Save It A warm, gooey breakfast casserole featuring soft cinnamon rolls, tender apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle is perfect for cozy mornings or brunch gatherings. This craveable bake is the ideal treat for sharing.
I first made this caramel apple cinnamon roll bake for a weekend brunch when my family wanted something cozy but special. The reactions were enthusiastic and it quickly became a request for every holiday morning.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon Rolls: 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- Apples: 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- Egg Mixture: 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls:
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Set aside the icing for serving. Cut each roll into quarters.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Evenly spread the quartered cinnamon rolls and diced apples in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Egg Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls and apples. Gently toss to coat.
- Add Caramel:
- Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle reserved icing and extra caramel sauce over the bake before serving.
Save It The first time my kids helped cube the apples, our kitchen smelled like autumn and cinnamon. We always end up laughing together over who gets the biggest drizzle of caramel at the end.
Required Tools
9x13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, knife, and cutting board are needed to prepare this bake.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 370 calories, 13 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Substitutions & Variations
Try replacing apples with pears for a fun seasonal twist or sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top for added crunch.
Save It Slice generously and enjoy this deliciously rich bake with loved ones or as a sweet start to your day. Drizzle on extra caramel for added delight.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls work well. Ensure they are soft and slightly underbaked before assembling for best texture.
- → Which apple variety is best for baking?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their firm texture and balanced sweetness when baked.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It can be assembled the night before, refrigerated, and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- → Are nuts required for this bake?
Nuts are optional. Adding chopped pecans before baking provides a delightful crunch if desired.
- → What's the best way to serve this bake?
Serve warm, topped with reserved icing and extra caramel. Complements well with coffee or spiced chai.
- → How can I make this dessert vegetarian-friendly?
This dish is already vegetarian. Ensure caramel and cinnamon roll ingredients do not contain animal-derived additives.