Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna: Prepare to have your dessert dreams redefined! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie and cinnamon rolls colliding in a decadent, layered masterpiece. This isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience, a showstopper that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, the beauty of Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna lies in its modern ingenuity. It takes the beloved flavors of classic American comfort food and elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence. Think of it as a playful twist on the traditional lasagna, swapping savory ingredients for sweet, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and surprisingly innovative.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The soft, gooey cinnamon rolls provide a delightful chewiness, while the tender, spiced apples offer a burst of fruity sweetness. The creamy, rich glaze drizzled over each layer ties everything together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a special treat for your loved ones. Get ready to bake up a slice of happiness!

Ingredients:

• For the “Pasta” (Apple Slices):
• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed for desired consistency
• Optional Toppings:
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Cinnamon sugar

Preparing the Apple Slices

Okay, let’s start with the foundation of our lasagna – the apple slices! This step is crucial because we want to prevent the apples from browning and ensure they have a nice, slightly softened texture after baking.

1. Peel, Core, and Slice: First things first, peel all six of your Granny Smith apples. Then, using an apple corer or a sharp knife, remove the cores. Now comes the slicing. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can be a lifesaver here, ensuring uniform thickness. If you don’t have one, just take your time and try to keep the slices as consistent as possible.
2. Lemon Juice Bath: Place the apple slices in a large bowl. Pour the lemon juice over them and gently toss to coat. The lemon juice will help prevent browning and add a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. Make sure all the slices are lightly coated.

Making the Cinnamon Roll Filling

Now for the heart and soul of our Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna – the gooey, cinnamon-spiced filling! This is where all the magic happens, so let’s get started.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a smooth and even filling. Use an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) for best results. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Spices and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. The aroma at this point should be absolutely divine!

Assembling the Lasagna

This is where the fun really begins! We’re going to layer the apple slices and cinnamon roll filling to create our lasagna masterpiece.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking and make it easier to serve.
2. First Layer (Apples): Arrange a layer of apple slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. You want to create a solid base that covers the entire bottom of the dish.
3. Second Layer (Filling): Spread about one-third of the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the apple slices. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the filling is distributed uniformly.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of apple slices and filling two more times, ending with a final layer of apple slices on top. You should have three layers of apples and three layers of filling in total.
5. Final Layer (Apples): Arrange the final layer of apple slices neatly over the top of the lasagna. This layer will get beautifully caramelized in the oven.

Baking the Lasagna

Time to bake our creation! The baking process will soften the apples, melt the filling, and create a warm, comforting dessert.

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the top layer of apples from browning too quickly. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before frosting. This will allow the filling to set a bit and prevent the frosting from melting too much.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

No cinnamon roll lasagna is complete without a generous layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting! This frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to our dessert.

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Again, an electric mixer is your best friend here. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want a frosting that is spreadable but not too runny.

Frosting and Serving

The final step! Let’s frost our lasagna and get ready to enjoy this delicious treat.

1. Frost the Lasagna: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled lasagna. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and even layer.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, or dust with cinnamon sugar. These toppings add extra flavor and visual appeal.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the lasagna into squares and serve warm. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips and Variations:

• Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
• Nutty Goodness: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon roll filling for a nutty crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the lasagna before or after frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Individual Servings: For individual servings, you can assemble the lasagna in ramekins or small baking dishes.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna!

Conclusion:

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the warm, comforting hug of cinnamon and apples, layered with the playful sweetness of cinnamon rolls, all baked into a show-stopping masterpiece. Honestly, if you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your family and friends, and leave them begging for more, this is it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise, it’s much easier to make than it looks!

Why You Absolutely Need to Make This:

This recipe is a must-try because it combines the best parts of two beloved desserts: the gooey, irresistible pull-apart nature of cinnamon rolls and the comforting, layered goodness of lasagna. The result is a unique and unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual Sunday brunch to a festive holiday gathering. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is pure heaven! The ease of using pre-made cinnamon rolls cuts down on prep time significantly, making this a surprisingly simple dessert to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. And let’s be real, who can resist the combination of apples, cinnamon, and sweet cream cheese frosting? It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving and customizing this Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna. For a classic presentation, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle it with caramel sauce or a homemade apple cider reduction.

Want to switch things up? Consider these variations:

* **Berry Blast:** Replace the apples with a mix of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a summery twist.
* **Chocolate Lover’s Dream:** Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon roll layers or drizzle the finished lasagna with melted chocolate.
* **Pumpkin Spice Perfection:** Use pumpkin pie filling instead of apples for a fall-inspired treat. A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice will enhance the flavor even further.
* **Caramel Apple Delight:** Use caramel flavored cinnamon rolls and add a layer of salted caramel sauce between the apple layers.
* **Nutty Indulgence:** Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the apple filling for added texture and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature version of this amazing dessert.

Your Turn to Bake!

I truly hope you give this Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna a try. It’s a recipe that’s close to my heart, and I know it will become a favorite in your home too. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and stories on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried and how your family and friends enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this unforgettable **Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna**!

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