Imagine pulling a warm baking dish from the oven, filled with soft, golden cinnamon roll pieces, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and…

Place the cinnamon rolls on a cutting board.

Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces.

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Quartering the rolls allows the dough to spread throughout the casserole and bake around the apples.

Try to keep the pieces approximately the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Place the quartered cinnamon rolls into a large mixing bowl.

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Add the entire can of apple pie filling.

If the apple slices are especially large, cut them into smaller pieces before mixing.

This helps distribute the apples more evenly.

Gently fold everything together with a spatula.

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Make sure the cinnamon roll pieces are coated with the apple filling without excessively compressing the dough.

Step 4: Mix in the Nuts

Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Stir gently to distribute them throughout the mixture.

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The nuts add a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cinnamon rolls and tender apples.

If you’re preparing this dessert for someone with a tree-nut allergy, omit the nuts and check all packaged ingredient labels for allergen information.

Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared 9 × 13-inch baking dish.

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Spread it into an even layer.

Try to distribute the apple filling evenly rather than leaving all the apples in one section.

The cinnamon roll pieces will expand as they bake, so avoid packing them down too tightly.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

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Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, checking toward the end.

The top should be golden brown, and the cinnamon roll dough should be fully baked rather than wet or gummy in the center.

Because canned cinnamon rolls vary in size and formulation, baking times can differ.

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If the top begins browning before the middle is cooked, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.

For a reliable check, the dough portions in the center should reach approximately 190°F (88°C), or the manufacturer’s recommended doneness temperature if provided.

Step 7: Add the Icing

Remove the baking dish from the oven.

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Let it cool for about 5–10 minutes.

Open the icing containers that came with the cinnamon rolls.

Drizzle the icing over the warm dessert.

The residual heat will soften the glaze, allowing it to spread into the spaces between the cinnamon rolls and apples.

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For a thinner glaze, stir in a few drops of milk before drizzling.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cinnamon roll apple pie bake while it’s still warm.

Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop portions onto dessert plates.

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Enjoy it on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

The Secret to Getting Perfectly Baked Cinnamon Rolls

One common problem with this recipe is that the cinnamon rolls can look beautifully golden on top while remaining underbaked in the middle.

This happens because the apple pie filling contains moisture, and the cinnamon roll pieces are surrounded by a thick, sweet sauce.

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Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to avoid this issue.

Cut the Cinnamon Rolls Into Small Pieces

Quartering the cinnamon rolls helps them bake more evenly.