A soft, buttery, flaky roll filled with chopped apples in a rich caramel-like sauce. The secret to Apple Empty Tomb Rolls? The marshmallows that melt away, leaving a silky glaze inside.
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know one of our recipes consistently goes viral. That original Empty Tomb Rolls recipe inspired this apple version — and I think these Apple Empty Tomb Rolls might be even better.
The classic version uses crescent roll dough, butter, cinnamon sugar and marshmallows. It’s ridiculously easy and delicious. I asked followers on Instagram whether they preferred apple or pumpkin for fall flavors and the apple votes inspired this twist. These Apple Empty Tomb Rolls are a bit like mini apple hand pies — but without frying.
Empty Tomb Rolls (also called Resurrection Rolls) create a caramel-like sauce inside the dough as the marshmallow melts and disappears. Apples and caramel are a natural match, so swapping apples into the filling is a perfect fit.
The Secret to Apple Empty Tomb Rolls
The secret? Marshmallows. They melt down during baking to make a glossy sweet sauce that coats the apple pieces inside the roll.
What to Serve with Apple Empty Tomb Rolls
These hot, saucy rolls are essentially bite-sized apple pie. A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is an ideal accompaniment. They’re also great on their own for a cozy fall dessert or a special brunch treat.
How to Make Apple Empty Tomb Rolls
This is one of the easiest desserts you’ll make. Start by preparing the apples.
Microwave the chopped apples for about one minute until they begin to soften—oven bake time alone won’t fully tenderize them. After microwaving, let the apples cool slightly and drain off any liquid. Removing the excess liquid is important so the filling thickens and the dough stays easy to seal.
Toss the drained apples with melted butter, mini marshmallows and cinnamon sugar. The original resurrection-roll recipes call for large marshmallows, but minis work best when combined with the apple pieces.
How to Create Empty Tomb Rolls
Separate each crescent roll triangle and press the dough out evenly. Rather than stretching or using the palm of your hand, keep your fingers close together and press across the dough to create an even layer without thinning the center too much.
Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center, fold all sides and corners up, and pinch to seal completely. Gently roll each sealed packet in melted butter, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
Set the rolls in a greased muffin tin and bake for about 10–12 minutes until golden. Let cool briefly, then enjoy.
The Most Important Step
After microwaving, the apples will release liquid. Let them cool slightly and drain off all excess liquid before mixing with the marshmallows. If you skip this, the filling will be too wet, the sauce won’t thicken properly, and sealing the dough becomes trickier. Draining ensures the rolls bake up perfectly.
Can You Make Resurrection Rolls with Biscuits?
Yes. You can use a few different dough options:
- Homemade roll dough — if you prefer from-scratch dough.
- Packaged biscuits (like Grands) — they work but give a different texture and flavor.
- Frozen Rhodes rolls — defrost fully and allow a short rise after filling for best results.
What Kind of Crescent Rolls for Empty Tomb Rolls
Original crescent roll dough is best for this recipe. Butter-flake varieties can be too rich and flaky, making it harder to keep the apple filling contained. Another key tip: keep the dough cold until you’re ready to shape the rolls and press it out on a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
What Kind of Apples for Dessert
Our favorites are Honeycrisp or a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tart. Other good choices include:
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Jonagold
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
How to Explain Resurrection Rolls
If you like telling the Resurrection Rolls story while you bake, the original Empty Tomb Rolls post outlines a simple narrative to tell children as the marshmallow “disappears” in the oven. If you don’t want the story, skip it—these still turn out incredibly tasty and crowd-pleasing.
Products that Make This Easier
These tools can simplify the process:
- Apple peeler/corer/slicer — fast and consistent slices make prep quick.
- Silpat or silicone baking mat — prevents dough from sticking while you press it out.
- Light-colored muffin tin — rolls brown quickly; a lighter pan helps prevent over-browning and is easier to clean if caramel overflows.
Related Apple Recipes
Want more apple desserts? Try easy apple pie filling, apple cheesecake bars, apple pie bombs, Instant Pot apple crisp or apple pie pull-apart bread for other crowd-pleasing treats.
How to Make Apple Empty Tomb Rolls
Recipe at a glance:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a muffin tin.
- Peel, core and slice 1 Honeycrisp apple. Cut into 1″ chunks and microwave 1–1½ minutes until barely tender.
- Let apples cool, then drain all liquid. Pour 1 tablespoon melted butter over the apples, add 1½ tablespoons cinnamon sugar and 1½ cups mini marshmallows; gently combine.
- Press out each crescent roll triangle on a silicone mat. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold up and pinch to seal. Roll in remaining melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar.
- Place in the greased muffin tin and bake 10–12 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving.
Recipe Notes
Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar or marshmallows to taste. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2–4 days.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: 126 kcal, 18 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat, 1 g protein. Nutrition is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
