Cinnamon Apple Pull Apart Bake

This cozy dessert combines soft cinnamon roll dough, tender apples, warm spices, and a gooey glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

For the Bake:

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water

For the Glaze:

• Icing from cinnamon roll cans
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened, optional for richness)
• 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
3. Add apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir well.
4. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to the apples. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and apples soften (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 2: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing packets aside for later.
2. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the cinnamon roll pieces on the bottom.
3. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the rolls.
4. Add the remaining cinnamon roll pieces, then top with the rest of the apples.
5. Drizzle with 2 tbsp melted butter.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together the reserved icing, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour glaze over the warm bake.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra treat.

Benefits

• Comfort food: Combines apple pie and cinnamon rolls in one.
• Customizable: Swap apples for pears, peaches, or berries.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for holidays, brunches, or potlucks.
• Quick prep: Uses ready-made cinnamon rolls for convenience.