Next, open the cans of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. You’ll want to roll out each piece slightly to create a flat layer. Start to lay down half of the cinnamon roll pieces on the bottom of the greased baking dish, stretching them slightly so they cover the whole bottom. Once that’s complete, pour half of the apple mixture over this layer and top with a sprinkle of walnuts or pecans if you’re feeling adventurous. Repeat this process with another layer of cinnamon roll pieces, followed by the rest of the apples.
Now let’s make the cream cheese glaze! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until it’s smooth and creamy. This glaze is absolutely divine and will really tie everything together. Drizzle half of this glaze over the layers in the baking dish. Then, take the remaining cinnamon rolls and place them over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. When you pull it out of the oven, the smell will be heavenly!
Once baked, let the Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the rest of the cream cheese glaze on top. Slice it up, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve made this recipe quite a few times to get everything just right, and here are my favorite tips. First, I tested various types of apples, and I found that Granny Smith apples worked best because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully. It brings a delightful contrast to the dish.
Another thing I learned is to ensure your cream cheese is truly softened. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps in your glaze, which might not be ideal. I find keeping the cream cheese out for about an hour before mixing makes all the difference. Plus, your kitchen will smell divine as it warms up!
Finally, don’t skip the resting period after baking. Allowing this lasagna to cool for a bit helps the layers to set, making it easier to slice. Trust me, you’ll appreciate a clean cut and neatly stacked layers for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not rolling out the cinnamon rolls enough. If you just place them straight from the can without stretching or flattening them, you might end up with uneven layers and gaps. Take that extra minute to make sure they cover the bottom of the dish well! (See the next page below to continue…)