Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake (Easy, Cozy Breakfast Bake)

If you’re feeding a busy family and still want something that feels special, this Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is about to become one of your go-to recipes.

Between school mornings, sports practices, and feeding four kids with very serious appetites, I need recipes that actually work in real life. This one checks every box. It’s easy, cozy, and feels like something you’d serve on a holiday morning, but it’s simple enough for a random weekend when you want a warm breakfast without standing in the kitchen all morning.

This bake starts with store-bought cinnamon rolls, gets layered with a lightly sweet custard, and is finished with tender cinnamon apples that bake right into everything. The result is soft in the middle, golden on top, and absolutely irresistible fresh out of the oven. My kids were hovering before it even cooled.

If you love recipes that feel homemade without being complicated, this one is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

This recipe is a favorite in our house for so many reasons.

It’s incredibly easy to prep with simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
It feeds a crowd and is perfect for family breakfasts, holidays, or brunch.
It tastes like a bakery-style cinnamon roll casserole with minimal effort.
You can prep it ahead and bake it fresh in the morning.

Whether you’re making this for Christmas morning, a cozy weekend, or just because your kids asked for something sweet, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple while still tasting amazing.

For the cinnamon roll bake:

• Cinnamon rolls, quartered
• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Maple syrup or sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

For the apple topping:

• Apples, peeled and diced
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

For finishing:

• Icing packets from the cinnamon rolls

Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish well. Add the quartered cinnamon rolls evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup or sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon rolls, making sure everything is coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Apples

In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

While the bake is still warm, drizzle the icing over the top. Slice and serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Bake

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so they hold their shape.
Cut cinnamon rolls into even pieces for consistent baking.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil near the end.
Serve warm for the softest, gooey texture.

This recipe reheats well, but it’s definitely best fresh out of the oven.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can assemble this bake the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. This makes it perfect for holidays or busy mornings.

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

This bake is rich and cozy, so it pairs well with simple sides:

• Fresh fruit
• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Coffee or hot cocoa

It’s a complete breakfast on its own, but those extras make it brunch-worthy.

Helpful Tools I Use for This Cinnamon Roll Bake

These simple kitchen tools make this apple cinnamon roll bake come together easily and bake evenly every time:

• 9×13 baking dish – the perfect size for a fluffy, custardy bake
• Mixing bowls – one for the custard and one for the apples
• Whisk – helps the eggs and cream blend smoothly
• Sharp knife – for dicing apples and cutting cinnamon rolls
• Nonstick cooking spray – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier

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More Cozy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this apple cinnamon roll bake, here are a few more cozy, family-favorite recipes from Kay’s Clean Eats to try next:

• Blueberry Coffee Cake – soft, buttery, and perfect for slow mornings
• Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread – fun, festive, and great for sharing
• Honey Butter Baked Carrots – a sweet side dish that pairs well with brunch spreads
• Reindeer Crunch Snack Mix – an easy make-ahead treat for holidays and gatherings

These recipes are perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different apples?

Yes. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith all work well. Avoid very soft apples. Granny Smith are our favorite.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the best texture, but half-and-half can work in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be frozen. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake is everything I want in a family recipe. It’s easy, comforting, and feels special without being complicated. It’s the kind of recipe that creates memories around the table, and those are my favorite ones to share.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for your family. Leave a comment below or tag me so I can see it.

Happy cooking,
Kay 🤍