Prepare to elevate your breakfast or dessert game with an irresistibly simple yet profoundly delicious treat: the **Easy Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls recipe with apple pie filling**. This amazing dish offers the ultimate in comfort food, transforming ordinary defrosted frozen cinnamon rolls into a glorious pull-apart sweet bread. Whether you choose to bake it in your smoker for a unique smoky nuance or in your conventional oven for classic perfection, this casserole, prepared in an 8×8-inch pan, is guaranteed to be a hit.
This recipe bridges the gap between traditional baking and innovative outdoor cooking. If you’re accustomed to firing up your smoker for savory masterpieces like meat and veggie smoker recipes, you’ll be thrilled to discover its potential for crafting sweet delicacies. The subtle kiss of smoke on these cinnamon rolls adds an unparalleled depth of flavor that a conventional oven simply can’t replicate. Yet, for those who prefer indoor cooking, the oven method yields equally fantastic results. This versatile dish is perfect for a special weekend breakfast, a decadent brunch offering, or a comforting dessert after any meal. (Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, which help support our content creation.)
Effortless Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls: A Casserole Revolution
Oh, if only you could experience the divine aroma wafting from these rolls right now! The moment this cinnamon roll casserole came out, my husband and kids descended upon it like hungry bears. It was devoured in record time, but the few blissful bites I managed to enjoy were absolutely fabulous! This recipe has quickly earned its place as a family favorite, joining our growing collection of simple and delicious frozen bread dough recipes. We perfected this delight first in our Traeger smoker, then adapted it for a conventional oven. Whichever method you choose, you’ll find comprehensive, step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card provided at the conclusion of this article.
For fellow smoking enthusiasts, achieving perfectly cooked meat is an art. To ensure your meats are always fork-tender and juicy, don’t forget to consult our invaluable printable meat smoking chart. It’s an indispensable guide for consistent culinary success. And to truly elevate your outdoor cooking experience, having the right equipment makes all the difference.
Recommended Smoking Gear for Culinary Excellence
- We recently upgraded to this advanced Traeger pellet smoker and grill, and it has revolutionized our outdoor cooking. Its precision temperature control and versatile functionality allow us to create everything from slow-smoked briskets to delicate desserts with incredible ease.
- Our journey into smoking began with an electric Charbroil smoker. This entry-level model was a fantastic starting point, proving that you don’t need top-tier equipment to enjoy the benefits of smoking. It’s a great option for beginners to explore the world of smoked foods.
- For consistent, delightful flavor across nearly all our smoked dishes, we swear by applewood pellets. Their mild, sweet, and fruity smoke complements a vast range of ingredients, making them particularly ideal for sweet recipes like these cinnamon rolls, imparting a subtle yet distinct depth.
There’s an undeniable joy in cooking outdoors, especially during the warm summer months. The ability to prepare a multi-course meal – whether it’s smoked salmon, an assortment of vegetables, and a delightful dessert all at once – is truly thrilling. This approach not only keeps your kitchen cool when the weather is hot but also simplifies cleanup significantly. The unique char and smoky essence that outdoor cooking imparts to food, even sweet items, adds a special touch that makes the experience even more rewarding.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that this incredible cinnamon roll casserole requires only two primary ingredients. While your choice of pie filling offers room for personal preference, we highly recommend apple and cherry for their widespread appeal and perfectly balanced sweetness. However, don’t hesitate to unleash your culinary creativity and try other exciting flavors!
Key Ingredients for Your Delectable Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Gathering the ingredients for this remarkably easy Rhodes cinnamon roll recipe is a breeze. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- Frozen Rhodes Bake N Serv Cinnamon Rolls: These high-quality frozen rolls are the cornerstone of our recipe. They are specifically designed to rise, which is crucial for achieving the perfect soft and fluffy texture when cut into pieces for the casserole. Ensure you pick up the standard bagged version, not the “AnyTime” variety which is intended for baking directly from frozen.
- Can of Pie Filling: This ingredient adds a burst of fruity flavor and moisture.
- Our absolute favorite and most recommended choice is **apple pie filling**. Its classic, comforting flavor perfectly complements the cinnamon rolls, creating a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist.
- For those who enjoy variety, **cherry, peach, or blueberry** pie fillings are also excellent alternatives. Each offers a distinct fruity profile that can customize your casserole to your liking.
- To introduce an appealing textural contrast and additional flavor, consider sprinkling **chopped nuts** (such as walnuts or pecans) or **raisins** in between the layers of rolls or generously over the top before baking.
Initially, I anticipated the need to melt a separate tub of frosting to complete this delightful easy dessert recipe. To my delight, the Rhodes cinnamon rolls package conveniently includes its own frosting packets! This thoughtful inclusion streamlines the preparation process, ensuring you have everything required in one place. Moreover, the included frosting is incredibly flavorful and perfectly complements the warm rolls.
Beyond the ready-made icing, you have a plethora of options to further enhance your cinnamon rolls. A delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a refined touch, or for an extra layer of indulgence, you could drizzle them with a simple homemade mixture of melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. As previously suggested, scattering chopped walnuts between the layers or as a final topping provides a delightful crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft, sweet rolls.
Efficient Rising Methods for Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls
For this specific 5-ingredient monkey bread-style casserole, you only need to allow your Rhodes cinnamon rolls to thaw and achieve a slight rise for approximately 45 minutes to an hour at ambient room temperature. This brief period is ideal for making the dough pliable enough to slice effortlessly while also initiating the yeast, allowing the rolls to expand nicely during the baking process.
If you’re preparing traditional cinnamon rolls that require a more substantial rise, here’s an excellent tip to expedite the process: preheat your oven to its absolute lowest setting (typically around 175°F or 80°C), then immediately turn the oven OFF. Place your pan of rolls inside this gently warmed, now-off oven. Let them rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they visibly double in size. This creates a consistently warm, draft-free environment that is perfect for stimulating yeast activity and achieving a fluffy, impressive rise.
Common Questions About Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls
The answer depends on the specific Rhodes product you’re using. Rhodes offers an “AnyTime” variety, which comes in a ready-to-bake disposable pan and is designed to be cooked directly from its frozen state – incredibly convenient for a quick treat. However, the bagged version of Rhodes cinnamon rolls, which we utilize in this recipe, is intended to be thawed and allowed to rise, or at the very least defrosted for about an hour. This thawing process makes them soft and pliable enough to cut and reshape for casseroles, monkey bread, and various other easy dessert applications. Always consult the package instructions for your specific product to ensure the best results.
Rhodes consistently receives high praise and often ranks as the number one choice among frozen cinnamon rolls, which is why they are our preferred brand for such a wide array of recipes. Their consistent quality, delightful flavor, and excellent texture make them a standout product. Once you’ve savored this breakfast casserole, we highly recommend exploring another favorite using frozen dough: our incredibly easy air fryer donut holes!
After approximately one hour resting on your countertop, your Rhodes cinnamon rolls should exhibit the perfect thawed and slightly puffed appearance, similar to the image below. The objective is to achieve a consistency where the dough is soft and malleable enough to be easily sliced into quarters without tearing, yet firm enough to maintain its shape. Experience has shown us that an hour typically yields this ideal, workable consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Rhodes Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Creating this tempting cinnamon roll casserole is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Below is a concise overview of the steps involved. For a fully detailed, printable recipe card with exact measurements and cooking times, please scroll to the very bottom of this post.
- Thaw the Rolls: Start by removing 6 frozen Rhodes Bake N Serv cinnamon rolls from their package. Place them on a clean surface or directly in your baking dish and allow the dough to thaw at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. They should become soft and easy to handle.
- Preheat Your Appliance: Preheat your chosen cooking appliance – whether it’s your smoker or your conventional oven – to a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating is essential for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden finish.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly coat an 8×8-inch aluminum baking pan with a generous layer of non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the rolls from sticking and ensures an easy release, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of your preferred pie filling (our top recommendation is apple!) across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This sweet, fruity base will infuse your cinnamon rolls with incredible flavor and moisture.
- Cut and Arrange the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are semi-thawed and pliable, use a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen shears to carefully cut each individual roll into 4 equal quarters. Then, artfully arrange these cut pieces in a single layer over the pie filling in the pan. Don’t worry about perfect spacing; they will expand as they bake.
- Initial Bake (Covered): Loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil. For an extra layer of non-stick protection, you can lightly spray the underside of the foil. If you’re using a smoker, place the covered pan directly on the preheated grates and cook for 40 minutes. If you’re using a conventional oven, bake for 20 minutes. The foil helps to steam the rolls, keeping them wonderfully moist and allowing them to rise without browning too quickly.
- Final Bake (Uncovered): Gently remove the aluminum foil from the baking pan. Continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes in the smoker. This final uncovered phase allows the tops of the rolls to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and ensures they are thoroughly cooked through. For oven baking, remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the rolls are puffed and fragrant.
- Rest and Serve: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the casserole from your smoker or oven. Allow it to rest for a crucial 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the rolls to set slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart. Finally, snip open the included packet(s) of icing (typically found within the Rhodes bag) and generously drizzle it over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and savor every glorious bite!
A true convenience of Rhodes cinnamon rolls is the inclusion of typically two pouches of their signature frosting. By the time your delightful dessert casserole is baked to perfection, these packets will have naturally thawed, ready for use. Simply snip a tiny corner off each pouch and artfully drizzle the smooth, sweet icing over the warm, fragrant rolls, allowing it to melt and beautifully glaze every cinnamon-infused crevice. For an additional layer of texture and nutty flavor, consider sprinkling some finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the top immediately after icing.
If you’re hosting a larger crowd, planning for a big family brunch, or simply have a more substantial craving, you can easily scale this recipe by using the entire bag of 12 Rhodes cinnamon rolls. For this increased quantity, it’s essential to use a larger 9×13-inch baking pan instead of the 8×8-inch. This ensures that the frozen dough pieces have ample space to spread, rise uniformly, and bake thoroughly without overcrowding. And for those who are ardent fans of cream cheese frosting, don’t hesitate to incorporate it for an extra layer of lusciousness! Simply purchase a tub of your favorite store-bought cream cheese frosting, microwave it for approximately 30 seconds until it reaches a pourable consistency, and generously drizzle it over the warm, freshly baked rolls for an ultimate decadent experience.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls
Yes, you absolutely can prepare Rhodes rolls for an overnight rise, which is a fantastic strategy for convenient morning baking. While I’ve experimented with both same-day and overnight rising methods, I generally find that a same-day rise yields a slightly superior texture. However, for maximum convenience, arrange 6 rolls in an 8×8-inch pan or 12 rolls in a 9×13-inch pan, cover them securely with plastic wrap, and place them in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, if they haven’t quite doubled in size after being removed from the fridge, allow them to sit on the countertop for an hour or so until they achieve the desired volume. Then, preheat your oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until they reach a beautiful golden-brown color.
For the best possible texture and to maintain moisture, cooked cinnamon rolls are ideally stored in the same pan they were baked in, tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, at room temperature for up to two days. While you can certainly store them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few days, be aware that refrigeration tends to make them dry out a bit. Always ensure the rolls are completely cooled before covering them to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Reheating cinnamon rolls, especially those with icing, requires a gentle approach to prevent them from becoming dry or burning the delicate frosting. The best method is to tent them lightly with aluminum foil just before reheating. Place them in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. The foil acts as a protective shield, trapping moisture and ensuring even heating. For an extra touch of moisture and revived flavor, you can lightly drizzle some melted butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar over the tops before placing them in the oven.
Discover More Irresistible Frozen Dough Recipes
The culinary possibilities with frozen dough extend far beyond these magnificent Rhodes cinnamon rolls. If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic and easy-to-make creations that leverage the convenience of frozen dough:
- For those moments when a monkey bread craving strikes but time is short, our air fryer monkey bread is the perfect solution. It delivers all the gooey, sweet indulgence in a fraction of the time, ideal for a quick snack or small batch.
- If you prefer the timeless charm of a traditionally baked version, we also offer detailed instructions for making classic Rhodes monkey bread right in your oven. It’s a beloved staple that consistently delights.
But frozen dough isn’t just for sweet treats; it’s incredibly versatile for savory applications too! If you’re eager to explore more delightful smoker recipes similar to our cinnamon rolls, you absolutely must try our cheesy garlic smoked bread – it was a flavor revelation and incredibly unique! For savory bread creations, we recommend using Rhodes’ regular (not sweet) frozen rolls. With this versatile dough, we’ve also crafted mouth-watering air fryer garlic bread and even beautifully intricate Easter egg bread.
And circling back to our beloved cinnamon rolls, we’ve even taken these very same, slightly defrosted Rhodes cinnamon rolls and transformed them into a phenomenal monkey bread in a smoker! Infused with a hint of pumpkin for a seasonal twist, it creates an ooey-gooey, sweet masterpiece that surprisingly comes together quickly, proving just how much more your smoker can do beyond savory barbecues.
The printable recipe card presented below provides comprehensive instructions tailored for both your smoker and your conventional oven, ensuring consistent deliciousness regardless of your chosen cooking method. While the recommended temperature remains the same for both, if you opt for a full bake in a traditional oven (without the smoky element), you can also refer to the specific temperature and timing guidelines printed on the back of your Rhodes cinnamon rolls bag for a perfectly traditional, unsmoked bake.
Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Apple Pie Casserole
By Justine
This Rhodes cinnamon rolls recipe with apple pie filling, prepared in your smoker or oven, is a game-changer! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this treat is an absolute must-try.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yields: 9 servings
Equipment
- 1 Smoker or Oven
- 1 8×8 inch baking pan (or 9×13 inch for a double batch)
Ingredients
- 6 Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls, frozen (thawed for 1 hour, then cut into fourths)
- 1 (21 oz) can of Pie Filling (apple is highly recommended, but cherry, peach, or blueberry also work wonderfully)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or raisins, for mixing in or topping
- Optional: Extra powdered sugar or a tub of cream cheese frosting for additional topping
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take out 6 frozen Rhodes cinnamon rolls and allow them to thaw at room temperature for approximately 1 hour until soft and pliable.
- Lightly spray an 8×8-inch aluminum baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread the entire can of pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each thawed cinnamon roll into 4 equal pieces. Arrange these cut pieces evenly over the pie filling in the pan.
- Loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil. For extra non-stick insurance, you may lightly spray the underside of the foil.
- For Smoker: Place the covered pan on the preheated smoker grates and cook for 40 minutes.
- For Oven: Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After the initial cooking period, carefully remove the aluminum foil.
- For Smoker: Continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, uncovered, to allow the top to brown beautifully and ensure the rolls are fully cooked through.
- For Oven: Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, uncovered, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the rolls are puffed.
- Remove the casserole from the smoker or oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the rolls to set slightly before serving.
- Snip open the included icing packet(s) (found in the Rhodes bag) and drizzle it generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy every sweet bite!
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
Serving: 2oz, Calories: 68kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 36mg, Potassium: 30mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 16IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
