Apple Butter Cinnamon Roll (Printable version)

Golden cinnamon rolls layered with spiced apple butter and custard, baked warm and comforting.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough/Base

01 - 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing packets reserved

→ Filling

02 - 1 cup apple butter
03 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
04 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Custard Mixture

06 - 4 large eggs
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
10 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and evenly place half the pieces in the baking dish.
03 - Spoon half the apple butter over the rolls and sprinkle half the diced apples on top.
04 - Place the remaining cinnamon roll quarters over the apple butter and apples.
05 - Distribute the rest of the apple butter and diced apples evenly on the top layer.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
07 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the dish, ensuring all roll pieces are moistened.
08 - Gently press down with a spatula to help rolls absorb the custard.
09 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
10 - Let cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with reserved icing before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • If you’ve ever wanted dessert for breakfast (without judgment), this is your golden ticket.
  • No dough to knead—refrigerated cinnamon rolls mean maximal flavor for minimal effort.
02 -
  • I learned the hard way not to skip greasing the dish—otherwise you’ll be chiseling out sticky rolls for ages.
  • Press down with a spatula before baking so every piece absorbs the custard and nothing dries out at the edges.
03 -
  • Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for irresistible crunch.
  • Warming the icing packet in your hands first makes drizzling so much easier and prettier.
Return