Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen? It’s the very essence of a cozy autumn afternoon. This recipe for Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler is my answer to those busy holiday mornings when you want something incredibly special but wonderfully simple. It combines two beloved classics into one stunning, gooey dessert that feels like a warm hug. Honestly, it might just become your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
Top Reasons To Make It
You’re going to love this dessert for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy. Using pre-made cinnamon roll dough is a huge time-saver, especially during the hectic holiday season. Second, the flavor is just out of this world. The sweet, tender apples meld perfectly with the soft, spiced rolls and that decadent cream cheese frosting. And finally, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a festive breakfast or as a show-stopping dessert after the big meal, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
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Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing: Our simple, delicious shortcut.
- 5-6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced: They hold their shape beautifully and provide a lovely tart contrast.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Because you can never have too much cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, cozy depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted: For a rich, buttery sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash to enhance all the other flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re evenly coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter and vanilla over the top.
- Separate the cinnamon rolls from the cans and cut each one into quarters.
- Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll pieces are a deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the included cream cheese icing over the warm cobbler right before serving. So good.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This cobbler is divine all on its own, but a little extra love never hurts. For a truly decadent treat, serve warm scoops with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream. The way the cold ice cream melts into the warm apples and soft cinnamon rolls is just magic. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced apple cider for the ultimate cozy moment. If you’re planning your Thanksgiving dessert table, this cobbler fits right in alongside classic pumpkin and pecan pies.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a nutty crunch, sprinkle a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. If you’re out of Granny Smith apples, feel free to use a mix of Honeycrisp and Braeburn. For a dairy-free version, simply use your favorite plant-based butter. And if you’d prefer to make your own cinnamon roll dough from scratch, by all means, go for it! You’ll just need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Storage & Reheating
Any leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find the best method is to warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through. You can also reheat the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. The icing is best added fresh, so you might want to save any extra icing from the cans to drizzle on after reheating.
Tips For Success
- Don’t skip the step of letting the cobbler rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the delicious, gooey filling to set up just a bit, making it easier to serve.
- For easy peeling and slicing, a simple vegetable peeler and a sharp knife are your best friends.
- If your apples seem especially tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling.
- Place a baking sheet on the rack underneath your dish while it bakes. This will catch any bubbling-over juices and save you from a messy oven cleanup.
- Get the kids involved! They’ll love helping to cut the cinnamon rolls and arrange them on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler ahead of time? You can absolutely prepare the apple filling a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and assemble with the cinnamon rolls right before you’re ready to bake. This is a great trick for streamlining your Thanksgiving baking recipes.
- Can I use frozen apples? I don’t recommend it, as frozen apples will release too much liquid and make the filling soupy. Fresh apples are the way to go for the best texture.
- What other easy Thanksgiving desserts could I serve? This cobbler is a fantastic, fun Thanksgiving dessert. It’s also wonderful alongside a simple pumpkin pie or a no-bake cheesecake for a dessert table that has something for everyone.