If you’re craving the warm, spiced flavors of an apple pie or cinnamon roll — but without the hassle of dough, rolling, or yeast — this No Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna delivers the comfort of fall baking with an easy, layered twist. This no-roll dessert skips traditional cinnamon rolls and instead layers spiced apples, creamy cheesecake filling, graham crackers, and a cinnamon streusel topping to create a dessert that’s part pie, part cheesecake, and all cozy.
This oven-baked treat is ideal for fall gatherings, holiday meals, potlucks, or just satisfying a sweet tooth with minimal effort. Best of all, there’s no dough to roll and no yeast to proof — just delicious layers you can assemble in minutes.
Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately 9 servings.
For the Apple Layer
- 5 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- One quarter teaspoon nutmeg
- One third cup brown sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- One third cup granulated sugar
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream)
For the Graham Cracker Layer
- 12 full graham cracker sheets, broken into squares
For the Streusel Topping
- Half cup all-purpose flour
- One third cup brown sugar
- One teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Cooling and chilling: 1 to 2 hours (optional for cleaner slices)
- Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Stir until the apples are evenly coated, then set aside while you prepare the other layers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Begin with a layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to cover the bottom.
- Spread half the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crackers.
- Spoon half the apple mixture over the cream layer.
- Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, the remaining cream mixture, and the remaining apples.
Step 4: Add the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel.
- Cut in the cold butter with a fork or fingers until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top apple layer.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve chilled, warm, or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- For a festive finish, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Pair with chai tea, spiced cider, or a hot espresso for cozy contrast.
- Great for brunch tables or holiday dessert buffets.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 square) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 43 grams |
| Sugars | 27 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 180 milligrams |
Notable Health Notes:
- Apples contribute fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- No added dough or pastry reduces overall complexity and saturated fat compared to cinnamon rolls or pies.
- Cream cheese provides calcium and richness, while whipped topping keeps the texture light.
- Easily adaptable to gluten-free or reduced-sugar versions by swapping in specialty graham crackers or sweeteners.
Tips and Variations
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and plant-based butter.
- Low sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
- Crunchy twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
No Cinnamon Roll Apple Lasagna is a fun, delicious way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors without any fuss. With layers of creamy filling, soft spiced apples, and a buttery streusel finish, this crowd-pleasing dessert is as easy as it is irresistible. Serve it warm or chilled, slice it into squares, and enjoy a new go-to recipe that blends comfort with convenience.