If you're looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that's sure to impress, look no further than this decadent Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Fresh Apples.
Made with everyone's favorite refrigerated rolls, apples baked with a hint of cinnamon, and a cream cheese filling, this recipe is the perfect combination of warm, gooey goodness and fresh, seasonal flavors.
Craving more sweet breakfast inspiration? Be sure to explore all of my other semi-homemade and homemade cinnamon roll recipes for endless delicious ideas!
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Fall is in the air, and that means it's time for all things cozy, comforting, and cinnamon-spiced.
This is a fun twist on my favorite Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole, however, there are no eggs in this recipe. It's definitely not your typical breakfast casserole.
It is more of a sweet and decadent baked treat, perfect for a special occasion brunch or a cozy weekend morning.
Looking for more Apple Recipes? Try my Cinnamon Apple Dutch Baby, Apple Danish, and even my Apple Caramel Puff Pastry. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Why you'll LOVE this Dish:
- Wake Up to Amazing Cinnamon Rolls!
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Baking Instructions
- Before you Begin!
- Recipe FAQ's
- Recipe Tips That Worked for Me
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Why you'll LOVE this Dish:
Easy & Semi-Homemade – Uses Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for convenience while adding fresh apples for a homemade touch.
Perfect Flavor Combo – Warm cinnamon rolls paired with soft, caramelized apples create a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.
Quick & Family-Friendly – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or a simple dessert.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – No complicated steps—just bake, top with apples, and enjoy a bakery-style treat at home!
Wake Up to Amazing Cinnamon Rolls!
Check out my Deliciously Simple Cinnamon Roll Digital Cookbook for even more easy cinnamon roll recipes.
Whether it's for a holiday, weekend family brunch or a quick school morning breakfast, your family will love these easy-to-make recipes!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
NutriChef 3-Piece Ceramic Casserole Dishes for Oven - Porcelain Bakeware Dishes w/Premium Non-Stick Coating & Built-In Handles - Dishwasher & Microwave Safe - 14.7
Newness Apple Cutter Slicer, [Large Size] 16 Slices HEAVY DUTY and Pear Corer Divider with Base, [Upgraded] Cut Apples All The Way Through, Stainless Steel Fruits & Vegetables Divider, Wedger…Reston Lloyd Harvest Apple by Sandy Clough, 6pc Melamine Salad Plate Set, white, red, green (72999set)DOWAN Coffee Mugs Set of 6, 19 oz Large Porcelain Mug, Ceramic Tea Cups with Handle for Men Women, Mug Gift Set, Housewarming Wedding Gift
![Newness Apple Cutter Slicer, [Large Size] 16 Slices HEAVY DUTY and Pear Corer Divider with Base, [Upgraded] Cut Apples All The Way Through, Stainless Steel Fruits & Vegetables Divider, Wedger…](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ijpR9G3HL._SL500_.jpg)
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast, or Honeycrisp or Gala apples for a sweeter option.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top would also be a nice addition.
- Drizzle with caramel to add an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
- Want a heartier breakfast option? Just whisk a few eggs and mix them into the cinnamon rolls before adding the cream cheese layer – it's that easy!
- Not sure which apple to grab? My post on the best apples for eating and baking will help you pick the perfect one!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook the diced apples in the butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top.
Step 2: Toss to coat the apples in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Cook until the apples are fork tender.
Step 3: Microwave the cream cheese and powdered sugar, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Then gradually mix in the milk.
Step 4: Put the quartered cinnamon rolls in the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish that's been sprayed with nonstick spray. Top with the cooked apples.
Step 5: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls and apples.
Baking Instructions
Step 6: Bake at 350°F for 26-32 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Heat the icing that comes in the can of cinnamon rolls for a few seconds then drizzle over the casserole.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Before you Begin!
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Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
To reheat Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes (covered with foil) or microwave for 15–20 seconds with a damp paper towel. For a slight crisp, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes.
Recipe Tips That Worked for Me
- Avoid overheating the frosting, as it can become runny. If this happens, whisk in small amounts of powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for a tart contrast, or Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter option. The firmness ensures they hold up well during cooking.
- Stir the apples frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking or burning. If they seem to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a zip top freezer bag or air tight container for up to 2 months.
Thaw and Reheat: To reheat, thaw the portions in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
More Recipes You'll Love!
- Check out my other recipe for Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls.
📖 Recipe Card
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Fresh Apples
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 apples, peeled and diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 (12.4 ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar mixture
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and start to turn golden brown. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples and toss to coat. Take the skillet off the heat.
- While the apples are cooking, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large microwavable bowl. Microwave on High for 1 minute, pausing every 30 seconds to stir, until the cream cheese is softened. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then gradually mix in the milk.
- Set the icing from the cinnamon rolls aside in the refrigerator for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces in a 13x9-inch baking dish that’s been sprayed with non-stick baking spray.
- Top with the cooked apples, and then pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over everything.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 26-32 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the dough is cooked through.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, transfer the reserved icing to a microwave safe bowl and heat for a few seconds. Drizzle over the casserole before serving.
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