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Hey there, friends! Chef Emily here, and I can’t wait to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you—Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Now, picture this: it’s a brisk autumn afternoon, the leaves are swirling outside, and the scent of cinnamon wafting through my kitchen is like a warm hug. This delightful mashup of a classic apple pie and gooey, sweet cinnamon rolls is something I stumbled upon during one of my cozy kitchen experiments. After a triumph of flavors and an eruption of happiness amongst friends gathered around my table, I knew this was a keeper.
As I stirred together the luscious apple pie filling, the cinnamon rolls became their delightful companions, and the aroma transformed my kitchen into a cozy haven. Every bite of this dreamy dessert bursts with soft cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery, fluffy cinnamon rolls drizzled in sweet frosting. Trust me; it’s love at first bite, and I’m excited for you to bring this bliss into your own home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert without breaking a sweat.
- Quick to Assemble: This recipe whips up in no time—perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet and comforting.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and fluffy rolls will have your taste buds dancing.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat, everyone will swoon over this gorgeous pie.
- Flexibly Fun: Adapt it to your heart’s content with different fruits, spices, and toppings.
- A Touch of Whimsy: The playful twist on a traditional favorite brings both nostalgia and novelty to the table.
Ingredients
1 (21oz) can apple pie filling
Choose a high-quality filling for the most authentic flavor, or make your own for that homemade touch!1 package cinnamon rolls with frosting (refrigerated)
These will be your base! The gooey frosting adds the perfect sweetness to the tops!4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced)
Go for a mix of sweet and tart varieties for more complexity! Granny Smith is a personal fave!1/3 cup sugar
This enhances the natural sweetness of the apples—don’t worry, it’s just the right amount!3 tablespoons water
This helps to steam the apples while baking, ensuring they become tender and juicy.2 tablespoons butter
A touch of richness that brings everything together—who doesn’t love butter?1 teaspoon cinnamon
The aroma will transport you to a cozy bakery; cinnamon is a must!1 tablespoon cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon)
This will thicken your apple filling, giving it a perfectly luscious texture!2 tablespoons water
Another dose of steam-action to keep those apples nice and juicy!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
If You’re Making the Apple Filling
(If using canned, skip to making the cinnamon rolls!)
Prep Your Apples: In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 3 tablespoons water. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the heartwarming fragrance of cinnamon and apples as they dance together in the bowl.
Cook the Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the apple mixture to the pan and gently stir. Cook for about 5–7 minutes or until the apples start to soften but still have a little crunch. The sweet, spicy scent will make it hard to resist a spoonful! Once they’re ready, let them cool.
Making the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation will set the stage for your soon-to-be masterpiece!
Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the package of cinnamon rolls and arrange them on the bottom of a greased pie dish or baking pan. Gently press down to create a lovely crust. Drizzle the frosting on top.
Add the Apple Filling: Spoon the cooled apple mixture over the cinnamon roll base, spreading it evenly.
Top with More Rolls (Optional): For an extra-crazy twist, if you have leftover cinnamon rolls, you can toss a few pieces on top. Why not?
Bakeing Time: Pop your creation into the oven and let it bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and everything is bubbly. The smell will wrap around you like a warm blanket!
Serve Warm: Pull it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with any creamy leftover frosting if you’re feeling indulgent.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a mix of apples for an interesting flavor profile.
- Don’t overbake! Check on your pie and take it out when the rolls are golden and fluffy.
- For a crunchier topping, sprinkle some oats or nuts before baking for extra texture.
- If you love extra cinnamon, add an extra pinch in with your apple filling for that comforting spice.
- Serve it warm so the gooeyness is at its peak!
Flavor Variations
- Swap out the apple pie filling for fresh, seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries for a summery twist.
- Try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger for added warmth in the autumn months.
- Use caramel sauce instead of frosting for a decadent caramel apple treat!
- Experiment with spices—cloves or cardamom would add a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This are delightful all on its own, but serves beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. For drinks, a warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider rounds out the experience perfectly. And don’t forget to dust some powdered sugar over the top for that perfect, bakery-style finish!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Prepping ahead? You can assemble the pie in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me; it won’t last that long!
Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, try slicing it up and tossing it into your morning oatmeal, or make a decadent french toast bake with your slices. The possibilities are endless!
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie! Just cover tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop it frozen into the oven. It may need an extra ten minutes, but oh-so-worth-it!
Reheating
For the best results, I suggest reheating slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. However, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well too—just be careful not to overdo it!
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained of excess water.
What if I can’t find refrigerated cinnamon rolls?
No worries! You can use a homemade dough recipe that you love; just make sure it’s cinnamon-spiced.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch, just sprinkle them into the apple filling!
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and make sure your apple pie filling is gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my beautiful friends! This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a centerpiece to share stories over, and a delightful treat that brings smiles to any gathering. I truly hope this recipe adds a sprinkle of joy to your kitchen and becomes a cherished favorite, just like it has in mine. Happy baking, lovelies! 🍏🥧✨
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 3 tablespoons water.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the apple mixture and gently stir. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the apples start to soften.
- Once ready, let the mixture cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the package of cinnamon rolls and arrange them on the bottom of a greased pie dish. Press down to create a crust.
- Drizzle the frosting on top of the cinnamon rolls.
- Spoon the cooled apple mixture over the cinnamon roll base, spreading evenly.
- For a twist, place leftover cinnamon roll pieces on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, drizzling with extra frosting if desired.