Get ready to fall head over heels for a dessert that beautifully marries two all-time favorites: cinnamon rolls and apple pie. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie invites you to savor the sweet harmony of cinnamon rolls and apples in one irresistible pie. Warm, fluffy layers of cinnamon-scented dough create a flaky, tender crust that cradles juicy, spiced apple slices tossed with sugar, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with pockets of buttery richness dotting the filling. Whether you’re celebrating cozy autumn evenings, weekend brunches with friends, or simply treating yourself to a decadent indulgence, this pie feels like a comforting hug for your taste buds—and trust me, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
The best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned pastry chef to nail this recipe. With just a quick 20-minute prep, a 45-minute bake time, and a 15-minute rest before serving, even complete beginners can achieve a show-stopping dessert. I still smile thinking about the first time I rolled out those cinnamon buns as a makeshift pie crust—everyone in the house was mesmerized by how simple ingredients transformed into something truly magical. Once the icing drips over the golden lattice and the kitchen fills with cozy warmth, you’ll know you’ve created something special. Let’s gather our ingredients, fire up the oven, and dive into this beginner-friendly, crowd-pleasing Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients that work in harmony. Below are the star players for this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, each bringing its own unique flavor and function to the dessert.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
These pre-made rolls serve a dual purpose: the dough forms both the bottom crust and the lattice top, while the icing packet becomes a sweet drizzle at the end. The convenience means less time mixing dough and more time enjoying the process.
- Apples
Whether you choose Granny Smith for a tart bite or a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp, the thinly sliced apples create the juicy, spiced filling. Their natural moisture and slight acidity balance the richness of the cinnamon roll crust.
- Granulated sugar
This classic sweetener ensures that each apple slice caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, sugary coating that clings to the fruit and deepens the overall sweetness.
- Brown sugar
With its molasses notes, brown sugar adds depth and a hint of warmth to the filling. It enhances the golden color and encourages a tender, almost jammy texture in the apple mixture.
- All-purpose flour
Acting as a thickening agent, a little flour helps bind the juices released by the apples during baking, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring a perfectly set filling.
- Lemon juice
A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors, adds a refreshing tang, and prevents the apples from browning before they hit the oven.
- Ground cinnamon
The defining spice in any apple dessert, cinnamon infuses the filling with warm, aromatic notes that complement the cinnamon roll crust beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg
Just a pinch of nutmeg lends a subtle earthiness and warming flavor that rounds out the spice profile.
- Salt
A small amount of salt enhances and balances the sweetness, ensuring that every flavor note shines through.
- Unsalted butter
Dotting the top of the filling with butter imparts richness and encourages beautiful browning, creating those irresistible pockets of melted goodness.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE
Turning these ingredients into a mouthwatering pie is easier than you might think. Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through each technique—from preheating the oven to weaving the lattice top—so you can bake with confidence and enjoy fantastic results.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature before you begin baking helps the crust set properly and the filling cook evenly.
2. Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them gently. Place the icing packets aside—you’ll warm and drizzle those at the very end for a perfect finish.
3. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each cinnamon roll into a 1/4-inch thick round. This step transforms the fluffy roll into a versatile dough for your pie crust.
4. Arrange the flattened rolls in a 9-inch pie dish, overlapping and pressing them together to form a seamless bottom and side crust. Make sure there are no gaps so the filling stays contained.
5. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until each piece of apple is evenly coated in the sweet-spice mixture.
6. Pour the apple mixture into your prepared cinnamon roll crust, smoothing the top so the filling sits level.
7. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter; these will melt during baking, creating pockets of rich, buttery flavor.
8. With the remaining flattened cinnamon roll dough, weave a lattice-style top crust over the apple filling. Simply cut strips and alternate them over and under to create a classic pie look (or lay strips side by side for an easier approach).
9. Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced.
10. Carefully remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes. This rest time helps the filling set so it won’t run when you slice.
11. Warm the reserved icing packets in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then drizzle the sweet icing generously over the top of your warm pie before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE
Once your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is perfectly baked and dressed in sweet icing, it’s time to consider how to plate and enhance every slice. Presentation and pairing can elevate this dessert from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing at a holiday table, brunch gathering, or dessert spread, these serving ideas will ensure each bite shines.
- Serve Warm with a Scoop of Ice Cream
A classic scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts slowly over the hot pie, creating a luscious contrast of temperatures and adding a dreamy, silky texture to every forkful.
- Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts
Toasted walnuts or pecans add a crunchy dimension and nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced apples. Scatter a handful over each slice just before serving for added visual appeal and texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Mint
Adding a sprig of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar brings a bright, refreshing note. It also creates an elegant presentation, turning your slice into a restaurant-worthy dessert.
- Pair with a Hot Beverage
Complement the sweet, spicy flavors with a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. The warm drink enhances the cozy vibe and rounds out the flavors for a truly comforting treat.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE
Keeping your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie fresh and delicious for later enjoyment is simple when you follow a few storage best practices. Whether you have leftovers to stash in the fridge or plan to freeze slices for future snacking, these tips will help maintain that tender crust and juicy filling.
- Room Temperature (Up to 2 Days)
Allow the pie to cool completely, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a pie keeper. Store on the counter away from direct sunlight. This method preserves the crust’s slight crispness.
- Refrigeration (Up to 4 Days)
Place cooled slices in an airtight container or wrap the entire pie in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Refrigeration keeps the filling firm and prevents spoilage, though the crust may soften slightly.
- Freezing the Whole Pie (Up to 3 Months)
Once fully cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes.
- Freezing Individual Slices
For on-the-go desserts, wrap each cooled slice in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as many slices as you need, thaw in the fridge, and warm gently in the microwave or oven.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the best of both cinnamon rolls and classic apple pie, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie stands out as a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ve covered everything from the key ingredients—like pre-made cinnamon roll dough, spiced apple filling, and a touch of butter—to step-by-step instructions that guide you through flattening, weaving, baking, and drizzling. With a total time commitment of just 80 minutes (20 minutes prep, 45 minutes baking, and 15 minutes resting), even beginner bakers can triumph. The result is a golden, flaky crust enveloping tender, cinnamon-kissed apples, finished with a sweet icing drizzle that adds just the right sweetness. Be sure to print or save this article so you can revisit it whenever you crave a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and show-stopping. And don’t forget, you can scroll down to the FAQ section for quick answers to common questions.
I’d love to hear how your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie adventure turns out! Feel free to leave comments, ask questions, or share any tips you discover along the way. Whether you’re curious about swapping apple varieties, adjusting sweetness levels, or perfecting your lattice pattern, I’m here to help. Your feedback and stories inspire new twists on this recipe—and reading about your baking triumphs makes my day. Happy baking, and may every slice bring you warmth and delight!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Description
Imagine a warm, flaky crust made of cinnamon rolls, encasing tender, spiced apples. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Set aside the icing packets for later use.
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Flatten each cinnamon roll with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, until they are about 1/4-inch thick.
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Arrange flattened rolls to cover the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, pressing them together to form a crust.
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In a large bowl, mix together the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the apples are evenly coated.
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Pour the apple mixture into the prepared cinnamon roll crust, spreading evenly.
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Dot the top of the apple filling with small pieces of butter.
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Use remaining flattened cinnamon rolls to create a lattice-style top crust over the apple filling, weaving the strips if desired.
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Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Remove from oven and cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
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Warm the reserved icing packets in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then drizzle the icing over the top of the warm pie before serving.
Note
- Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice balance of tart and sweet flavor.
- You can add a handful of walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- This pie makes for an enticing breakfast or dessert option.
