CARAMEL APPLE CINNAMON ROLL LASAGNA

Autumn in Every Bite: Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna

Fall Flavors Reimagined:

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is an innovative and incredibly delicious twist on classic favorites. It's a fun and guaranteed crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of fall in every single bite.

Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls intertwined with the sweet and tart notes of apple pie. This recipe takes these beloved flavors and transforms them into a unique and visually stunning lasagna. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dessert night, a special occasion brunch with loved ones, or even a unique breakfast casserole that will leave everyone wanting more.

A Symphony of Textures and Flavors:

• Warm Cinnamon Rolls: The foundation and layers of this delectable dish are built with store-bought cinnamon rolls. These offer a soft, doughy texture and the irresistible warm spice of cinnamon, creating a delightful base for the other elements.
• Sweet and Tart Apples: Peeled and diced Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples provide the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls. Granny Smith apples offer a delightful tartness, while Golden Delicious apples add a touch of mellow sweetness. No matter your preference, both varieties work beautifully in this recipe, offering a burst of juicy freshness and a delightful textural counterpoint to the soft dough.
• Gooey Caramel Bliss: Rich caramel sauce, drizzled between the layers, adds a decadent touch and evokes the feeling of classic apple pie. This gooey layer creates pockets of sweetness and ties all the elements of the dish together perfectly.

Ingredients for Your Fall Fiesta in a Pan (Serves 6-8):

The Base and Layers:

• 2 (12-count) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (use the dough only, reserve icing for garnish): These beauties form the foundation and layers of the lasagna, offering the signature soft and doughy texture we all know and love.

The Apple Filling:

• 4 large apples (approximately 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and diced (choose Granny Smith for tartness or Golden Delicious for sweetness): The star of the apple filling! Choose your apple variety based on your desired level of tartness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and creates a delightful caramelized texture when baked.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the natural apple flavor and complements the warm spice of the cinnamon rolls.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of warm and slightly sweet spice, deepening the flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling slightly, preventing it from becoming too runny and ensuring the perfect texture.

The Decadent Drizzle:

• ¼ -⅓ cup caramel sauce (or salted caramel sauce if preferred): This adds a gooey and rich element, reminiscent of classic apple pie and creating pockets of delightful sweetness throughout the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fall Baking Magic:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8x8x2 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the lasagna from sticking.
2. Applelicious Filling: In a large bowl, toss together the diced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the apples are evenly coated in this flavorful mixture. The sugar will help to draw out the natural juices from the apples, creating a delicious base for the filling.
3. Taming the Sticky Situation: Cinnamon rolls can be notoriously sticky when unrolled. To make things easier, dust your work surface and hands with a light coat of flour before you begin. This will prevent the dough from sticking and allow you to roll it out to a thin and even ¼-inch thickness.
4. Building the Lasagna: It's time to assemble your masterpiece! Arrange a layer of flattened cinnamon rolls along the bottom and sides of the prepared baking dish. Gently press the dough together to create a sealed base. This will hold all the delicious fillings within.
5. Sweet and Gooey Layers: Spread half of the apple filling over the cinnamon roll base. This layer adds a burst of fresh apple flavor and a delightful textural contrast. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce, creating a decadent layer that will weave its way throughout the finished dish.
6. Repeat and Top: Perfection comes in layers! Cover the caramel sauce with another layer of flattened cinnamon rolls. Repeat with the remaining apple filling and caramel sauce, finishing with a final layer of flattened cinnamon rolls on top.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: This traps steam and helps the lasagna cook evenly throughout. Bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The aroma wafting from your oven during this time will be a delightful combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and gooey caramel – a true sign of fall baking magic!
8. A Cool Down and a Finishing Touch: Let the Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny when you cut into it.
• Pro Tip: If you can resist digging in right away, letting it cool for an hour or even overnight allows the flavors to meld even more, resulting in an even more delicious experience.
9. Drizzle and Slice: Drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top of the cooled lasagna. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch. Cut the lasagna into squares using a sharp knife.
10. Serve and Savor: Enjoy this delightful and comforting Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat! The combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, sweet and tart apples, and rich caramel sauce is a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna:

• Fresh is Best (but Frozen Works Too): For the best results, use fresh apples. However, frozen apples that have been thawed and patted dry can be used in a pinch.
• Don't Over-Flatten the Rolls: When rolling out the cinnamon rolls, be careful not to flatten them too thin. You want them to be about ¼-inch thick to maintain a good texture after baking.
• Leftovers? No Problem! This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The texture may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.