There is nothing quite like waking up to the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but what if you could combine that cozy treat with the natural sweetness of apples? This Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe does exactly that, creating a delightful fusion of tender, baked apples filled with soft, gooey cinnamon roll dough. It’s a show-stopping dessert or brunch idea that brings a comforting sweetness with every bite, making it the perfect dish to impress friends or spoil yourself on a lazy weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe shines because of its simplicity and the wonderful harmony between each ingredient. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal, making this dish as easy as it is irresistible.
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great): These varieties offer a firm texture and natural sweetness that hold up wonderfully during baking.
- 1 can cinnamon roll dough (8 count): The base of the filling, bringing that classic cinnamon-sugar goodness with built-in icing for extra indulgence.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the apples’ tartness.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Enhances the warm spice notes and blends beautifully with the cinnamon rolls inside.
- 1 tbsp melted butter: Used to brush the apple interiors, helping to lock in moisture and add a subtle richness.
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts: For an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft fruit and dough.
- Frosting from cinnamon roll can or homemade icing: The sweet, creamy finishing touch that makes this dish truly indulgent.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the apples bake to tender perfection while the cinnamon rolls cook thoroughly without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Trim the tops off each apple, creating a little “lid.” Use a spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the core and seeds, being sure to leave about half an inch of apple walls intact. This hollowed space will cradle the cinnamon roll filling beautifully.
Step 3: Butter, Spice, and Sugar
Brush the inside of each apple generously with melted butter. Next, sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar evenly inside. This layer will dissolve during baking, infusing the apples with warm spice and sweetness.
Step 4: Roll and Stuff
Take each cinnamon roll from the can and gently roll it out just slightly, making sure it will fit snugly inside the hollowed apples without overflowing. If you’re adding nuts, you can sprinkle them on top of or mix them with the dough before stuffing. Place one cinnamon roll into each apple cavity.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the cinnamon roll dough is cooked through and golden on top.
Step 6: Icing and Serving
Once out of the oven, drizzle each apple with the frosting from your can or spoon homemade icing over the top. Serve these warm to enjoy the melting frosting mingling with the soft apples and cinnamon rolls.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A generous drizzle of creamy icing is a must, but you can also top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a pinch of extra cinnamon for contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream add a lovely touch of freshness and indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple serving of Greek yogurt for creaminess and tang. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea balances the sweetness perfectly for a cozy breakfast or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting your stuffed apples in half after baking to show off the gooey cinnamon roll inside, or serve several together on a rustic wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks for a festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may soften further, but reheating gently brings back much of their original charm.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked stuffed apples by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes to warm through gently without drying out the apples or dough. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture mushy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are recommended for their firmness and sweetness, varieties like Gala or Pink Lady also work well. Just make sure to choose apples that hold their shape when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Look for vegan cinnamon roll dough and substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use a dairy-free icing to finish for a fully vegan-friendly treat.
Can I add other fillings besides cinnamon rolls?
You can get creative by mixing in fruits like raisins or diced pears with the cinnamon roll dough, or even adding cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. Just keep in mind the baking time may slightly change.
How do I avoid the apples from leaking juice during baking?
Leaving about half an inch of apple flesh around the hollowed center helps keep them sturdy. Also, placing the apples in a snug baking dish prevents them from tipping over and spilling their juices.
Can I prepare these stuffed apples ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the apples and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them well with plastic wrap to prevent browning and dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe is one of those glorious treats that feels both comforting and special, perfect for when you want to brighten up a morning or sweeten an evening. Simple to make with basic ingredients but bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll want to share again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to apple dessert!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 stuffed apples
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully sweet and aromatic, these Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apples combine the warmth of baked apples with gooey cinnamon rolls for a comforting dessert or indulgent snack. Hollowed out apples are filled with cinnamon roll dough, baked until tender and golden, then drizzled with creamy icing for a perfect balance of fruity freshness and cinnamon-sugar bliss.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
Filling
- 1 can cinnamon roll dough (8 count)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts (as desired)
Topping
- Frosting from cinnamon roll can or homemade icing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking for the apples and cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare Apples: Cut off the tops of each apple and carefully hollow out their centers using a spoon or melon baller, leaving approximately ½ inch thick walls to hold the filling securely.
- Flavor the Apples: Brush the hollowed interiors with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar evenly inside to enhance sweetness and spice.
- Fill with Cinnamon Rolls: Slightly roll each cinnamon roll dough smaller so that it fits snugly inside each apple cavity. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for added texture before placing the rolls inside.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the apples are tender and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and golden on top.
- Add Icing and Serve: After baking, drizzle the apples generously with the cinnamon roll frosting or homemade icing. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Be careful not to hollow out too much of the apple walls to prevent leakage of the cinnamon roll filling.
- Optional nuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the gooey cinnamon roll center and soft baked apple combination.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated to maintain softness.
