Cinnamon rolls bake over a gooey caramel apple filling for a delicious fall dessert finished with vanilla icing!
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cobbler combines three delicious things: cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and caramel. The cinnamon rolls bake right on top of a sweet apple filling with cinnamon and apple pie spice, then get drizzled with icing and extra caramel. Add a scoop of ice cream while it’s still warm, and you’ve got a pretty fantastic fall dessert that’s perfect for sharing!
Flavor Profile
This cobbler has a delicious combination of sweet apples, buttery cinnamon rolls, and rich caramel. The cinnamon and apple pie spice add warmth to the filling, while the cinnamon rolls bake into a soft, golden topping. Vanilla icing adds extra sweetness, and a scoop of ice cream creates a creamy contrast to the warm apples.
Recipe Tips
Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters so they bake evenly and create a nice topping over the apple filling.
Chop larger apple slices into smaller pieces so the filling is easier to scoop and serve.
Cover the cobbler with foil for the first 20 minutes to help the cinnamon rolls cook through before the tops become too brown.
Check the center cinnamon rolls before removing the cobbler from the oven, since the apple filling keeps the dough underneath moist.
Warm the vanilla icing slightly before drizzling so it spreads easily over the cinnamon rolls.
Serve the cobbler warm with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
The Twist
Traditional apple cobbler uses a biscuit-style or cake-like topping, but this version swaps it for refrigerated cinnamon rolls! As they bake, the rolls become golden on top while soaking up some of the caramel apple filling underneath. You get all those delicious cinnamon swirls with the flavors of apple cobbler in one dessert.
Ingredient Highlights
Cinnamon Rolls: Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing create the topping and provide the sweet vanilla drizzle.
Apple Pie Filling: Canned apple pie filling keeps the recipe simple and provides tender apples in a thick, sweet sauce.
Caramel Sauce: Adds buttery sweetness to the apple filling and makes a delicious finishing drizzle.
Cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon sugar flavor in the rolls and adds warmth to the apples.
Apple Pie Spice: Brings additional fall spices to the filling, complementing the apples and caramel.
2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
½ cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon apple pie spice
2 tablespoons melted butter
For serving
Reserved cinnamon roll icing
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Extra caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the apple pie filling, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces.
Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the apple filling, leaving a little space between them so they can expand as they bake.
Brush the cinnamon roll pieces with melted butter.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–25 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and fully cooked in the center. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish again.
Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes. Warm the reserved cinnamon roll icing for a few seconds in the microwave, then drizzle it over the cobbler along with additional caramel sauce.
Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
FAQ
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works just as well. You’ll need approximately 42 ounces, and the apples should already be cooked until tender.
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown, and the dough in the center should no longer look raw or sticky. Gently lift a center piece to check the underside, since the apple filling can keep it moist.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
You can mix the apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best texture, assemble the cobbler with the cinnamon rolls just before baking.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be delicious sprinkled over the cobbler during the last 10 minutes of baking. They add a little crunch to the soft cinnamon rolls and apples.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through.
Sprinkle of Fun
Make this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cobbler as an extra dessert for Thanksgiving! Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a fun addition to the holiday dessert table.