Description
Ingredients:
– 1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1 can (8-count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (+ extra for drizzling)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
Directions:
1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good grease with some nonstick spray or butter. This will keep things from sticking – no one likes a messy cleanup!
2. Now, spread that luscious apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Just imagine that sweet, spiced aroma filling your kitchen!
3. Next, sprinkle the ground cinnamon and if you’re feeling fancy, toss in a pinch of nutmeg over the apple filling. This will add a warm, comforting flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
4. Ready for the fun part? Take your cinnamon rolls, unroll each one, and cut them into quarters. Scatter these delightful chunks evenly over the apple mixture. They’ll puff up and get all gooey while baking!
5. Drizzle half a cup of caramel sauce generously over those cinnamon roll pieces. Because more caramel is always a good idea!
6. If you’re a fan of a little crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. They add a lovely texture, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free dessert.
7. Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cinnamon rolls are puffed up and gloriously golden brown.
8. As soon as it’s out of the oven, don’t forget to drizzle a bit more caramel sauce over the top for that extra indulgence.
Slice and serve warm, and be prepared for compliments! Enjoy!
#DessertGoals #CaramelLove #EasyBaking #FallFlavors #DeliciouslySimple
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter, ensuring all corners are covered.
- Layer the Base: Open the can of apple pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish using a spatula. Break up any large chunks of apple for a uniform layer.
- Add Warm Spices: Evenly sprinkle the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and the optional 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg directly over the apple layer. Gently stir or swirl with a knife to incorporate slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Open the can of cinnamon rolls, setting the icing aside. Unroll each cinnamon roll flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each unrolled roll into four equal-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Bake: Scatter the cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the spiced apple filling. Ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- First Caramel Drizzle: Warm the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce slightly for easier pouring. Drizzle it back and forth in ribbons over the entire surface, covering the dough pieces.
- Add Crunch (Optional): If using, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll pieces are puffed, deeply golden brown, and cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove from the oven. Immediately drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll package over the hot bake. Follow with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness.
- Serve: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm. This helps the caramel set slightly for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is incredibly versatile. For the ultimate treat, serve warm scoops topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of hot and cold is divine. For a brunch option, pair a square with a cup of strong coffee. You can also garnish individual servings with a few extra pecan halves or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
How-to Summary
In short: Grease a dish, layer spiced apple pie filling, top with quartered cinnamon roll pieces, drizzle with caramel and optional nuts, then bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Finish with icing and more caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the dish up to a few hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Can I use homemade dough instead of canned rolls? Absolutely. Substitute with 1 pound of homemade sweet dough or pizza dough, cut into small pieces and tossed in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before scattering over the apples.
- How should I store leftovers? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
- What can I use instead of apple pie filling? Cherry, peach, or blueberry pie filling are excellent substitutes. Adjust spices accordingly—cinnamon pairs well with all, but nutmeg is best with apple or peach.
- My cinnamon rolls didn’t cook through in the center. What happened? This usually means the pieces were too large or crowded. Ensure you cut them into quarters and spread them in a single, even layer without overlapping too much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cutting the dough too large or piling it on causes uneven baking. Keep pieces small and evenly distributed.
- Skipping the Grease: The caramel and sugar create a sticky mess. A well-greased dish is non-negotiable for easy serving.
- Using Cold Caramel Sauce: Thick, cold caramel is hard to drizzle. Warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds first.
- Overbaking: The goal is golden-brown, puffed dough, not a dark, hard crust. Set a timer and check at the 35-minute mark.
- Adding Icing Before Baking: The included icing is meant for the finish. Adding it before baking will cause it to burn or disappear.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is the epitome of easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. It transforms simple, store-bought ingredients into a spectacular dessert that feels homemade and special. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly gooey, spiced, and indulgent treat every time. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat, this bake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Enjoy the delicious results and the even more delicious compliments that will follow!