This puffy cinnamon roll casserole layered with apple pie filling is simple to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for family breakfasts or a cozy dessert.
If you ever loved the discontinued McDonald’s cinnamon roll, this easy version will make you happy. Inspired by a viral TikTok hack, the recipe delivers a fluffy, bakery-style treat using store-bought cinnamon rolls and a buttery brown sugar syrup folded together with apple pie filling.
Why This Cinnamon Roll and Apple Pie Filling Recipe Works
- Easy: Combine canned apples, store-bought cinnamon rolls, and a quick caramelized brown sugar-butter syrup in a baking dish and bake. This one-pan recipe keeps cleanup minimal and results in a warm, comforting dish.
- Versatile: While this version uses apple pie filling, you can swap in other fruit fillings—peach, cranberry, or mixed berries—for different flavors.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults love the soft, sweet rolls with pockets of cinnamon-spiced apples. Serve for a special breakfast, brunch, or a simple weekend dessert.
- Budget-friendly: It relies on pantry staples and affordable store-bought pastry and canned pie filling, making it accessible and convenient.
- Feeds a crowd: Baked in a single 9×13 pan, this casserole is easy to double and ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday mornings.
Ingredient Description
- Cinnamon rolls: Use store-bought cans of cinnamon rolls; two 17.2-ounce cans are ideal for a 9×13 pan.
- Apple pie filling: Canned or homemade apple pie filling works. Choose a filling with less excess liquid; chop larger apple pieces if you prefer smaller bites.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is melted and combined with sugar and spices to form a syrup that flavors and helps crisp the rolls.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and creates a glossy, flavorful topping.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon for warmth and a pinch of allspice for depth complement the apple filling.
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer a different topping than the tube icing, make a cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with a little milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Vanilla icing or a simple caramel drizzle also pairs nicely. Keep in mind that swaps can slightly alter texture and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below are visual steps and a concise overview to guide you through the process. Full details are in the recipe card further down.
Step 1: Preheat the oven and melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and ground cinnamon and allspice to form a syrup, then set aside.
Step 2: Remove the cinnamon rolls from their tubes and cut each roll into quarters. Work quickly so the dough doesn’t soften too much.
Step 3: Place the cinnamon roll pieces into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Add the apple pie filling and pour about three-quarters of the butter-sugar syrup over the mixture. Gently fold to combine without overmixing.
Step 4: Pour the remaining butter mixture over the top, cover with foil, and bake until puffed and golden. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp the edges. Drizzle with icing while still warm before serving.
Maur’s Tips
- Cut the rolls just before combining them with the apples to prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
- If the filling seems too wet, gently squeeze some of the extra juice from the apples to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Trim large apple chunks if you prefer smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Enjoy this dish fresh for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or refrigerate up to four days. Freezing is not recommended after baking.
Recipe FAQs
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I change the glaze? Yes. Use a cream cheese glaze, vanilla icing, or a caramel drizzle instead of the packaged icing.
Can this be frozen? You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Thaw and bake when ready; freeze-after-baking results vary.
How do I avoid soggy or dry results? Reduce excess liquid from the canned filling if needed, bake at 350°F covered for most of the time, and uncover for the final minutes to crisp the top.
Recipe
Cinnamon Roll With Apple Pie Filling
Equipment
- 9 x 13 casserole dish
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Hand whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter plus more to grease the pan
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 (17.2-ounce) cans cinnamon rolls
- 2 (21-ounce) cans fruit (apple) filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice to combine. Set aside.
- Place wax or parchment paper on a flat tray. Remove the rolls from their tubes and cut each roll into four pieces.
- Place the cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared casserole dish.
- Scoop the apple filling from the can, leaving most of the excess juice behind. Add the apple pieces to the dish and drizzle about three-quarters of the butter-sugar mixture over the top.
- Gently fold the ingredients together without overmixing. Pour the remaining butter mixture over the surface.
- Cover with foil and bake for 28 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned. Remove the foil and bake 5–7 more minutes to crisp the edges.
- Warm the packet icing from the cinnamon roll cans briefly until pourable, or use your prepared glaze. While the casserole is still warm, drizzle icing over the top and serve.
Notes
- Work quickly when cutting the cinnamon rolls to keep the dough from becoming too soft.
- To avoid a soggy casserole, gently squeeze excess juice from the canned apples before adding them.
- Cut larger apple chunks into smaller pieces if preferred.
- Leftovers: store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days. Avoid freezing after baking for best texture.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may not be accurate. Use discretion for dietary choices.
Nutrition
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and sharing your experience in the comments. Your feedback is appreciated.
PEACE & LOVE
Maureen