If you have a sweet tooth and love the cozy flavors of fall, then this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls layered with tender apple filling that’s perfectly spiced and just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite is a delightful dance between soft dough and luscious fruit, making it the ultimate comfort treat for any occasion. This recipe takes the classic apple pie and infuses it with the irresistible charm of cinnamon rolls, creating a dessert that’s simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough to wow your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and warmth that come together in the final masterpiece.
- Apple pie filling (1 can, 21oz): Adds a sweet, spiced fruit base that’s ready to go and bursting with flavor.
- Apples (4 medium, peeled and sliced): Fresh and tender apples bring natural sweetness and a bit of bite to balance the softer pie filling.
- Sugar (1/3 cup): Enhances the sweetness while helping the apples caramelize slightly during cooking.
- Water (3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Keeps the apple mixture moist and helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth to the filling, making it luscious and smooth.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that warm, fragrant spice that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon rolls.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon): Thickens the apple filling so it’s just right—not too runny or too stiff.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting (1 package): The star of the show, providing the dough base and sweet icing topping to complete this delicious dessert.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples to make sure they cook evenly. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh apple slices with the canned apple pie filling, sugar, cinnamon, water, and cornstarch. Stir frequently until the mixture bubbles and thickens just a bit—this will create a warm, flavorful filling that’s bursting with sweet spice.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base
While your apples are softening, unroll the refrigerated cinnamon rolls into long strips. This will form a fun, lattice-like crust for your pie, giving it a unique texture and that unmistakable cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking, then layer the cinnamon roll strips in a crisscross pattern at the bottom. Pour the warm apple filling evenly over the dough so it seeps into every crevice, marrying those cinnamon-sweet flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled cinnamon roll apple pie in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cinnamon roll dough is golden brown and deliciously puffy. The aroma wafting from the oven will already have your mouth watering.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the pie to cool slightly so the filling sets a little. Then drizzle the included cinnamon roll frosting all over the top. This final touch adds a creamy, sweet glaze that elevates every slice into pure indulgence.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe pop even more, try sprinkling a pinch of freshly ground cinnamon or a handful of chopped pecans on top of the frosting. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on the side adds creaminess that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you’re serving it after a cozy meal, consider light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for that ultimate comforting vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this pie in individual ramekins lined with cinnamon roll dough strips for a personalized touch. You can also drizzle caramel sauce alongside the frosting or top with fresh apple slices for an elevated look that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is best stored covered in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to protect it. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy the same delightful taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. For a crispier crust, pop slices into a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes instead. A quick drizzle of extra frosting or a scoop of ice cream after warming makes it feel freshly baked every time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pie filling can add an extra layer of freshness and customization to your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe. Just be sure it’s thickened properly to avoid soggy crust.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are fantastic choices because they hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and check the cinnamon rolls and frosting to ensure they don’t contain milk. There are lots of great dairy-free options available nowadays.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time by a few minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-browning.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
For sure! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add a wonderful crunch or chewiness that pairs beautifully with the soft apples and cinnamon rolls in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug. It’s both delightfully simple and deeply comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself any day of the week. Once you try it, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup, encouraging those cozy moments filled with laughter and homemade goodness.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie combines the warm spices of cinnamon rolls with a classic apple pie filling to create a deliciously sweet and gooey dessert. It features a unique crust made from refrigerated cinnamon roll dough woven in a crisscross pattern, holding a luscious apple filling cooked with cinnamon and sugar. Perfectly baked until golden and finished with a creamy frosting drizzle, this pie brings a comforting twist on two beloved treats in one easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pie Crust and Topping
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the apple mixture: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, water, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thickened, indicating it’s cooked through but still retains some texture.
- Form the cinnamon roll base: Unroll the refrigerated cinnamon rolls into long strips to create the pie crust. This dough will serve as a sweet and soft alternative crust for the pie.
- Assemble the pie: Grease a baking dish generously. Layer the cinnamon roll strips in a crisscross pattern across the bottom and sides of the dish to form the base and partial lattice crust.
- Add the filling: Pour the warm apple filling evenly over the arranged cinnamon roll strips, ensuring good coverage and an even surface.
- Bake the pie: Place the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cinnamon roll dough is puffy and golden brown on top.
- Finish with frosting: Allow the pie to cool slightly but while still warm, drizzle the included cinnamon roll frosting evenly over the top to add a creamy, sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and slight tang.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary; the crust should be golden and cooked through.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture if desired.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the extra teaspoon of cornstarch into 2 tablespoons water and stir into the apple mixture while cooking.
- This pie is best served warm to enjoy the soft cinnamon roll crust and melty frosting.
