Tender flattened cinnamon rolls are layered with spiced diced apples and rich caramel, then baked until bubbly and golden. A quick rest allows the sweet fruit filling to set before slicing.
4largeapplespeeled and diced (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
1/2cupsugar
1teaspooncinnamon
1/4teaspoonnutmeg
1tablespooncornstarch
1/4 - 1/3cupcaramel sauceor salted caramel sauce if you prefer
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Heat the oven to 375°F and coat the glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick spray. The dish should have an even coating across its bottom and sides.
Combine the diced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Stir until the apple pieces are evenly coated and no dry starch remains at the bottom.
Slice the cinnamon rolls into 1/4-inch rounds, then flatten each round on a floured work surface with a rolling pin or flour-dusted hands. The pieces will feel sticky, but they should become thin enough to form pastry layers.
Fit a layer of flattened dough across the bottom and up the sides of the prepared dish, pressing adjoining pieces together. Look for a joined surface without large gaps beneath the fruit.
Spread half the apple mixture over the dough, drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce, and add another layer of flattened dough. The apples should reach across the dish without piling heavily in the center.
Add the remaining apples, drizzle with more caramel sauce, and cover with the remaining flattened dough. Press the top pieces together so the fruit sits beneath a mostly continuous pastry layer.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, with bubbling filling visible near the edges.
Let the dish cool for at least 30 minutes, then drizzle with the icing from the cinnamon roll cans and slice. The filling will settle as it cools, making the layers easier to serve.
Notes
Dough handling: Dust your work surface, rolling pin, and hands lightly with flour. If a sticky slice begins to tear or pull apart, press it thin firmly using your thumbs.Baking cue: Keep the dish covered with foil during the first 30 minutes so the interior dough layers cook thoroughly before the exposed top browns.Serving tip: Allow the bake to rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting. The fruit filling thickens as it cools, helping slices hold their layered shape.Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftover portions promptly within two hours. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or warm the dish covered in the oven.Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.