Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole blends soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with tender apples baked in a rich caramel sauce. It’s a delightful choice for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 Pink Lady apple, peeled and diced
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/8 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/8 cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into fourths (reserve icing)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375° F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the diced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples. Cook, stirring, about 4 minutes until the apples soften and turn light golden brown.
- Step 3: Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until warmed through, coating the apples evenly and ensuring they are fork tender. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Place the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Set aside the icing for later.
- Step 6: Spoon the warm apple mixture over the cinnamon rolls, spreading it evenly.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 10 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove the casserole and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if using.
- Step 9: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, until the rolls are cooked through and golden brown on top. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil until done.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and drizzle the reserved icing over the top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try substituting walnuts or almonds for pecans to vary the nutty flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor or Braeburn for extra tartness.
- Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can deepen the warm spice profile.
Storage
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The casserole is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely. Homemade cinnamon rolls can be used; just make sure they are cut into pieces similar in size to the canned rolls for even baking.
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Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines refrigerated cinnamon rolls with fresh Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples cooked in a warm caramel cinnamon sauce, baked until golden and topped with pecans and icing. Perfect for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy 30-minute recipe delivers a comforting blend of soft cinnamon rolls and tender, caramelized apples in a shareable baked dish.
Ingredients
Apples and Sauce
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 Pink Lady apple, peeled and diced
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/8 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/8 cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
Main Dish
- 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into fourths (save icing for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the diced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples with unsalted butter. Stir continuously for about 4 minutes until the apples soften and develop a light golden brown color.
- Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the packed light brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to coat the apples evenly with the sweet, spiced mixture.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour the room temperature heavy cream into the skillet and stir until the mixture is warmed through and the apples become fork tender and fully coated in the luscious caramel sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Casserole Base: Place the cut cinnamon rolls evenly in the sprayed casserole dish, making sure the pieces are spread out but close enough to bake as a cohesive casserole. Set aside the cinnamon rolls’ icing for later use.
- Add Apple Mixture: Spoon the cooked apple and caramel mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the casserole dish.
- Bake Initial Stage: Bake the casserole uncovered on the middle oven rack for 10 minutes to allow the apples to meld with the rolls.
- Add Pecans: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top if using.
- Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the cinnamon rolls are completely cooked through and golden brown. If the tops darken too quickly but the rolls remain undercooked inside, cover loosely with aluminum foil until done.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, comforting breakfast or dessert treat!
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with light corn syrup if preferred.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and complement the flavors well.
- Watch the baking closely to prevent over-browning; cover with foil if needed.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance, but bake right before serving for best texture.
- Use fresh room temperature heavy cream for smooth sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel apple cinnamon roll casserole, breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon recipe, brunch casserole, easy breakfast bake
