Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna

This Cinnamon Roll Lasagna takes your favorite cinnamon roll flavors and layers them like a savory lasagna for a fun, ultra-indulgent breakfast treat. Soft, buttery dough strips are stacked with brown sugar-cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, delivering the gooey center of a cinnamon roll in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered indulgence: The layered approach means each slice reveals ribbon-like dough and cinnamon sugar filling.
• Simple technique, big flavor: No yeast rise involved — just mix, layer and bake.
• Versatile for breakfast or dessert: Serve warm with a drizzle of glaze for brunch, or let it cool for dessert.
• A twist on the classic: It captures the doughy middle of a cinnamon roll in a fun format.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened a bit
• 1¼ cups buttermilk

Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Glaze:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Butter an 8-inch square baking dish (or similar) and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add the 3 cups self-rising flour. Cut in the ½ cup softened butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the 1¼ cups buttermilk until a thick dough forms. Let it rest in the bowl while you prepare the filling and glaze.
4. In a small bowl, melt the ½ cup butter for the filling. Once melted, whisk in 1 cup dark brown sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon until smooth and combined. Set aside.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, and 1 cup buttermilk to make the glaze. Set aside.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough 16×16-inch square. Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, then cut each strip in half.
7. Spread a few tablespoons of the cinnamon filling over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange enough dough strips over the filling so that the bottom layer is fully covered and the strips are touching.
8. Spread about ¼ cup of the filling over the dough layer. Drizzle about ½ cup of the glaze over that layer.
9. Repeat layering: dough strips → filling → glaze. Continue until you have three layers in total, ending with a top layer of dough covered with filling and glaze. Reserve about ¼ cup of glaze for drizzling after baking.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top begins to crisp and brown.
11. Allow to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. Just before serving, drizzle the reserved glaze over the top.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For cleaner layers, ensure dough strips touch fully and filling is evenly spread.
• If the top browns too fast but center still needs time, tent loosely with foil.
• Try using canned cinnamon-roll dough for a quicker version: unroll and layer.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins between layers for extra texture.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into squares and serve warm on a platter for brunch or dessert.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a fresh contrast.
• Pair with coffee, latte or hot tea for a cozy morning treat.

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate up to 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Warm an individual piece in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.
• For best texture, reheat before adding extra glaze.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
A: Yes — use 3 cups all-purpose flour plus 1½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt as a substitute.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough?
A: Yes! The original blog says it works using jumbo rolls: unroll and layer as directed.
Can I bake in a 9-inch square pan instead of 8-inch?
A: Yes, but the layers will be thinner and the bake time may be shorter — check doneness early.
Why is there so much glaze?
A: The glaze seeps between layers, creating that sticky-sweet cinnamon roll center feel.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is a fun breakfast or dessert twist that layers soft dough, cinnamon-sugar filling and vanilla glaze to recreate the irresistible center of a cinnamon roll in a new format. With straightforward layering and baking (no rise required), it delivers big flavor and great presentation. Give it a try for brunch, gatherings or any time you crave something sweet and comforting.

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