Introduction
Oh, how I love those cozy mornings where the smell of cinnamon and apples fills the kitchen. It reminds me of childhood visits to my grandma’s house, where the air was always thick with delicious aromas. Today, we’re recreating that magic with a recipe that’s so incredibly simple, it feels like cheating but tastes like pure bliss: an Apple Fritter Cinnamon Roll Bake! It’s the perfect blend of fluffy cinnamon rolls, tender spiced apples, and a dreamy caramel-like glaze. You’re going to want to make this every single weekend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, this is quicker than you can brew your morning coffee.
- Easy: We’re using a can of cinnamon rolls, so you don’t have to fuss with dough. It’s practically foolproof!
- Giftable: Bake it in a pretty dish, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got an instant, thoughtful homemade gift.
- Crowd-pleasing: Whether it’s for a lazy brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a treat for yourself, everyone goes wild for this.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the easiest part! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium apples: We like Honeycrisp or Gala for their sweetness and how well they hold their shape when baked. Peeled, cored, and diced small (you should have about 1 ½ cups of diced apples).
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a touch to sweeten our apples.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that classic apple pie spice hug.
- 1 tablespoon water: This helps the apples soften up beautifully.
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls (5 rolls): The star of our show! No need to unroll them.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The base of our luscious glaze.
- ⅓ cup (67g) packed brown sugar: This is crucial for that irresistible caramel flavor.
- 1 tablespoon (5ml) heavy whipping cream or milk (optional): A little secret for an extra smooth and rich glaze.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness in the oven! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, get your oven fired up to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect temperature while you work.
- Spice Those Apples: Grab a medium bowl and toss in your diced apples. Add the 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of water. Give it a good stir so all those apple pieces are nicely coated.
- Cinnamon Roll Prep: Now, open up that can of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls. Gently separate the five rolls. You want to keep them whole, just separated from each other.
- Whip Up the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, the ⅓ cup of packed brown sugar, and if you’re feeling fancy, the optional tablespoon of heavy whipping cream or milk. Whisk until it’s nice and smooth. This is going to be divine!
- Glaze the Bottom: Pour about half of that glorious butter and brown sugar mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. This is going to create a delicious sticky layer.
- Arrange the Rolls: Now, carefully place the separated cinnamon rolls on top of the butter mixture in your baking dish. They can be snug, but try not to overcrowd them too much.
- Apple Layer: Evenly distribute the spiced apple mixture over the tops of the cinnamon rolls. Try to get a good amount of apples on each one.
- Top with More Glaze: Pour the remaining butter and brown sugar mixture over the apples and cinnamon rolls. Make sure to get it all in there – every drop counts!
- Bake to Perfection: Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for those cinnamon rolls to be puffed up, golden brown, and cooked all the way through. The glaze will be bubbly and delicious.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bake cool in the dish for a few minutes before diving in. This helps everything set up just right. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:
- Different Fruits: Don’t have apples? Pears would be delicious! You could also try a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
- Glaze Upgrade: Once it’s baked and slightly cooled, you can drizzle a little extra homemade caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting over the top for ultimate decadence.
Tips for Success
Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few insider tips. Here’s how to ensure your Apple Fritter Cinnamon Roll Bake is a smashing success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: While you want to fill the pan, give the cinnamon rolls a little breathing room so they can puff up nicely.
- Even Apple Distribution: Make sure the apples are spread out as evenly as possible so every bite gets a taste of that spiced fruit.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary! Keep an eye on your bake towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Prep Ahead: You can dice your apples and even mix the butter/sugar glaze the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready!
How to Store It
Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious. Once the bake has cooled, you can store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm it gently in a low oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
You absolutely can! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, feel free to use that instead of the canned ones. Just make sure your dough is proofed and ready to go.
My glaze looks a little thin, is that okay?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine! The glaze will thicken up as it bakes and cools. If you’re concerned, adding that optional tablespoon of cream or milk will help create a richer, slightly thicker glaze.
Can I make this ahead of time and bake it later?
You can assemble it ahead of time! Just prepare the apple mixture and the glaze, pour the glaze into the pan, arrange the unbaked cinnamon rolls, top with apples and the rest of the glaze. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes and then bake as directed, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to serve this?
This bake is amazing on its own, but it’s even better served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Apple Fritter Cinnamon Roll Bake
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- 8x8 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 medium apples Honeycrisp or Gala, peeled, cored, and diced small (about 1.5 cups)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon water
Bake Components
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls 5 rolls, do not unroll
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 0.33 cup packed brown sugar 67g
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon water.
- Separate the 5 cinnamon rolls from the can.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, and optional heavy cream or milk.
- Pour half of the butter/brown sugar mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Place the separated cinnamon rolls on top of the butter mixture in the baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the spiced apple mixture over the tops of the cinnamon rolls.
- Pour the remaining butter and brown sugar mixture over the apples and cinnamon rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cinnamon rolls are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, and the glaze is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.