Wow your guests with this beautiful Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart. It’s so easy to make and perfect for a party! This dessert combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with tender apples, creating a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want to impress friends at brunch, this tart is sure to be a hit. The unique rose design not only looks impressive but is also simple enough for anyone to create.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: The rose design made from apple slices adds an artistic touch that will wow your guests.
- Easy to Prepare: With refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, this tart comes together quickly without complicated steps.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the apples paired with cinnamon makes for a delightful dessert.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Family-Friendly Dessert: Kids and adults alike will enjoy both the taste and the fun presentation.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch round baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Sharp paring knife
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Microwave
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch round baking dish: Provides the perfect shape for your tart, allowing it to bake evenly.
- Sharp paring knife: Essential for slicing apples thinly, which helps achieve the delicate rose shape.
- Large bowl: Necessary for mixing ingredients thoroughly and coating apple slices evenly.

Ingredients
For the Tart Base
- 2 red apples (We used red delicious)
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (see note)
For the Apple Filling
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat 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 Roll Base
Open the can of cinnamon rolls. Unwind several rolls and arrange them into a large spiral to fill up the dish, following any visual aids you have on hand.
Step 3: Prepare Apples
Halve each apple lengthwise and remove the core and seeds. Using a sharp paring knife, slice the apple halves into 1/8-inch thick pieces.
Step 4: Mix Apples with Lemon Juice
In a large bowl, add apple slices and lemon juice, mixing well to prevent browning while enhancing flavor.
Step 5: Coat Apple Slices
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter together. Add this mixture to the apple slices, stirring gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
Step 6: Soften Apple Slices
Microwave for about 2 minutes or until the apple slices are pliable. Strain out any accumulated liquid before proceeding.
Step 7: Create Apple Roses
Arrange about 8 apple slices in a straight row with an inch of overlap on each slice. Starting from one end, gently roll up the slices together to form a rose. Place this rose in the center of your cinnamon dough spiral.
Step 8: Fill Gaps with Apple Slices
Insert additional apple slices into any gaps between the cinnamon rolls in your spiral formation until it looks full.
Step 9: Bake Your Tart
When your dish is complete, bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 10: Serve Your Dessert
Remove from oven and dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
This delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart is best enjoyed warm, but it can also be served at room temperature. Here are some creative ways to serve this stunning dessert that will impress your guests.
With Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a luscious texture that complements the tart’s sweetness perfectly.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm tart, making every bite even more indulgent.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.
Garnished with Fresh Mint
- Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tart.
Served alongside Coffee or Tea
- Pairing this dessert with coffee or tea enhances its flavors. The warmth of the beverages complements the spices in the tart.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
To achieve a show-stopping Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart, keep these tips in mind for perfect results each time you make it.
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Choose Firm Apples: Select firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape during baking while providing a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
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Slice Thinly: Ensure your apple slices are thin (about 1/8-inch) for easier rolling and to allow them to cook evenly within the cinnamon roll dough.
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Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice not only prevents browning but also enhances the overall flavor of the apples by adding brightness.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your tart while it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for golden-brown edges as an indicator that it’s done.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar Before Serving: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving provides an elegant finish and adds a touch of sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
To complement your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: Roasted pecans tossed in cinnamon sugar add crunch and complement the flavors of your tart beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweet richness of the tart.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a creamy and tangy contrast that’s perfect alongside dessert.
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Vanilla Pudding: Silky vanilla pudding serves as a smooth base that pairs well with both apple and cinnamon flavors.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweetness, creating a balanced plate.
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Herbed Crackers: Savory herbed crackers can add texture and flavor without overpowering the sweetness of your dessert.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic chocolate chip cookies offer familiar comfort, making them an appealing addition to any dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Using the wrong type of apples: Not all apples hold up well when baked. Choose firm varieties like red delicious or granny smith for the best results.
- Overcooking the dough: Keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Skipping the lemon juice: This ingredient not only adds flavor but also prevents the apple slices from browning. Be sure to include it!
- Not rolling the apple slices tightly enough: Ensure you overlap each slice adequately when forming the rose. This helps maintain the shape during baking.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Allowing your tart to cool slightly before serving enhances flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The tart can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tart on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30 seconds. Check temperature and heat longer if needed.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making a Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with various apple types. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape when baked.
How do I make this tart ahead of time?
Prepare the tart up to baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cinnamon roll dough.
How do I avoid soggy cinnamon rolls?
Ensure that you strain any excess liquid from the apple mixture before assembling your tart to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
The Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or spices according to your taste. This recipe is a perfect way to impress guests at any gathering or simply enjoy a delicious dessert at home.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the stunning Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart, a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with tender apples. This visually captivating tart features a unique rose design made from apple slices, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this easy-to-make dessert will impress your guests and satisfy their sweet tooth. With its simple preparation using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, you can whip up this elegant treat in no time. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
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 your oven to 375°F (191°C). Spray a 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Unroll several cinnamon rolls from the can and arrange them into a spiral to fill the bottom of the dish.
- Halve each apple lengthwise, remove cores, and slice into thin pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl, then coat the apple slices thoroughly.
- Microwave apple slices for about 2 minutes until pliable; drain excess liquid.
- Arrange apple slices in a row, overlapping slightly, and roll them into roses.
- Place apple roses in the center of the cinnamon roll spiral and fill gaps with additional slices.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 125g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg