As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in and the leaves transform into a vibrant palette of reds and golds, there’s an undeniable urge to bring that warm, cozy feeling into the kitchen. Apple Bubble Up Casserole is the perfect embodiment of this seasonal comfort. This delightful dish combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the easy-to-love convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, creating a warm, gooey treat that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour.
I first came across this recipe during a particularly busy fall season. Between work, family commitments, and the endless list of errands, I was in search of a dessert that was both quick and comforting. My aunt, a baking aficionado known for her inventive twists on traditional recipes, introduced me to this Apple Bubble Up Casserole. It was an immediate hit at our family gathering, with everyone praising its delicious combination of sweet, spiced apples and soft, cinnamon-infused biscuits. The best part? It took less than an hour to prepare and bake, making it a perfect solution for those moments when you want to serve something homemade but are short on time.
Ingredients
1 can of apple pie filling
2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, quartered (keep the icing)
Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Grease the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. This will allow them to spread out and absorb the apple pie filling more evenly, resulting in a better texture and flavor distribution.
Mix with Apple Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered cinnamon rolls with the can of apple pie filling. Gently fold them together until the cinnamon rolls are well-coated with the apple pie filling. The mixture should be somewhat chunky with the cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling mingling together.
Add Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using nuts, add the chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture. These will add a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor to the casserole. Stir them in gently to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the apple and cinnamon roll mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Add Extra Richness (Optional)
For an extra touch of richness, you can sprinkle thin slices of butter over the top of the mixture before baking. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can enhance the flavors even more.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Bake Until Golden Brown
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The casserole is done when the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apple pie filling is bubbly. You may want to check the casserole a few minutes before the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Cool Slightly
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to set and makes serving easier.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Drizzle with Icing
While the casserole is still warm, drizzle it with the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls. This adds a sweet, creamy finish that complements the spiced apples and tender cinnamon rolls perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the casserole warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It’s a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cider.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Filling: While apple pie filling is traditional, you can use other fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach to give the casserole a different flavor profile. Each option brings its unique twist to the dish.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: If you prefer, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought. This allows you to customize the dough and filling to your taste, making the casserole even more special.
Add-Ins: Experiment with add-ins such as dried cranberries, raisins, or a sprinkle of granola on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cinnamon roll dough and substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the butter. Ensure that any other ingredients, such as the fruit filling, are also dairy-free.
Conclusion
Apple Bubble Up Casserole is a delightful fusion of simplicity and comfort. Its easy preparation and irresistible combination of sweet apple pie filling and warm, cinnamon-spiced biscuit dough make it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite. It captures the essence of fall and the joy of homemade baking in every delicious bite. Enjoy making and sharing this treat with loved ones, and savor the sweet memories created with each serving.
