If you love warm, cozy desserts that taste like they came straight from a fall bakery, this Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole delivers all the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the ease of a quick, family-friendly bake. Made with soft cinnamon roll dough, apple pie filling, warm spices, and a creamy finish, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden, pull-apart treat. It’s ideal for busy days, casual gatherings, or holiday brunches when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is loved for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility.
• Quick and beginner-friendly, perfect for new cooks.
• Uses budget-friendly, easy-to-find ingredients.
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food for both kids and adults.
• Ideal for potlucks, brunches, holidays, or last-minute desserts.
• Stays soft and delicious for days, great for meal prep and reheating.
• Delivers bakery-style results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 21 oz apple pie filling
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla flavoring
• 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, icing reserved
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the apple pie filling, brown sugar, melted butter, and alcohol-free vanilla flavoring.
Open the cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packets. Cut each roll into quarters.
Fold the cinnamon roll pieces into the apple mixture until everything is coated evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
Drizzle the heavy whipping cream evenly over the top.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden, risen, and bubbling.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Warm the reserved icing slightly, then drizzle it over the casserole.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and a gluten-free apple filling.
• Low-Sugar: Choose sugar-free apple pie filling and reduce or omit the brown sugar.
• Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Caramel Apple Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking.
• Apple–Pear Blend: Mix in 1 cup chopped pears for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the heavy cream, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add the cream before baking.
• Freezer Option: Freeze fully baked portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
Yes, assemble everything except the heavy cream. Add the cream just before baking.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Yes. Sauté chopped apples with a little butter, cinnamon, and sugar until softened, then use in place of canned filling.
Do the cinnamon rolls have to be cut into small pieces?
Cutting them into quarters helps them bake evenly and gives the casserole its signature “bubble up” texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and a thick dairy-free cream alternative such as coconut cream.
How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?
Tent the dish lightly with foil during baking if needed.
Can I use a glass baking dish?
Yes, but the top may brown more slowly. A metal pan gives more even browning.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the baked casserole freezes well for up to 2 months.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use less brown sugar or choose a low-sugar apple pie filling.
What can I serve with this dessert?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fruit salad, hot cider, or coffee pair beautifully.
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) or microwave briefly until just heated.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole combines classic apple-pie flavors with the irresistible softness of cinnamon rolls, creating a cozy, shareable dessert that’s quick, affordable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it for brunch, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a weeknight treat, this sweet, gooey bake is sure to become a family favorite.
This Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole is a warm, gooey, and comforting dessert made with cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, brown sugar, and a drizzle of cream. It delivers the flavors of classic apple pie in a fun, easy-to-make, pull-apart bake that’s perfect for sharing.
