Apple Crisp Cinnamon Rolls
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This recipe for Apple Crisp Cinnamon Rolls comes from one of my go-to sources for easy baking shortcuts—Rhodes Dough. My family already loves their classic cinnamon rolls, but this version adds a delicious fall-inspired twist with tender apples and a buttery crisp topping. I made them over the weekend, and let me tell you—they disappeared fast!
I did make one little tweak that I won’t be repeating. Since my family isn’t big on nuts, I decided to skip them and increase the quick oats in the topping to 1½ cups. While the rolls still tasted great, the topping turned out a bit too dry and crumbly. Next time, I’ll stick with the original ¾ cup of oats and simply leave out the nuts—no substitutions needed. The texture is just better that way.
Even with my little experiment, these rolls were a huge hit. Warm, gooey, and full of cozy apple-cinnamon flavor, they’re the perfect treat for a crisp fall morning or a weekend brunch. If you’re looking for a simple way to dress up store-bought cinnamon rolls and make them feel homemade, this recipe is a must-try. Just follow the original instructions, and if you’re skipping the nuts, go ahead and leave them out—no need to adjust anything else. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will thank you!
Ingredients for Apple Crisp Cinnamon Rolls
- RHODES ANYTIME™ CINNAMON ROLLS
- APPLE PIE FILLING
- BROWN SUGAR
- QUICK OATS
- CHOPPED PECANS
- FLOUR
- BUTTER
- FROSTING PACKET THAT COMES WITH THE ROLLS
Instructions for Apple Crisp Cinnamon Rolls
Start by arranging 9 frozen cinnamon rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them in 3 rows of 3. Lightly spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. No need to thaw the rolls—this recipe goes straight from freezer to oven!
Next, spoon apple pie filling over the top of the rolls, spreading it evenly to cover each one. This adds a sweet, fruity layer that bakes right into the rolls.
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, quick oats, chopped pecans, flour, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly and well combined. Sprinkle this crisp topping generously over the apple filling and cinnamon rolls.
Place the dish in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 350°F. Bake for 50–60 minutes, including preheating time, until the rolls are puffed, golden brown, and baked through. (If your oven runs hot or you prefer a softer texture, check at 45 minutes.)
Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with the frosting packet that comes with the cinnamon rolls. Serve warm and enjoy—this recipe makes 9 servings of cozy, apple-packed goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to thaw the cinnamon rolls before baking?
Nope! The rolls used are designed to go straight from freezer to oven. Just place the frozen rolls in the pan and include preheating time in your total bake time.
What kind of apple pie filling should I use?
Any store-bought apple pie filling works well. If you prefer homemade, make sure it’s thick and not too runny so it doesn’t soak the rolls.
Can I skip the nuts in the topping?
Absolutely. If your family doesn’t like nuts, just leave them out—no need to adjust the other ingredients. Adding extra oats may make the topping dry, so stick with the original amount.
What’s the best way to drizzle the frosting?
Let the rolls cool slightly, then snip the corner of the frosting packet and drizzle over the top. For a more decorative look, transfer the frosting to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Definitely! Peach, cherry, or mixed berry pie filling would all be delicious. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to sit on top of the rolls without making them soggy.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Caramel Apple Cobbler
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring
- Apple Cinnamon Twist Loaf
Apple Crisp Cinnamon Rolls
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 Rhodes Anytime!™ Cinnamon Rolls make sure they are the Anytime ones
- 21 oz can apple pie filling
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup quick oats
- ¾ cup pecans chopped
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup butter softened
- frosting packet that came with the rolls
Instructions
- Place cinnamon rolls in 3 rows of 3 in a sprayed 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour and spread pie filling to evenly cover rolls.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, oats, pecans, flour and butter. Mix until well combined. Sprinkle over the apple pie filling and rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes (put these in the oven cold, include the preheating as part of the 50 min, I also think I should have done mine for 45 min) or until cinnamon rolls are baked through. Cool slightly then drizzle with frosting from the frosting packet. Makes 9 servings.
