Few desserts feel as comforting and nostalgic as Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole. This warm, gooey dessert brings together tender cinnamon roll pieces, sweet apple pie filling, rich brown sugar, and buttery goodness baked into one irresistible casserole. It’s the kind of easy homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and apples while requiring minimal prep and simple ingredients. Perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or last-minute guests, this quick dessert recipe delivers big apple pie flavor without the effort of making a crust from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly, no-fail dessert recipe
- Made with simple, store-bought ingredients
- Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd
- Warm, gooey texture with golden cinnamon roll tops
- Family-favorite dessert for holidays and gatherings
- Quick prep with bakery-style results
This Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours baking.
About the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole plays a key role in flavor, texture, and structure.
- Apple Pie Filling – Provides sweet, spiced apples and syrupy richness
- Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel notes and moisture
- Melted Butter – Enhances richness and helps everything bake evenly
- Alcohol-Free Vanilla Flavoring – Adds warmth without alcohol
- Cinnamon Rolls – Create the fluffy, doughy “bubble up” texture
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Keeps the casserole soft and custardy as it bakes
- Cinnamon Roll Icing – Finishes the dessert with a sweet glaze
These simple baking ingredients come together for a comforting, bakery-style dessert that anyone can make.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut cinnamon rolls evenly so they bake at the same rate
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the dough pieces too much
- Use full-fat cream for the best texture
- Let the casserole rest before icing so it thickens properly
These easy kitchen hacks help ensure dessert success every time.
Pro Tips
- Warm the icing slightly before drizzling for smooth coverage
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for deeper spice flavor
- Bake uncovered for a crisp golden top
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a restaurant-style finish
- Line the pan with parchment for easier cleanup
These expert touches elevate this easy dessert recipe to the next level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine apple pie filling, brown sugar, melted butter, and alcohol-free vanilla flavoring.
- Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters and gently fold into the apple mixture until coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle heavy whipping cream evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes to set.
- Warm the reserved icing and drizzle over the casserole.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
This easy step-by-step recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and busy families.
Variations
Try these customizable dessert twists to suit any occasion:
- Caramel Apple Version – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts
- Spiced Upgrade – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cream and icing
- Pear or Peach Swap – Replace apple filling with another fruit
These recipe variations make this dessert endlessly adaptable.
How to Store Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–40 seconds
- Warm in the oven at 300°F for best texture
- Freeze un-iced portions for up to 2 months
This dish works well as a make-ahead dessert for holidays or gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Apple Pie Bubble Up Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, freeze before icing for best results.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, though the texture will be slightly lighter.
Can I use homemade apple filling?
Absolutely, just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.
Is this dessert overly sweet?
No, the balance of apples and cinnamon rolls keeps it rich but not overwhelming.

Apple Pie Bubble Up
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine apple pie filling, brown sugar, melted butter, and alcohol-free vanilla flavoring.
- Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters and fold them into the apple mixture until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the heavy cream over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then drizzle with the warmed icing from the cinnamon rolls.
- Serve warm.