Warm peaches. Soft cinnamon rolls. A bubbling, caramelized sauce that seeps into every bite. This Peach Cinnamon Roll Bake is the easiest way to turn a few simple ingredients into dessert on your patio.
The Viral Peach Cinnamon Roll Recipe Origins
This technique first took off in Facebook barbecue groups, where people were using canned cinnamon rolls and canned peach pie filling to create a quick, easy dessert right on the grill or barbecue smoker. It’s one of those genius shortcuts that instantly caught my attention—but I’ll be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of canned pie fillings.
So I had to try it my way, because pie filling only takes 5 minutes to make.
Instead of going the shortcut route, I made a simple, from-scratch peach topping that brings out that rich, buttery, cinnamon-spiced flavor you’d expect from a true cobbler. The result is still just as easy, but with a deeper, more homemade taste that really sets it apart. And while this recipe is incredible on a smoker, it works just as beautifully in a traditional oven—so you can make it anytime, anywhere.
Making the Pie Filling From Scratch (You Can Use Whatever Fruit You Like)
I completely understand the appeal of opening three store-bought ingredients and calling it an easy, fabulous dessert. But I just can’t, in good conscience, tell you to buy canned pie filling. Unless you’re camping, stranded somewhere remote, or boarding a rocket ship to the moon, we can do better.
Canned pie filling is basically flavorless goo. And once you make your own quick fruit topping just once, you realize it’s barely any extra work at all, especially when you start with frozen fruit.
Now, if you want to use fresh fruit, go right ahead. The same amount works perfectly in this recipe. Just know it may need a few extra minutes to soften and cook down into the syrup.
But to keep the easy charm of this cinnamon roll bake, I’m going to show you how to turn 1 pound of frozen fruit into a topping that tastes ten times better than anything from a can and comes together in five minutes or less.
All you need is:
- 1 pound frozen fruit (cherry, strawberry, blueberry, apple)
- sugar
- water mixed with 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- flavorings like vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, bourbon, or maple syrup
Just add everything to a pan and bring it to a boil. As the cornstarch reaches the boiling point, it thickens the juices into a glossy sauce. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat and use it however you like.
It’s perfect spooned over cinnamon rolls, pancakes, cobblers, ice cream, and just about anything else that could use a little fruit magic.
tip
Why You’ll Love This Peach Cinnamon Roll Bake
- Easy, cozy, minimal ingredients
- Top with with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a summer twist
- It works as a dessert, breakfast, or brunch recipe
- It cost about $10 to make a big skillet
How To Make The Peach Cinnamon Roll Bake (Step-By-Step)
- Step 1: Snip the cinnamon roll dough into small pieces and place in a greased cast iron skillet.
- Step 2: All of the topping ingredients go into a skillet and are cooked down.
- Step 3: Pour the topping over the cinnamon roll pieces
- Step 4: Cook in oven or barbecue at 325° for 15-20 minutes
- Step 5: Top with the icing included in the purchased cinnamon roll dough
- Step 6: Serve with ice cream, or serve as a breakfast or brunch dish.
Variations to Try (Make It Your Own)
- A dash of Bourbon, Amaretto, Jack Daniels, Fire Ball, in the fruit topping
- Maple glaze (Add a dash of maple syrup to the icing)
- Cream cheese drizzle (make your own icing if you wish!)
- Add pecans, streusel, walnuts, sliced almonds
How to Store and Reheat Peach Cinnamon Roll Bake
How to Store
If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens ):
- Let the bake cool completely
- Cover the skillet tightly or transfer to an airtight container
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
Tip: If you used a cast iron skillet, you can store it right in the pan—just cover it well.
How to Reheat (Best Methods)
Oven (Best Texture)
- Preheat to 300°F
- Cover with foil to keep it from drying out
- Heat for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through
This keeps the cinnamon rolls soft and the topping gooey
Microwave (Quickest)
- Place a portion on a plate
- Heat for 30–45 seconds
Tip: Add a small splash of water or milk before reheating to keep it moist
Smoker or Grill
- Place in a covered pan or foil
- Heat at low temp (around 250–300°F)
- Warm until heated through
Can You Freeze It?
Yes—but with a small trade-off:
- Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Note: The texture may soften slightly, but it will still taste amazing
Peach Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet
- Scissors
Ingredients
- 2 17.5 oz cans Grands cinnamon rolls
- Icing included in the cans
- Pan Spray or Butter
Peach Topping
- 16 oz frozen peaches
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven, grill, or smoker to 325°F.
Make the peach topping
- Add peaches, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a skillet.
- Combine the water and cornstarch, whisking well. Stir the water + cornstarch mixture into the peach mixture.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat. As the mixture reaches a simmer it will begin to thicken. Stir with a spatula to prevent scorching. When it thickens slightly it is done.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Prep the base
- Grease a cast iron skillet with butter or spray oil.
- Open cinnamon rolls and cut into bite-sized pieces (kitchen scissors work best).
Assemble
- Spread the cinnamon roll pieces in the skillet.
- Pour the warm peach topping evenly over the top.
Bake
- Bake at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and golden.
Finish
- Drizzle with the reserved icing.
- Serve warm (preferably with coffee and zero interruptions 😌).
Notes
Pro Tips
- Throw this on the smoker for a subtle peach cobbler + cinnamon roll hybrid
- Add a little bourbon or maple to the peach mixture for depth
- Top with vanilla ice cream if you want it to feel like a full dessert situation
Lee says
We made this for brunch with your fried potatoes with ham and it was a big hit. Thank you
Kelly says
Looks fantastic! But I don’t have a smoker. So can I use my oven instead?
Sarah Penrod says
Yes! 325° F for 15-20 minutes! 🙂
Vlad says
Same comment as before...delicious!
Vlad says
These are amazingly easy to make and so f***ing delicious! They're low carb, right? HAHAHA
Sarah Penrod says
This one is not low carb, lol!