Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey, cinnamon roll with bits of caramelized apple and toasted pecan in every single mouthful. That’s exactly what you get with this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake—an irresistible mashup of classic cinnamon rolls and a cozy apple-pecan bread pudding. It’s perfect for holiday brunches, chilly weekends, and any time you need a comforting treat that feels both familiar and extra special at the same time. If you love simple, crowd-pleasing breakfasts with big, bold flavors, you’re going to adore this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake comes together in a snap, but don’t underestimate how much each component contributes! Every element—from the soft apples to that creamy vanilla custard—plays an important role in delivering flavor and texture that’s pure comfort.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: These save tons of time and guarantee tender, gooey layers; don’t forget the icing that comes with them!
- Unsalted butter: It helps sauté the apples, adding richness and depth to the fruit.
- Apples: Choose a crisp variety for the best blend of tartness and sweetness—this really makes your bake pop.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans provide crunch and that unmistakable toasted, nutty taste.
- Brown sugar: This deepens the caramel flavor and helps the apples caramelize beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Intensifies the warm spice profile, boosting that cinnamon-apple magic.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a subtle, cozy aroma that melds perfectly with cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds gentle floral notes that round out the flavors.
- Large eggs: Essential for setting up a custard base that holds everything together.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess for that classic bread pudding-like texture.
- Heavy cream: Makes the bake rich and extra-indulgent, helping to achieve a luscious, tender bite.
How to Make Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Open your cinnamon roll cans and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into quarters—this helps the cinnamon roll pieces soak up every bit of that custardy goodness and ensures every bite is brimming with flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Apples
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then toss in your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the apples sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until they’re slightly softened and glistening with caramelized syrup. Remove from the heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the apples with even more luscious aroma.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and frothy. This simple combination forms the creamy backbone of the Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake, ensuring the final product is ultra-moist and tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Add the quartered cinnamon rolls to the custard and stir gently so every piece gets a good soaking. Fold in the sautéed apple mixture and the chopped pecans—don’t worry if it looks loaded, that’s exactly what you want for maximum flavor and texture. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the center sets—you’ll smell that irresistible cinnamon-apple aroma wafting through your kitchen! Let it cool for about 10 minutes; then drizzle the reserved icing all over the top for a glossy, sticky finish that no one can resist. Serve warm and watch it disappear.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake
Garnishes
For an extra pop of both texture and beauty, sprinkle a few additional toasted pecans and finely diced raw apples on top right before serving. A final dusting of powdered sugar or even a gentle drizzle of maple syrup elevates this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake into true celebration territory.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon roll bake with sides that balance its sweetness—a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt, a platter of fresh citrus, or a savory egg scramble are all fantastic options. A mug of strong coffee or hot apple cider makes for a perfect cozy morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, simply serve your Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake straight from the dish and let everyone scoop their own portion. Hosting brunch? Cut into neat squares and serve on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream. For something really special, layer wedges in clear parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and toasted pecans for a bistro-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. The Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake holds up beautifully for up to three days—perfect for those sneaky late-night snacks or easy weekday breakfasts.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the bake to cool completely, then wrap well in a double layer of plastic wrap plus foil. You can freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go treats, or the whole bake for future brunches. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through (typically about 15–20 minutes). For a quick fix, a microwave works too—just pop a slice on a plate and heat for 30–40 seconds. Drizzle with extra icing if you’ve got it for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While crisp varieties like Granny Smith add nice tartness, feel free to substitute with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter touch. Mixing apples can also create great balance in your Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No problem at all—walnuts work beautifully, or you can leave the nuts out entirely if allergies or preferences are a concern. Some people also like to toss in raisins for an extra pop of sweetness and texture.
Can the Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake be made ahead?
Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed. This actually lets the flavors meld and can make the texture even more delicious.
How do I keep my cinnamon roll bake from getting soggy?
The key is not to over-soak the cinnamon roll pieces and to bake until the center is fully set. Cutting the rolls into quarters helps them soak up just enough custard without becoming mushy, while a golden top tells you it’s ready.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can! Use two baking dishes or a larger roasting pan, but keep an eye on baking time—it may need a few extra minutes. This Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake is a total crowd-pleaser and easily scaled up for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Truly, there’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake brings to the table. Whether you’re celebrating with family or treating yourself to a special breakfast, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead and try it soon—you won’t regret it!
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Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of this Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bake, a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Tender apples, crunchy pecans, and sweet cinnamon come together in a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Bake:
- 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Apple Pecan Mixture:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cinnamon roll pieces: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls, set the icing aside, and cut each roll into quarters.
- Cook the apple pecan mixture: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until slightly softened. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, and cream. Add chopped cinnamon rolls, apple mixture, and pecans.
- Bake the dish: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Serve: Let cool, drizzle with icing, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, brioche cinnamon rolls can be used.
- Walnuts can be used instead of pecans, or a handful of raisins can be added for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
