Wow your guests with this beautiful Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an eye-catching centerpiece that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. This tart combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the freshness of apples, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Its unique rose presentation will impress your friends and family, and the easy preparation means you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stunning Presentation: The apple roses create an impressive visual that will wow your guests.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this tart is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or holiday celebrations, this tart fits any occasion.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and baked apples offers a warm and inviting taste.
- Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up without a fuss.

Tools and Preparation
To create your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch round baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Sharp paring knife
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch round baking dish: Perfect for shaping your tart and ensuring even baking.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking, making it easy to remove the tart once it’s baked.
- Sharp paring knife: Essential for slicing apples thinly and evenly so they roll beautifully into roses.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make the delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart:
For the Tart
- 2 red apples (We used red delicious)
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (see note)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- powdered sugar (for serving)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Spray a 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the can of cinnamon rolls. Unwind several rolls and arrange them into a large spiral to fill up the dish, following the video guide if available.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Halve each apple lengthwise. Remove the core and seeds. Using a sharp paring knife, slice each apple half lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick pieces.
Step 4: Mix Apples with Lemon Juice
In a large bowl, add the apple slices along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well to coat all slices evenly.
Step 5: Prepare Apple Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and melted butter. Pour this mixture over the apple slices, stirring until all slices are well coated.
Step 6: Soften Apples in Microwave
Microwave the coated apple slices for about 2 minutes or until they become pliable. After microwaving, strain out any accumulated liquid from the bowl.
Step 7: Form Apple Roses
Arrange about 8 apple slices in a straight line with an inch of overlap on each slice. Starting at one end, gently roll them together to form a rose shape. Place this rose in the center of the cinnamon dough spiral.
Step 8: Fill Gaps with Remaining Apples
Insert additional apple slices into any gaps between the cinnamon rolls in your spiral design.
Step 9: Bake Your Tart
Once filled, bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from oven when done and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
Serving your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart can elevate the experience for your guests. There are several delightful ways to present and enjoy this dessert that will impress everyone at the table.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm tart.
- Caramel Ice Cream – For a richer flavor, caramel ice cream enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Caramel Sauce – A warm drizzle of caramel sauce on top creates a decadent finish.
- Chocolate Sauce – If you’re a chocolate lover, a light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a unique twist.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit
- Berries – Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a burst of color and freshness.
- Mint Leaves – A few mint leaves not only look great but also add a refreshing taste.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the tart without overpowering it.
- Flavored Whipped Cream – Try adding cinnamon or vanilla for an extra touch.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
Perfecting your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart involves attention to detail and some clever tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your tart turns out beautifully every time.
- Use Fresh Apples – Fresh apples hold their shape better and provide a crisp texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Slice Thinly – Thin apple slices (1/8-inch) allow for easier rolling and create beautiful rose shapes.
- Adjust Sweetness – Taste the apple mixture before baking; feel free to add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter tart.
- Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the baking time; removing it when lightly browned prevents dryness.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
Complementing your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart with tasty side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Coffee – A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness and provides a cozy vibe.
- Tea – Herbal or chai tea pairs nicely, offering warmth and spice that match well with apples and cinnamon.
- Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and helps cleanse the palate.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like Brie or Gouda contrasts beautifully with the tart’s sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruit creates a lovely breakfast option using leftovers.
- Pecan Pie – For those who love variety, serving pecan pie alongside offers another sweet treat for guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart can be a delight, but it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Not using fresh apples – Fresh apples are crucial for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using old or mushy apples, as they won’t hold their shape in the tart.
Skipping the lemon juice – Lemon juice not only prevents browning but also adds brightness. Don’t omit this ingredient; it enhances the overall taste of your tart.
Overcooking the dough – Keeping an eye on baking time is essential. Overbaking can lead to dry dough. Make sure to check at the 20-minute mark.
Ignoring the apple slice thickness – Slicing apples too thickly makes them hard to roll and can result in uneven cooking. Aim for 1/8-inch slices for optimal results.
Forgetting to coat the apples – Failing to mix apple slices with sugar and butter means missing out on flavor. Always coat your apple slices for that sweet, caramelized taste.
Rushing the rolling process – Take your time when rolling the apple slices into roses. A gentle touch ensures they hold together nicely and look beautiful in the tart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Container: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying.
Freezing Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 30 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart?
A Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart combines cinnamon roll dough with beautifully arranged apple slices shaped like roses, creating an impressive dessert that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
How do I customize my Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart?
You can customize this tart by adding nuts, changing up spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or even including additional fruits such as pears or berries for extra flavor.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While red delicious apples are great, you can experiment with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples for varied flavors and textures in your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart.
What if I don’t have cinnamon roll dough?
If you don’t have cinnamon roll dough, you can substitute it with puff pastry or even make your own homemade dough from scratch for a more personalized touch!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart is not just a feast for the eyes but also offers delightful flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe allows plenty of room for customization based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out!

Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
Create a stunning dessert with this Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and fresh apples in a breathtaking presentation.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 red apples
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C) and spray a 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Unwind several cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a spiral in the baking dish.
- Halve and core apples, then slice thinly into 1/8-inch pieces.
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice, then coat with melted butter and brown sugar.
- Microwave apple slices for about 2 minutes until pliable; strain excess liquid.
- Form apple roses by overlapping slices and rolling them together; place in the center of the dough spiral.
- Fill gaps with remaining apple slices and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for unique tastes. Consider adding nuts or spices to customize your tart further.