Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake with Pillsbury Grands
Transform store-bought cinnamon rolls into an indulgent breakfast casserole by cutting them into pieces and baking with spiced apples and brown sugar butter. The rolls become tender and pull-apart while the apples add natural sweetness and texture. Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or feeding a crowd without the fuss of making dough from scratch. The microwave-softened apples cook evenly throughout, and the extra brown sugar butter creates a caramelized coating that makes each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, 5 rolls
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and spray pie plate with nonstick cooking spray
- 2
Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water in bowl
- 3
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes until apples are slightly translucent
- 4
Drain apples well
- 5
Cut each cinnamon roll into 6 pieces and sprinkle evenly in prepared pan
- 6
Sprinkle drained apples over cinnamon roll pieces
- 7
Mix melted butter and brown sugar together and pour over apples and rolls
- 8
Bake for 28-33 minutes until cooked through in center
- 9
Heat included icing for 10 seconds until pourable
- 10
Stir heavy cream into icing to make glaze and pour over casserole
- 11
Serve warm or at room temperature
Tips
Drain the microwaved apples thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy during baking.
Cut the cinnamon rolls while they're still cold from the refrigerator - they'll be easier to slice and won't fall apart as much.
For extra richness, substitute the optional milk with heavy cream in the glaze for a more decadent finish.
Good to Know
tightly covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days
can assemble without baking up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate
warm or room temperature
Common Mistakes
drain apples thoroughly to avoid soggy texture
don't overbake or rolls will become dry and tough
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
requires additional prep time
FAQ
Can I use a different type of canned cinnamon rolls?
Yes, any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work. Adjust baking time if using smaller or larger rolls, and cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What if I don't have a microwave for the apples?
Cook the apple mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are slightly softened. Drain well before adding to the rolls.
How long will this keep and can I freeze it?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 1 month, but the texture may be slightly different when reheated.