There’s something truly magical about the scent of warm cinnamon and sweet apples wafting through the kitchen. A few years ago, during a chilly autumn weekend, I decided to mix two of my favorite desserts: cinnamon rolls and apple pie. As I pulled that warm, golden brown creation from the oven, I was greeted with a heavenly aroma that instantly transformed my kitchen into a cozy haven. Just imagine biting into a soft, pillowy roll filled with spiced, sweet apples, drizzled with creamy frosting. It was love at first bite! Since then, my Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie has become a cherished recipe, perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or those quiet evenings when you just need a little something special. Trust me, this pie will make your heart feel as warm as your kitchen smells!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert without a ton of fuss.
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in around 30 minutes, plus baking time—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply impressing that friend who loves dessert.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of apples and cinnamon provides that homey feel that makes every bite a warm hug.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe with your favorite fruits or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 1 (21oz) can apple pie filling: This saves time! Choose a brand with real fruit for the best flavor.
- 1 package cinnamon rolls with frosting (refrigerated): These are the base of your delicious pie; I recommend grabbing the type with cream cheese frosting for extra richness!
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced): Fresh apples add brightness and substance. I love using Granny Smith for the tartness!
- 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens your filling—use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps combine your filling ingredients nicely.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness; you can use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Because what’s an apple dish without that warm, spicy aroma?
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon): Acts as a thickener for your filling, ensuring it isn’t runny.
- 2 tablespoons water: Needed for the cornstarch slurry to thicken your mixture.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
If You’re Making the Apple Filling (If using can, skip to making the cinnamon rolls)
- Prepare Your Apples: If you’re opting for fresh apples, peel, core, and chop or slice them into bite-size pieces. Feel the texture of those apples – make sure they’re crisp and juicy!
- Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the chopped apples, sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, butter, and cinnamon. Stir gently and watch as the butter melts and coats those beautiful apples.
- Cook Your Filling: Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the apples start to soften but still have a nice bite. The smell? Oh, you’ll swoon!
- Thicken It Up: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, and add to the skillet. Cook for another minute or until the mixture thickens beautifully. Set aside.
Making the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get that cozy feeling in the air.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the package of cinnamon rolls and set aside the frosting. Unroll each cinnamon roll slightly, creating a larger surface area to fill with your apple mix.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spoon your delicious apple filling (let it cool a bit!) onto each rolled dough, then roll them back up tightly.
- Place in Pan: Arrange the filled cinnamon rolls in a greased pie dish or a round baking pan, standing them up for a beautiful display.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown and your kitchen is filled with that irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples!
Pro Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients: Fresh apples and good cinnamon will elevate your pie so much!
- Don’t Overfill: This could lead to a gooey mess. Just a spoonful of apple filling in each roll is plenty.
- Check Doneness: Make sure the rolls are golden; the gooey goodness on the inside will continue to cook after you take them out.
- Cooling is Key: Allow your pie to cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps the filling set slightly.
Flavor Variations
- Fruity Twists: Add in some chopped pears or berries for a fruit medley delight!
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans in with your apples for added texture.
- Spice It Up: Try a pinch of nutmeg or ginger in your apple filling for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is beautiful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can top it with the provided frosting, or drizzle some caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat. For drinks, a cozy cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate pairs perfectly!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the apple filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling your pie. It’s also a great idea to prepare the assembled rolls and store them in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 2 days. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor!
Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity!), try reimagining them as cinnamon roll apple pie French toast! Just slice, dip in egg, and pan-fry until golden brown. Yum!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just heat for intervals of 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cherries, peaches, or even mixed berries.
How do I prevent the pie from getting soggy?
Make sure your apple filling isn’t overly wet. Cooking it down helps achieve the right consistency.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftover cinnamon roll apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the frosting?
Yes! You can freeze the cream cheese frosting separately; just thaw it in the fridge before using.
Final Thoughts
Baking with love is what brings warmth to every gathering, and I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie with your friends and family. There’s something profoundly comforting about turning simple ingredients into a cozy masterpiece. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the sweet aromas fill your kitchen. Happy baking, my friends! 🌟
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients
Method
- If using fresh apples, peel, core, and chop or slice them into bite-size pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the chopped apples, sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, butter, and cinnamon.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until apples start to soften but still retain a nice bite.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, and add to the skillet. Cook for another minute until thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the package of cinnamon rolls and set aside the frosting.
- Unroll each cinnamon roll slightly to create a larger surface area for filling.
- Spoon cooled apple filling onto each rolled dough, then roll them back up tightly.
- Arrange the filled rolls in a greased pie dish or round baking pan, standing them up for presentation.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown, and the aroma fills your kitchen.