Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines the gooey comfort of cinnamon rolls with tart apple pie filling for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish that’s ready in under an hour. This easy recipe uses canned cinnamon rolls and store-bought filling, making it beginner-friendly while delivering bakery-fresh flavor with warm spices and creamy icing drizzle.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
- 2 cans (17.5 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (e.g., Pillsbury Grands!), icing packets reserved
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp apple pie spice or cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or streusel topping (½ cup brown sugar, 4 tbsp melted butter, ½ cup flour)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Open cinnamon roll cans, set icing aside (refrigerate), and cut rolls into quarters or sixths. Place pieces in a large bowl.
Stir apple pie filling into the bowl, coating rolls evenly. Transfer to baking dish, spreading flat. Whisk eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, apple pie spice, and salt; pour over mixture. Gently stir to coat. Let rest 30 minutes (or overnight covered in fridge for make-ahead).
Bake 35-50 minutes until golden, center set, and no longer doughy (cover with foil if browning too fast). Cool 5-10 minutes, then drizzle with warmed icing. Serve warm with maple syrup.
For streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, and melted butter into crumbs; sprinkle pre-bake for crunch.
Tips for Success
Use Grands! for fluffier texture; smaller rolls work too. Drain pie filling slightly if watery. Overnight rest enhances flavor as custard soaks in. Store leftovers covered up to 3 days; reheat at 325°F. Variations: Swap apples for peach filling or add pecans.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
460 calories, 20g fat, 65g carbs, 6g protein. Adjust for brands/sizes.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble night before, refrigerate, bake morning of—let rest 20 minutes room temp first.
Homemade cinnamon rolls?
Substitute quartered dough; increase bake time 10 minutes.
Dairy-free?
Use almond milk/egg replacer; coconut cream works.
Why heavy cream?
Creates custard-like soak for tender rolls.
Freezes well?
Assemble unbaked, freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight, bake.
This casserole transforms pantry staples into fall comfort food, perfect for holidays or lazy weekends.
