Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is the ultimate cozy dessert for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and creamy desserts. Layers of soft cinnamon roll dough, sweet cinnamon apples, creamy cheesecake-style filling, and a buttery cinnamon topping come together in one irresistible dessert.

This easy apple cinnamon roll dessert is perfect for fall baking, Thanksgiving, holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you're craving something warm, gooey, and comforting. It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

• Combines cinnamon rolls and apple pie in one dessert
• Rich, creamy, and gooey texture
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings
• Great make-ahead dessert
• Delicious served warm or chilled
• Pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Layers

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, approximately 12 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Creamy Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Topping

• Reserved cinnamon roll icing
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Best Apples for Apple Lasagna

For the best texture and flavor, use apples that hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn are excellent choices.

You can also combine a tart apple with a sweeter variety for a more balanced filling.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Place the sliced apples in a large skillet with the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice.

Cook over medium heat for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.

Step 3: Thicken the Apple Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.

Pour the mixture into the skillet with the apples and stir well.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the apple filling becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.

Add the vanilla extract and egg.

Mix until creamy and well combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll cans and separate the rolls.

Slice each cinnamon roll into thin pieces.

Flatten the pieces slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

Reserve the icing for later.

Step 6: Create the First Layer

Arrange approximately half of the sliced cinnamon roll pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Try to cover as much of the bottom as possible.

Brush lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with a little cinnamon.

Step 7: Add the Cream Cheese Layer

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the first cinnamon roll layer.

Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

Step 8: Add the Apple Filling

Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Spread the apples gently so every portion gets plenty of filling.

Step 9: Add the Final Cinnamon Roll Layer

Arrange the remaining cinnamon roll pieces over the apples.

Brush lightly with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Step 10: Bake

Bake uncovered for approximately 30–40 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll layers are golden brown and cooked through.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 11: Add the Icing

Allow the dessert to cool for approximately 10–15 minutes.

Warm the reserved cinnamon roll icing slightly if necessary, then drizzle it over the top.

Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.

Step 12: Serve

Slice and serve warm.

For an extra indulgent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Don't Slice the Apples Too Thick

Thinly sliced apples soften more evenly and create a better layered texture.

Let the Apple Filling Cool Slightly

Very hot apples can make the cream cheese layer difficult to spread and may affect its texture.

Don't Overfill the Layers

Keep each layer relatively even so the dessert bakes uniformly.

Check the Center Before Removing It

The cinnamon roll dough should be cooked through in the center. If the top is golden but the middle is still doughy, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.

Let It Rest Before Slicing

Allowing the dessert to rest for 10–15 minutes helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Can I Use Apple Pie Filling?

Yes. If you're short on time, you can replace the homemade apple mixture with approximately 21 ounces of prepared apple pie filling.

Simply spread the pie filling over the cream cheese layer and continue with the recipe.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna Variations

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers and over the finished dessert for an irresistible caramel apple version.

Pecan Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Add chopped toasted pecans to the apple filling and sprinkle more over the top.

Maple Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Add 1–2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the apple filling for a warm maple flavor.

Apple Pie Spice Version

Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with your favorite apple pie spice blend.

Caramel Cream Cheese Version

Swirl 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the cream cheese mixture before spreading it over the cinnamon roll layer.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

This dessert is delicious on its own, but a few toppings can make it even more special.

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar
• Chopped pecans
• Extra cinnamon roll icing
• Warm apple caramel sauce

How to Store Leftovers

Because this dessert contains cream cheese, cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate leftovers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

For individual portions, microwave for approximately 20–30 seconds at a time until warm.

You can also cover the baking dish with foil and reheat it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna?

Yes, although the texture of the cream cheese layer may change slightly after freezing.

Allow the dessert to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to approximately 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble it several hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is going directly from the refrigerator to the oven.

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely. Homemade cinnamon roll dough can be used instead of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to cook properly in the layered dessert.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes. Canned apple pie filling is a convenient shortcut and works very well in this recipe.

Why is my cinnamon roll center doughy?

The layers may be too thick or the oven temperature may vary. Cover the top with foil and continue baking until the center is fully cooked.

Can I leave out the cream cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cream cheese layer for a simpler apple cinnamon roll dessert, although the cream cheese adds a rich cheesecake-like texture.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9x13-inch baking dish works best for the quantities listed in this recipe.

Recipe Card

Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cinnamon Roll Layers:

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Topping:

• Reserved cinnamon roll icing
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook sliced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice for 5–7 minutes.
3. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the apples. Cook until slightly thickened, then cool slightly.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add vanilla and egg and mix until creamy.
6. Separate and slice the cinnamon rolls into thin pieces, reserving the icing.
7. Arrange half of the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the first layer.
9. Add the apple filling.
10. Arrange the remaining cinnamon roll pieces on top.
11. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.
12. Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
13. Cool for 10–15 minutes.
14. Drizzle with the reserved icing and add chopped nuts if desired.
15. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna brings together everything you love about classic comfort desserts: soft cinnamon rolls, warm cinnamon apples, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet icing.

It's an easy dessert that feels special enough for holidays but simple enough to make whenever a sweet craving hits. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate apple cinnamon treat.

Save this Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna recipe and make it for your next family gathering, holiday dinner, or cozy weekend dessert!