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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Roll and Caramel Apple Lasagna
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure your lasagna doesn’t stick.
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packets for later.
- Roll out the cinnamon rolls and cut them in half. Arrange the halved cinnamon rolls in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a “crust” layer.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Layer
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
- If you’d like a stronger cinnamon flavor, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the rolls at this point.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Cook the Caramel Apples
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the caramel apple layer.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into small cubes or thin slices.
- In a medium-sized skillet, combine the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the sugar has melted into a syrupy consistency.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and stir until the apples are evenly coated and the caramel has warmed through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Next, prepare the creamy layer that ties everything together.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The texture should be creamy but spreadable. If you want a slightly thinner consistency, you can add a little more cream or milk until it reaches the desired texture.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to layer your dessert lasagna!
- First layer: Spread the slightly cooled cinnamon roll base evenly in the baking dish.
- Second layer: Spoon the caramel apple mixture over the cinnamon rolls, spreading it out evenly.
- Third layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the caramel apples, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake the Lasagna
- After assembling, place the entire lasagna back into the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden on top.
- Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
7. Final Touches
- Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch (optional).
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your cinnamon roll and caramel apple lasagna into squares and serve warm, or let it cool completely and refrigerate to enjoy later. It’s delicious either way!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll and Caramel Apple Lasagna
- Apple Choice: Choose apples that hold up well when cooked, like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Avoid apples that turn mushy when heated.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made ahead! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge, then bake it just before serving.
- Extra Caramel: Don’t skimp on the caramel sauce—it’s the key to bringing this dessert to life. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for an indulgent finish.
- Add Texture: For extra texture, top with a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toffee bits. They add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cinnamon rolls and apples.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This Cinnamon Roll and Caramel Apple Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with layers of gooey caramel apples, soft cinnamon rolls, and a rich, creamy filling. It’s sweet, satisfying, and just the right combination of comforting flavors—cinnamon, caramel, and apple. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just enjoying it as a weekend treat, this dessert will surely become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
The best part? It’s so easy to make with just a few ingredients, yet it looks like a showstopper. So go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dessert!
Happy Baking! 🍏🍩🍮
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