If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, then this Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a beautiful, edible work of art, combining the irresistible warmth of cinnamon roll dough with delicate apple slices shaped into charming rose blossoms. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and fruity flavors that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this tart is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth in the most elegant way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and charm. Each one plays a crucial role in adding texture, sweetness, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 2 red apples: Sweet and firm apples are perfect for slicing thinly and shaping into rose petals without falling apart.
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: This is the flavorful, tender base that brings the warm cinnamon essence essential to the tart.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apple slices from browning while adding a subtle tang.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and helps soften the apples for easy rolling and baking.
- 4 tbsp brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness that complements both the apples and cinnamon dough perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (for serving): A light dusting gives a lovely finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C) to get it nice and hot, ready to bake your beautiful tart. Spray a 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your tart will come out cleanly and keep its shape perfectly once baked.
Step 2: Form the Cinnamon Roll Base
Grab your refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and unroll several rolls at once, then arrange them in a spiral pattern to fill the bottom of your prepared dish. This creates a soft, cinnamon-spiced foundation that will soak up the juices and meld all the flavors together wonderfully.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
Halve your apples and carefully remove the seeds. Slice them super thin—about 1/8-inch thick—so they’re flexible enough to curl without breaking. This thin slicing is key for achieving that delicate rose effect.
Step 4: Toss Apples with Lemon, Butter, and Sugar
In a bowl, toss your apple slices in the fresh lemon juice, then mix them with the melted butter and brown sugar. This combination softens the apples slightly and infuses them with a sweet, buttery flavor that enhances their natural crispness and adds a lovely caramelized touch after baking.
Step 5: Soften Apple Slices in the Microwave
Microwave the apple mixture for about 2 minutes, just until the slices become pliable enough to shape. After that, strain off any excess liquid to keep your tart from becoming soggy—this step ensures your cinnamon roll base stays perfectly tender and flaky.
Step 6: Create the Apple Roses
Now for the fun part! Overlap the thin apple slices carefully and roll them up to create beautiful rose shapes. Place these apple roses into the center of the cinnamon dough spiral, letting them take center stage in this gorgeous tart masterpiece.
Step 7: Fill in with Extra Apple Slices
Fill any empty spaces between the apple roses and the dough spiral with the remaining apple slices to create a full, lush flower garden effect. This adds extra fruity goodness and makes the tart look even more impressive and inviting.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your tart in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the apples have softened perfectly. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be downright irresistible.
Step 9: Dust and Serve
Once out of the oven, dust the tart lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch that adds just the right hint of sweetness and visual appeal. Now, it’s ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe even more, consider adding a few simple garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices beautifully. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts nicely with the sweet tart.
Side Dishes
Serve your tart alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of chilled cider for an inviting brunch or cozy dessert pairing. Light salads with nuts and tangy dressing make a great savory contrast if you’re having this tart as part of a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, place the tart on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a charming autumn-themed display. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce over the top just before serving to impress your guests with an extra rich and indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — and trust me, you might — cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator. The tart stays fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this cinnamon apple goodness even after the big reveal.
Freezing
While the apple roses look stunning fresh, this tart can be frozen wrapped well in plastic and foil before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for a perfect ready-to-go dessert at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes. This revives the soft cinnamon dough and tender apple roses without making the tart soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this tart?
Absolutely! You can experiment with apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Just choose apples that hold their shape well when thinly sliced for the best rose effect.
Do I have to make the rose shapes with the apples?
While the roses make this tart truly special, you can also simply layer the apple slices in a fan or spiral pattern if you prefer a quicker assembly. The flavors will still be fantastic.
Is it necessary to microwave the apple slices?
Heating the apples briefly makes them pliable and easier to shape without breaking. If you skip this step, the slices might crack or crumble when forming the roses.
Can I make this tart vegan?
You can try substituting vegan butter and using a plant-based cinnamon roll dough to make this recipe vegan-friendly. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it’s a great alternative for dairy-free diets.
How long will the tart stay fresh after baking?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe will stay delicious for up to three days. For best taste, enjoy it within this timeframe.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe is one of those rare desserts that looks like you spent hours baking but actually comes together quickly and easily. It’s warm, fruity, and beautifully elegant—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time you serve it. I can’t wait for you to try making this charming tart and create your own delicious centerpiece that everyone will adore.
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Rose Tart is a beautiful and delicious dessert combining flaky cinnamon roll dough with tender apple slices shaped into elegant rose forms. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 red apples
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
Dough Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and lightly spray a 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Dough: Unroll several cinnamon rolls from the can and arrange the dough in a spiral pattern to completely fill the bottom of the baking dish, creating a base for the tart.
- Prepare Apples: Halve the apples, core them to remove seeds, and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, for ease of shaping and tenderness.
- Toss Apples: In a bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning, then combine them with melted butter and brown sugar to add sweetness and moisture.
- Microwave Apples: Microwave the apple mixture for 2 minutes until the slices become pliable, making them easier to roll without breaking. After microwaving, strain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- Form Apple Roses: Overlap multiple slices of the softened apple and carefully roll them up to form rose shapes. Place these apple roses in the center of the cinnamon roll dough spiral.
- Fill Gaps: Fill any remaining gaps between the dough spiral and apple roses with additional apple slices to ensure an even distribution and a beautiful presentation.
- Bake the Tart: Bake the assembled tart in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, dust the top of the tart with powdered sugar to add a finishing touch of sweetness before serving.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp to hold their shape during baking.
- Microwaving the apple slices softens them, making the rose formation easier and preventing breaks.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon on the apple slices before assembling.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing to help it set.
- This tart is best enjoyed warm but is delicious at room temperature as well.
