This Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp is the dessert you didn’t know you needed—but once you try it, there’s no going back. It’s a mouthwatering mash-up of warm, cinnamon-sugar baked apples and gooey cinnamon rolls, all bubbling together under a golden, caramelized topping. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. This is not just dessert—it’s comfort food in its finest, most delicious form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Easy: Store-bought cinnamon rolls take the hassle out of baking, and the crisp comes together in one dish—no fancy tools needed.
Perfectly Cozy Flavors: Think warm apples, buttery cinnamon swirls, and a sweet crisp topping that all melt into one gooey, spiced bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the kind of dessert that has everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even licking the plate.
Customizable: Add nuts, swap fruits, or drizzle with caramel—it’s endlessly flexible and always delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these pantry-friendly ingredients and let the magic begin:

Cinnamon Rolls: Use store-bought cinnamon roll dough with icing included. This saves time and adds a chewy, gooey texture with plenty of cinnamon flavor.
Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance and texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
Cinnamon: Enhances the warm spice flavor throughout the entire dish.
Nutmeg: Optional, but a pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle richness to the apple filling.
Butter: Melted butter helps create that irresistible, golden crisp topping and adds richness to the apple filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the apple mixture slightly and form the crumbly crisp topping.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings out the best in the apples and ties everything together.
Optional Toppings: Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, and a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas to play with:

Berry Twist: Mix in a handful of raspberries or cranberries with the apples for a fruity punch.
Nutty Crunch: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for added crunch and flavor.
Caramel Explosion: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a sweet, sticky finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and a flour substitute like almond or oat flour.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel and slice the apples, then toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, vanilla, and melted butter until well coated. Spread this mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Rolls

Slice each cinnamon roll into quarters or smaller bite-size pieces. Scatter them over the apple mixture, pressing them gently into the apples.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 4: Drizzle with Icing

Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll package all over the top. Don’t skip this—it’s the final sweet touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Mix of Apples: Combining sweet and tart varieties gives the filling a more balanced flavor and a better texture.
Cut Rolls Evenly: Cutting the cinnamon rolls into uniform pieces helps them bake evenly and blend better with the apples.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different—start checking around the 30-minute mark. The rolls should be golden on top and cooked through.
Let It Cool Slightly: This helps the filling thicken up a bit and makes serving easier (plus, no burned tongues!).

How to Serve

This dish is a showstopper right out of the oven, but here’s how to take it over the top:

On Its Own:

Serve warm, straight from the dish, with the icing melted into every crevice.

With Ice Cream:

A big scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over a hot serving of apple crisp? Absolutely yes.

With Whipped Cream:

A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and coolness that balances the warm, sweet filling.

With Coffee:

This also makes a killer weekend brunch dessert—serve with a cup of coffee or chai for cozy morning vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. The cinnamon rolls regain their softness and the apples stay tender.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything except for the icing and refrigerate it a day in advance. Bake just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) apples works best. It gives you a great texture and a more complex flavor.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, go for it! Just make sure they’re cut into small pieces so they bake through.

How do I keep the cinnamon rolls from getting too soggy?
Make sure the apples aren’t too juicy—tossing them in a bit of flour helps. Also, don’t over-pack the dish; some space between the rolls allows for better browning.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, indulgent, and packed with cozy flavor that makes any day feel special. Whether you’re serving it up for guests or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite. Try it once—and thank yourself later.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp Recipe