Description
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a deliciously warm and comforting dessert combining tender cinnamon rolls with caramelized apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or dessert, featuring a rich caramel sauce and a crunchy pecan topping for an irresistible flavor and texture contrast.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 Pink Lady apple, peeled and diced
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/8 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/8 cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
For the Casserole:
- 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into fourths (icing reserved)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples. Stir frequently for about 4 minutes until the apples soften and develop a light golden brown color.
- Add Flavorings: To the skillet, add the packed light brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and coat the apples.
- Add Cream: Pour in the room temperature heavy cream and stir until the mixture is warmed through and the apples become fork-tender and fully coated with the caramel sauce. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Casserole Base: Place the cut cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared casserole dish, spreading them out evenly. Set aside the icing from the cinnamon rolls for later use.
- Add Apples on Top: Spread the cooked caramelized apples evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the casserole dish.
- Initial Bake: Bake uncovered on the middle rack of the oven for 10 minutes to start cooking the cinnamon rolls.
- Add Pecans: Remove the casserole and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top if using them, adding a crunchy texture.
- Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and fully cooked in the center. If the top browns too quickly before done, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dessert or breakfast!
Notes
- Peeled apples are recommended to ensure a smooth texture and prevent a tough bite in the casserole.
- Substitute light corn syrup for maple syrup if preferred, but maple syrup adds a richer flavor.
- Chopped pecans are optional but provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Watch the baking time closely as ovens vary; the cinnamon rolls should be golden brown and fully cooked but not burnt.
- Use room temperature heavy cream to avoid cooling down the apple mixture suddenly when added.
