Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp is a cozy, decadent dessert that combines warm, spiced apples with a gooey cinnamon roll topping. It’s like your favorite apple crisp and cinnamon roll had the perfect fall-inspired baby. With tender baked apples, a cinnamon-sugar glaze, and soft cinnamon roll bites, this dessert is both comforting and irresistibly indulgent.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

granny smith or honeycrisp applesbrown sugarsugarcinnamonnutmegcornstarchlemon juicevanilla extractrefrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)butter (optional, for richness)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss them with brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.

Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Cut the refrigerated cinnamon rolls into quarters and place them evenly over the top of the apples.

Dot with a few small pieces of butter if desired for extra richness.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the cinnamon rolls are golden and cooked through.

Drizzle the included icing over the top while still warm.

Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.

Mix in some pears for a fruit blend.

Top with a brown sugar crumble in addition to the cinnamon rolls for extra texture.

Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar before baking for more spice.

Use mini cinnamon rolls for more topping coverage.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.Best enjoyed warm and fresh, as the cinnamon rolls may soften over time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Just cut them into small pieces before topping the apples.

What are the best apples to use?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best for their firm texture and tart-sweet flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the apples ahead and refrigerate. Add cinnamon rolls and bake just before serving.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s indulgent, but balanced by the tartness of the apples—adjust sugar to your taste.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, for convenience, but fresh apples offer the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze it?

Not recommended—the cinnamon rolls may become soggy when thawed.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is preferred for a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on if you like.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on high for 2–2½ hours, until the rolls are puffed and apples are soft.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp is the perfect fall dessert mashup—easy to make, delightfully gooey, and full of warm cinnamon-spiced flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this dessert brings together two favorites in one irresistibly comforting dish.