Name: Three Ingredient Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 can cinnamon rolls (regular size) (Use ones with icing for extra sweetness.); 2 cups diced apples (About 2 medium apples; Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well.); 1/2 cup caramel sauce (Store-bought or warmed jarred caramel.)

I still smile thinking about the first time I made this Three Ingredient Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole — it feels like a cozy brunch shortcut that somehow tastes like a bakery treat. Layered diced apples, torn cinnamon roll pieces and a generous drizzle of caramel bake into a bubbly, sticky casserole that’s ideal for mornings, potlucks, or an easy dessert. If you already love simple cinnamon-roll bakes, you might enjoy this riff as much as I do — and it’s in the same easy-dessert family as other three-ingredient treats for fuss-free hosting.

Why you’ll love this dish

This casserole hits a sweet spot: it’s fast, comforting, and requires almost no skill. Using canned cinnamon rolls and jarred caramel keeps prep under 10 minutes, yet the oven transforms the components into a warm, tender bake with golden edges and caramel pockets. It’s great for:

Busy weekend brunches when you want something impressive with minimal effort.
Kid-friendly breakfasts or after-school desserts.
Holiday mornings when you’d rather spend time with family than standing at the stove.

“A simple, show-stopping casserole — the caramel makes it feel indulgent without hours of work.”

Step-by-step overview

You’ll spread diced apples in a greased dish, cut canned cinnamon rolls into pieces and layer them over the fruit, pour caramel across the top, then bake until the rolls are golden and the caramel is bubbly. That’s it — a straightforward path to a sticky, comforting casserole that’s best served warm.

What you’ll need

1 can cinnamon rolls (regular size — use the ones with icing if you want extra sweetness)
2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well)
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or warmed jarred caramel)

Substitution notes:

Use firm apples for texture; softer varieties can turn mushy.
For a lighter option, use reduced-sugar caramel or cut the caramel to 1/3 cup and add a dusting of cinnamon.
Want a nuttier bite? Stir 1/4 cup chopped pecans into the apples.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the diced apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. If you like, toss the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and scatter the pieces over the apples in a single, even layer.
Drizzle the caramel sauce across the top so it settles into nooks and between roll pieces.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are puffed and golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes so the caramel sets slightly. Serve warm.

Tip: If you prefer softer apples, sauté the diced apples for 3–4 minutes with a pat of butter and a pinch of cinnamon before layering. For inspiration on similar caramel-apple ideas, see this variation on cheesecake bars that also pairs apple and caramel beautifully: caramel apple cheesecake bars.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve warm from the oven on a large platter and spoon portions onto plates.
Top with the canned icing (if your rolls included it) or a simple cream cheese glaze for richness.
Pair with brewed coffee, a latte, or a spiced cider for brunch.
For an after-dinner dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerator: Store baked leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–40 seconds, or reheat the whole pan in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing: After baking, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. You can also assemble (but not bake) the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze; bake from frozen with an extra 10–15 minutes.
Food safety: Don’t leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Reheat to a hot, steaming temperature before serving.

Helpful cooking tips

Dice apples uniformly (about 1/2-inch) so they cook evenly.
If your cinnamon rolls come with icing, you can wait to add it after baking so it stays glossy; otherwise, include it before baking for a caramelized top.
Warm the caramel slightly (microwave 10–15 seconds) so it’s easier to drizzle.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or oats over the top 5 minutes before the end of baking.
Avoid overcrowding the dish — if you double the recipe, use a larger pan and check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

Creative twists

Add chopped toasted pecans and a pinch of sea salt for a salted-caramel finish.
Swap pears for apples for a milder, more delicate fruit flavor.
Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls or dairy-free caramel to make dietary adjustments.
Stir 1/2 cup of apple pie filling into the diced apples for a sweeter, spiced version — for another apple-and-caramel spin, try this easy cheesecake-style recipe that inspired similar combinations: caramel apple cheesecake dip.
Make it mini: use canned cinnamon roll bites or smaller baking dishes for individual servings.

Common questions

Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Active prep is about 8–10 minutes (dice apples, cut rolls, drizzle caramel). Bake time is 20–25 minutes, so total about 35 minutes.

Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: Yes. Reduce the caramel slightly because canned filling is sweet and saucy. Spoon the filling in an even layer, then arrange the cut cinnamon rolls on top.

Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: You can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. For longer make-ahead plans, assemble and freeze; bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Q: Is it safe to freeze the unbaked casserole?
A: Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or increase bake time if baking from frozen.

Q: Can I use jumbo cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes — just slice them into smaller pieces so the pan has an even layer. Bake time may increase by a few minutes.

Conclusion

This Three Ingredient Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a small miracle of minimal prep delivering maximum comfort — great for brunches, quick desserts, or cozy mornings. For a similar one-pan approach that emphasizes apples and cinnamon rolls, check out this easy version at 2 Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake – I Wash You Dry, and for another caramel-apple casserole take, see the recipe at Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole – Weekend Craft.