caramel apple dessert

Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is what I make when I want a show-stopping dessert that does not ask much from me. Maybe you have guests coming over, maybe it is a cozy Sunday, or maybe you are craving something warm and gooey but do not want to fuss with pie crust. I have been there. This dessert layers soft cinnamon rolls, buttery apples, and creamy caramel into one bubbly, golden pan. It smells like an apple orchard and a bakery became best friends. When it hits the table, people lean in, and nobody waits politely for seconds.

Why Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is The Best Dessert

There is something magical about familiar flavors that just work. Cinnamon rolls are already a treat, but when you layer them with caramel-kissed apples, it turns into comfort food that feels special. It is like your favorite fall fair treat and a lazy weekend breakfast teamed up to make dessert. The textures are spot on: soft and pillowy, juicy and saucy, with tiny bits of caramel chew on the edges.

I have served this for birthdays, book club, and those evenings where I just want a sweet moment on the couch. Every time, the pan goes quiet fast. If you are the type who loves apple desserts, you will also love pairing a slice with a little cup of caramel apple cheesecake dip for extra decadence. I know, bold move, but hear me out.

The biggest win is how forgiving this recipe is. You can prep ahead, you can tweak the sweetness, and you do not need perfect knife skills. It feels like a dessert that took hours, yet it is super easy to assemble and bake. That is exactly why I keep Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna in my back pocket for holidays and last-minute invites.

“I took this to a neighborhood potluck and three people asked for the recipe before we had even finished dessert. It tastes like an apple pie hugged a cinnamon roll.”

For anyone who likes to scale up dessert for a crowd, this recipe doubles beautifully in a larger pan. It also plays nicely with ice cream on top, and if you add a drizzle of extra caramel, nobody will complain.

Pro tip: Let it rest 10 minutes after baking so the layers set. You will get neater slices and richer flavor.

Ingredient for Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Here is everything you need for one cozy pan. I keep it simple because the flavors are already all-stars.

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing (8-count each)
• 4 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional but lovely)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the apple mixture)
• Cooking spray or extra butter for the pan

Apples: If you like your dessert less sweet, use Granny Smith. If you want a sweeter bite, go Honeycrisp or Fuji. A mix is great too.

Caramel: Use a good jarred caramel or make your own. When I am feeling extra, I whip up a batch of homemade caramels and melt some into the sauce. The flavor is richer and the texture is dreamy.

Cinnamon rolls: Any brand of refrigerated dough works. If you have extra rolls to use up, you might also enjoy these fun Oreo stuffed cinnamon rolls for another easy win.

One more note: the icing packet that comes with the rolls is a keeper. We will use it at the end for a sweet finish. Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna shines with that last swipe of icing and a warm caramel drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Before you start

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
• Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate the rolls. Reserve the icing for later.
• Peel and dice apples into small, even pieces for quick cooking.

Cook the apple filling

• In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
• Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften.
• Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon cornstarch and cook 1 to 2 minutes until the juices thicken into a glossy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup caramel sauce.

Layer the lasagna

• Press and flatten half the cinnamon rolls into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Gaps are fine; they will bake together.
• Spoon half the apple mixture over the dough and drizzle with more caramel.
• Repeat with the remaining flattened rolls and the rest of the apple mixture. Finish with a light drizzle of caramel on top.

Bake and finish

• Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges bubble.
• Cool for 10 minutes. Warm the icing packet in your hands, snip a corner, and zigzag over the top. Add a final caramel drizzle if you like.
• Slice and serve while warm. The layers settle as it cools, which makes it slice beautifully.

For a clever breakfast-to-dessert twist, you can also prep this the night before and bake the next day, similar to this cozy overnight orange roll casserole.

Note: If you need a reference for playing with layered desserts, check out my favorite holiday riff, a playful Christmas cookie lasagna. Same vibe, different flavor party.

After the first time you try Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna, you will get a feel for how thick you like the apple layer. I go heavy on apples because I love the jammy texture.

Storage Options

This dessert does not last long in my house, but it stores well if you do have leftovers.

Room temperature: Keep covered at room temp for up to 1 day if your kitchen is cool. After that, move it to the fridge.

Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes until warm and soft again.

Freezer: Wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. The icing might look a bit different after thawing, but the flavor is still great. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel before serving for a glow-up.

One small tip: if you know you will freeze some, do not over-bake. A slightly softer bake reheats more tenderly later.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the apples or add crunch

If you are out of apples, try pears. They soften quickly and bring a mellow sweetness. For crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers. A handful of granola works in a pinch for texture.

Change the sauce or spice

No caramel on hand? Try a warm maple syrup drizzle or a mix of melted butter and brown sugar. Add a pinch of cardamom for extra depth or go with apple pie spice if that is what you have. Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is friendly like that.

Glaze options: Instead of the included icing, mix powdered sugar with a little cream and vanilla for a thicker drizzle. Or go chocolate if you are feeling bold and make a half-and-half swirl. If you are on a holiday kick, turn it into a festive tray and serve alongside spiced cocoa.

Love the layered dessert concept? You might also enjoy my playful, party-ready chocolate cheesecake trifle vibe on another day. And if you want more apple bakes, this big apple fritters recipe is a fun weekend project.

Once you know the rhythm, you can riff endlessly. I have even used pumpkin butter instead of caramel in October. It turned out fantastic, but the classic caramel version is still my top pick.

Common Questions

Can I prep this the night before?
Yes. Assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5 minutes if needed. The cinnamon roll dough handles an overnight rest just fine.

What apples work best?
Granny Smith for tart, Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweet. A mix is perfect. Aim for small, even dice so they soften at the same rate.

Can I make it less sweet?
Use tart apples, reduce the caramel, and skip the final icing drizzle. The warm spices will still shine.

How do I know it is done?
The top should be lightly golden and the edges bubbling. A small knife slid into the center should meet soft, cooked dough, not raw or gummy layers.

Any shortcut if I do not want to peel apples?
Use canned apple pie filling when you are short on time. Cut back on caramel so it does not get overly sweet, and add a little extra cinnamon to balance.

A Sweet Little Wrap-Up

There is a reason I keep coming back to Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna. It is simple to make, wildly comforting, and totally crowd-pleasing. The layers of tender rolls, warm apples, and silky caramel feel like a hug on a plate. If you want more inspiration or want to compare notes with other bakers, I love the versions on Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna – OMG Chocolate Desserts and Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna – That Oven Feelin, both super helpful for visual reference and tips.

If you try it, come back and tell me how it went. I am betting it becomes your new go-to for cozy nights, too.