1/12 of recipe, with icing)

  • Calories: ~480

  • Total Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

  • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Cholesterol: 65mg

  • Sodium: 520mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g

  • Dietary Fiber: 2g

  • Total Sugars: 38g (Includes 35g Added Sugars)

  • Protein: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient databases and will vary based on specific brands, optional ingredients used, and precise portion sizes. This is a celebratory, indulgent dish best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Last Bite on Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is more than a clever name; it’s a revelation in layered comfort food. It takes the nostalgic, store-bought simplicity of canned cinnamon rolls and elevates it into something truly extraordinary and shareable. Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and temperatures: the soft, sweet dough, the rich and tangy cream cheese, the tender-spiced apples, and the final, essential drizzle of sweet icing.

 

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