This Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp is pure dessert heaven — a gooey, warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with golden, buttery cinnamon roll pieces and a sweet streusel that’s crisped to perfection. It’s the ultimate mash-up of cozy apple crisp and indulgent cinnamon rolls, and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Best of all? It comes together easily with minimal prep, making it a total lifesaver when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Make: Uses a few shortcuts (hello, store-bought cinnamon rolls!) so you get that homemade flavor without all the work.
Irresistible Texture: The warm, soft apple base contrasts perfectly with the chewy, slightly crisp cinnamon roll topping.
Crowd Favorite: This one gets rave reviews every time. It’s just nostalgic enough to feel familiar, but different enough to wow your guests.
Perfect for Fall (or Any Time Really): While it screams fall with its cozy flavors, it’s honestly fantastic all year round — especially with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweetness and structure as they bake down beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses depth to the apple filling and streusel topping. It’s the flavor backbone here.
Cinnamon: A generous amount brings that signature warm spice that both apples and cinnamon rolls crave.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch for that subtle cozy warmth that deepens the flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it’s rich and not watery.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple filling and balances the sweetness.
Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: A total time-saver and adds a decadent, chewy top layer with zero fuss.
Butter: Melted into the topping for richness and golden crisp edges.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to bind the streusel topping and give it some crunch.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
Optional Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch if you like texture.

Variations

Apple-Pear Combo: Swap out half the apples for ripe, firm pears for a fruitier twist.
Caramel Drizzle: After baking, top with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Maple Flavor Boost: Use a bit of maple syrup in place of some brown sugar for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
Go Nutty: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added crunch.
Homemade Dough: If you’re feeling ambitious, use homemade cinnamon roll dough for the topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and slice each roll into quarters. Set aside the icing packet for later (don’t toss it!). Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon roll pieces over the apple mixture.

Step 3: Make the Streusel

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until crumbly. If using nuts, mix them in now. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Bake

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the reserved icing over the top while still warm. Let cool slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for peak comfort dessert vibes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties adds dimension and keeps the flavor balanced.
Don’t overbake: Once the cinnamon rolls are golden and the filling is bubbly, it’s done! Overbaking can dry out the topping.
Let it rest: Give the crisp a few minutes to cool after baking — the filling will thicken as it sits.
Bake on a tray: To catch any bubbling juices, place your baking dish on a sheet tray — easier cleanup, zero stress.

How to Serve

This dessert practically begs to be served warm with something creamy on top.

Serve It With:

Vanilla Ice Cream: Melts into the warm crisp and creates the dreamiest bite.
Whipped Cream: A lighter option that still adds that perfect creamy balance.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent finish, it takes this crisp to a whole new level.

Bonus Idea:

Scoop it into individual ramekins before baking for cute, personal-sized servings — great for dinner parties or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften, but it’ll still taste fantastic.

Freezing

Freeze the fully baked and cooled crisp for up to 2 months. Wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds. Add a touch of water or butter to rehydrate the topping if needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough, go for it. Just cut it into small pieces and follow the same steps.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the top choices. They hold their shape and offer the perfect tartness to balance the sweet topping.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the apple mixture and even slice the cinnamon rolls a few hours ahead. Assemble just before baking for the best texture.

Do I have to use the icing packet?
Not at all! If you’d prefer a homemade glaze or want to skip it entirely, feel free. A dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp is comfort food at its finest — simple to make, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a dream. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re sharing it at a holiday table or enjoying a quiet night in. Try it once, and you might just find yourself making it again and again.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Crisp Recipe