If you are craving a warm, cozy dessert that doubles as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, you will absolutely love this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls mingling with fresh apples and crunchy pecans, all baked into one gooey, flavorful casserole. It’s comfort food at its finest, layered with the perfect balance of spice, nuttiness, and sweetness that never fails to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an effortlessly impressive, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating the final taste and texture. From the soft, buttery cinnamon rolls to the tartness of fresh apples and the satisfying crunch of pecans, these simple staples come together to make magic happen.
- 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The base of the bake, providing sweetness and a fluffy texture.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Adds fresh flavor and a juicy bite that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Brings a delightful crunch and a nutty depth to the dish.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and gives a caramel-like richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that holds all the flavors together with warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle layer of earthiness and complexity.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a custard-like texture when baked.
- 1/2 cup milk: Contributes to the moist, creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
How to Make Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously to ensure your bake comes out perfectly without sticking, setting the stage for the layers of deliciousness ahead.
Step 2: Cut and Layer Cinnamon Rolls
Take the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each one into quarters. Spread these pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a soft, pillowy base that will soak up all the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Apple and Pecan Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix these ingredients well, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the arranged cinnamon roll pieces. This step infuses every bite with a wonderful balance of fruity sweetness and nutty spice.
Step 4: Make the Custard Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until fully blended. This custard will soak into the cinnamon rolls and apple-pecan layer, baking everything together into a luscious, cohesive dish.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls and apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the custard seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Place the dish in your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bake turns golden brown and the center is set but still moist and tender.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
Once out of the oven, drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the top while it’s still warm. This finishing touch sends this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe over the top with sweet, creamy ribbons of glaze.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this bake warm is the key to enjoying its gooey texture and melty icing. For a lovely extra, sprinkle a few chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving, adding a little crunch and inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
This Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is rich enough to shine on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai next to it completes the cozy vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the bake in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for personal portions. You can also top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which can be hard to believe because it’s so tempting to eat it all), cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe freezes well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the bake overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm individual servings in the microwave or the whole dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. This will refresh the gooey texture and melt the icing beautifully again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh for this recipe?
While fresh apples work best for texture and flavor, you can substitute frozen apples if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture from making the bake too soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and replace the cinnamon rolls with a dairy-free brand. The recipe’s flavor will still shine through with these adjustments.
Can I add extra spices for more flavor?
Yes, you can customize the spice level with a pinch of cloves or ginger, but be careful not to overpower the delicate apple and cinnamon balance that makes this recipe so special.
What size baking dish works best for this recipe?
A 9×9-inch baking dish is ideal as it allows the layers to bake evenly without being too thick or too thin. Using a larger dish will result in a thinner bake and less gooey texture.
Can I prepare this dish the night before and bake in the morning?
Definitely! Assemble the entire bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next morning for a perfectly timed breakfast or brunch with minimal morning effort.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is truly a heartwarming dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. It combines simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy mornings and sweet moments.
Print
Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for breakfast or brunch. Featuring tender cinnamon rolls layered with spiced apples and crunchy pecans, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet icing, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Apple Pecan Mixture
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Egg Mixture
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut and arrange cinnamon rolls: Cut the refrigerated cinnamon rolls into quarters and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a base layer.
- Mix and layer apple pecan topping: In a bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cinnamon pieces in the baking dish.
- Prepare egg custard mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour egg mixture over the bake: Evenly pour the egg custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls and apple-pecan topping, ensuring the liquid covers the ingredients to help bind everything once baked.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Add icing and cool: Remove the bake from the oven and drizzle it with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls for added sweetness and flavor.
- Serve warm: Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm to enjoy the gooey cinnamon rolls with spiced apple and pecan goodness.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- If you like a more spiced flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple mixture.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based milk and skip the icing or use a vegan glaze.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
