I’m about to share a dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance – Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna.
Think warm layers of soft cinnamon rolls hugging sweet apple pie filling, all crowned with a drizzle of creamy icing. It’s comfort food meets dessert in the most magnificent way.
The secret lies in that brown sugar-cinnamon mixture that transforms into a caramelized wonder during baking.
And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a kitchen wizard. Ready to discover how this magical creation comes together?
Why You’ll Love this Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna
Dessert lovers, get ready for a treat that’ll make your taste buds dance! This cinnamon apple lasagna combines everything wonderful about comfort food into one irresistible dish.
I’m talking layers of quartered cinnamon rolls, sweet apple pie filling, and that magical brown sugar-cinnamon mixture that caramelizes in the oven.
What makes it special? The contrast between the soft, gooey cinnamon roll base and the warm, spiced apple layer creates the perfect texture balance.
Plus, it’s ridiculously simple to make with store-bought ingredients. The best part? That drizzle of icing on top that melts into all the nooks and crannies. Heaven on a plate.
What Ingredients are in Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna?
This delightful dessert requires just a handful of simple ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- 1 tube cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 cans apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms these basic ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, it’s all about smart layering and letting the oven work its magic.
How to Make this Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
Grab a 9×13 baking dish and grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking—nothing worse than trying to scrape dessert off the bottom of the pan.
For best results, use a high-quality premium baking dish set that distributes heat evenly for perfect golden edges every time.
Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Take 1 tube of cinnamon rolls with icing and cut each roll into quarters.
Set aside that precious icing packet—we’ll need it for the grand finale.
Step 3: Create Your First Layer
Place half of your quartered cinnamon roll pieces in the greased baking dish, spreading them out to create a somewhat even base layer.
Don’t worry about perfection here; those little gaps will get filled with gooey goodness.
Step 4: Add the Apple Filling
Spread 2 cans of apple pie filling over your cinnamon roll base.
This is where the “lasagna” starts taking shape, with those sweet apple pieces nestled between layers of cinnamon-y dough.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Spiced Sugar
Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle this heavenly combination over the apple layer.
This magical dust transforms ordinary ingredients into something that smells like autumn in your kitchen.
Step 6: Add the Final Cinnamon Roll Layer
Arrange your remaining cinnamon roll quarters on top of the apple filling, creating a cobblestone-like top layer that will puff up beautifully when baked.
Step 7: Drizzle with Butter and Bake
Pour 1/4 cup melted butter all over the top layer, letting it seep down into all the nooks and crannies.
Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells like a bakery.
Step 8: Finish with Icing
While your apple lasagna is still warm, drizzle that reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top, watching as it melts slightly into the warm dessert.
This final touch adds just the right amount of sweetness to complete your masterpiece.
What to Serve with Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna
This sweet, indulgent treat practically begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold, creamy contrast against the warm, gooey layers is simply magical.
For breakfast or brunch, pair it with some Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a tangy counterpoint.
Coffee lovers will appreciate how a strong cup of hot coffee cuts through the sweetness, while kids might prefer a cold glass of milk.
Looking for something extra? Try a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top.
And if you’re serving this for a special dessert, a small bowl of lightly toasted chopped pecans on the side lets everyone add a bit of crunch to their serving as desired.
Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna Substitutions and Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple layer for added texture.
- Fall Spice Upgrade: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers and on top after baking.
- Fancy Finish: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or toffee bits over the icing for extra decadence.
- Homemade Touch: Use homemade apple pie filling with fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice.
Leftovers and Storage for this Gooey Cinnamon Apple Lasagna
This decadent dessert keeps surprisingly well! Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until just heated through. For that fresh-baked texture, pop a serving in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Pro tip: The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making this possibly even more delicious the next day. The cinnamon rolls soften slightly while absorbing those apple pie spices.
For freezing, wrap portions tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
A quick drizzle of fresh icing or caramel sauce works wonders to refresh day-old servings!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna brilliantly marries two beloved treats into one irresistible dessert.
The genius lies in its simplicity—store-bought cinnamon rolls transformed into something that feels completely homemade.
The layers of spiced apple filling nestled between cinnamon-sugar dough create a dessert that’s both familiar and surprising.
It’s the perfect make-ahead option for holiday brunches or weekend gatherings when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen.
The warm cinnamon aroma that fills your home while it bakes is almost as rewarding as the first bite—especially when topped with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream on a cool evening.
