If you’re craving a warm, sweet, and cozy treat that feels like a big, comforting hug, this Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is exactly what you need. Imagine golden-baked cinnamon rolls swirled with tender apple chunks and a blend of fragrant spices, all baked together into one irresistible dish. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, holiday dessert, or a special breakfast surprise, the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake offers gooey swirls, warm spices, and a golden finish that’s sure to delight every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: Combines the best of cinnamon rolls and apple pie into one cozy, baked dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert gatherings with family and friends.
Balanced Sweetness: The natural tartness of apples pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon for a harmonious flavor.
Homemade Aroma: Fills your kitchen with the most inviting scent of baking apples and spices.
Minimal Prep Time: Uses simple ingredients that come together quickly, so you can enjoy more time nibbling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but essential for getting that classic, comforting flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the fluffy dough to the spiced apple filling and sweet glaze.

Pre-made cinnamon roll dough: A time-saving base that gives soft, buttery rolls with perfect cinnamon swirls.
Fresh apples: Crisp and slightly tart apples add juicy texture and a natural brightness to the bake.
Cinnamon and spices: Ground cinnamon mixed with a hint of nutmeg or allspice layers in aromatic warmth.
Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and enhances caramelization during baking.
Butter: Creates a luscious, golden crust and melds the flavors together.
Vanilla glaze: A simple icing drizzle sets off each portion with creamy sweetness and shine.

Variations for Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Feel free to tweak or personalize this Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt using different fruits, spices, or health-conscious swaps.

Add nuts: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Swap fruits: Substitute apples with pears or peaches for a seasonal twist.
Use gluten-free dough: Perfect for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based dough, vegan butter, and a dairy-free glaze alternative.
Spice it up: Add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom to enhance the warm spice profile.

Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg to coat evenly.

Step 2: Arrange the Dough

Unroll the cinnamon roll dough onto a greased baking dish, gently pressing the pieces to fit together but leaving visible swirls.

Step 3: Add the Apple Filling

Scatter the spiced apple mixture evenly over the top of the dough, ensuring juicy pieces peek out from between the rolls.

Step 4: Dot with Butter

Distribute small pats of butter across the apple layer to help with browning and add richness during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the dish in a preheated oven until the dough puffs up into soft, golden-brown rolls and the apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 6: Drizzle the Glaze

Once slightly cooled, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top to melt lightly into the crevices, finishing the bake with sweetness and shine.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Choose the right apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking.
Don’t overfill: Keep apple pieces evenly spaced so the dough bakes through without sogginess.
Watch your oven temperature: Baking at a moderate heat ensures the rolls cook evenly and brown perfectly.
Butter matters: Using good-quality butter deepens flavor and helps create a glossy, appetizing crust.
Glaze while warm: Drizzling the icing while the bake is still warm helps it soak in beautifully without melting off.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Garnishes

Top your Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance, or a few cinnamon sticks on the side for aromatic charm.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert-style twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into squares and serve on a rustic wooden tray, layer with whipped cream and apple slices for a deconstructed look, or package in individual ramekins for charming gift-giving or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and soft.

Freezing

Freeze the fully baked and cooled dish by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months, perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at medium heat until warmed through or microwave individual portions for a quick refresh without losing that gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

While fresh apples are ideal for texture, canned filling can be used in a pinch; just reduce added sugar since canned filling is usually sweetened.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Using pre-made cinnamon roll dough simplifies the process, making it easy even if you’re new to baking.

How long does it take to bake the Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake?

Baking typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes, enough time for the dough to cook through and the apples to become tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, by selecting vegan cinnamon roll dough and substituting butter with a plant-based alternative, you can make this recipe completely vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to serve this for a brunch party?

Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, coffee, and perhaps a bit of cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze for guests to drizzle as they like.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is truly a warm, inviting dish that brings the best parts of fall and comfort food together in one easy, delightful recipe. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite staple in your kitchen. So grab your cinnamon rolls, fresh apples, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of gooey, spiced perfection!

Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Print Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake offers a warm, sweet, and cozy treat combining the best of cinnamon rolls and apple pie. Featuring golden-baked cinnamon dough swirled with tender, spiced apple chunks and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert any time of year.

Author: Kathy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be gluten-free and/or vegan with proper ingredient substitutions

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 package pre-made cinnamon roll dough (with cinnamon swirls)

Apple Filling

3 medium fresh apples (peeled, cored, and diced; preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or allspice)
1/3 cup brown sugar

Butter

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pats)

Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
Arrange the Dough: Unroll the pre-made cinnamon roll dough onto a greased baking dish, gently pressing the individual rolls together so they fit snugly but the cinnamon swirls remain visible for a beautiful effect.
Add the Apple Filling: Evenly scatter the spiced apple mixture over the top of the dough, making sure some apple pieces peek out between the rolls for juicy texture in every bite.
Dot with Butter: Distribute small pats of unsalted butter evenly across the apple layer to enhance browning and add delicious richness during baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough puffs up into soft, golden-brown rolls and the apples become tender and bubbling.
Drizzle the Glaze: After allowing the bake to cool slightly, prepare a simple vanilla glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls so it lightly melts into the crevices, adding creamy sweetness and shine.

Notes

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold shape during baking.
Don’t overfill the bake with apples to avoid soggy dough; space pieces evenly.
Use good-quality butter for a richer flavor and glossy crust.
Bake at moderate heat to ensure even cooking and browning of rolls.
Drizzle glaze while the bake is still warm for best absorption without melting off.
For variations, add chopped nuts, swap fruits, use gluten-free or vegan dough, or spice with ginger or cardamom.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of the bake)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: apple cinnamon roll bake, cinnamon rolls, baked apple dessert, breakfast bake, cozy dessert, spiced apples, vanilla glaze