Introduction
Oh, hello there! I don’t know about you, but the smell of cinnamon and apples just takes me back to cozy afternoons, maybe a favorite movie playing in the background, and a feeling of pure comfort. If you’re craving that same warm, nostalgic feeling without spending hours in the kitchen, then you are in for a treat! Today, we’re whipping up a Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake that’s so ridiculously easy and utterly delicious, it’ll become your new go-to for a quick dessert or a sweet breakfast. Seriously, it’s almost magical how simple it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast: Minimal prep means you’re enjoying this deliciousness in no time!
- Incredibly Easy: No fancy techniques here, just simple mixing and baking.
- Perfectly Giftable: Make a batch for a neighbor or friend – it’s always a welcome surprise.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with sweet apples and crunchy nuts?
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe. You’ll find most of these are pantry staples, which is always a win in my book!
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls: These are the stars of the show, bringing that soft, sweet, cinnamon-swirled goodness.
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling: This saves so much time! It’s already spiced and thickened, ready to go.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and complements the sweet flavors beautifully. Pecans are my personal favorite, but walnuts work wonderfully too!
- Cinnamon roll icing (from the cans): We’ll use this to top it all off – it’s the perfect sweet finish.
- Cooking spray: Just a little to make sure everything releases easily.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this baking party started! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together.
- Preheat Your Oven: First things first, get that oven warming up to 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Your Dish: Grab a baking dish – a 9×13 inch one is usually perfect. Give it a quick spritz with your cooking spray. This little step is key to avoiding any sticky situations later!
- Combine the Goodness: Open up those cans of cinnamon rolls. Gently pull them apart and cut each one into about four pieces (quarters). Toss these pieces right into your prepared baking dish. Then, pour the entire can of apple pie filling over the cinnamon roll pieces. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the filling amongst the rolls.
- Add the Crunch: Sprinkle your chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the cinnamon roll and apple mixture. This is where things start to smell amazing!
- Bake to Perfection: Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for those cinnamon roll pieces to be puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through. The apples should be bubbly and fragrant.
- The Sweet Finish: As soon as it comes out of the oven, open up the icing packets that came with your cinnamon rolls. Drizzle that glorious icing all over the warm bake. It will melt and spread, creating a beautiful, sweet glaze.
Substitutions & Additions
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative! It’s all about making it your own.
- Fruit Options: Don’t have apple pie filling? You could try canned cherry pie filling or even a can of sliced peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: If nuts aren’t your thing, or if you need to keep it nut-free, just leave them out! It will still be delicious.
- Extra Spice: For an extra cozy kick, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before baking.
- Crumble Topping: Feeling ambitious? Make a quick streusel topping with flour, butter, and sugar to sprinkle over the top before baking.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can ensure your Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake turns out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the cinnamon roll pieces aren’t piled too high. They need a little space to puff up as they bake.
- Check for Doneness: If the tops are browning too quickly but the inside isn’t cooked, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
- Warm is Best: This bake is truly divine when served warm, especially with that melty icing.
- Prep Ahead (Sort Of): While you can’t really bake this ahead, you can chop your nuts and have everything else ready to go the night before. Then, it’s just a matter of assembling and baking when you’re ready!
How to Store It
Leftovers are a rare commodity with this bake, but if you happen to have some, here’s how to keep them tasting great:
Once cooled, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or warm it gently in a low oven until heated through. The icing might get a little sticky when stored, but it’s still delicious!
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this for breakfast?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic sweet breakfast option. It’s definitely a treat, so enjoy it on a weekend morning or a special occasion.
Do I have to use refrigerated cinnamon rolls?
Yes, the recipe is designed for the convenient refrigerated kind. Their texture and flavor are key to the quickness and ease of this bake.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. If you have a slightly smaller or larger oven-safe dish, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I freeze this?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. While you could technically freeze leftovers, the texture of the cinnamon rolls and apples might change upon thawing and reheating.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Oven
- Microwave for reheating
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Pecans are recommended.
- 1 packet cinnamon roll icing from the cans
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spritz it with cooking spray.2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Gently pull apart the cinnamon rolls and cut each one into about four pieces. Toss these pieces into the prepared baking dish.2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Pour the entire can of apple pie filling over the cinnamon roll pieces and gently stir to distribute.2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the mixture.2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll pieces are puffed up and golden brown, and the apples are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the warm bake.2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls