Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie – A Delicious Twist on Apple Pie

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie combines the warmth and sweetness of a classic apple pie with the decadent, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. The result? A comforting dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for fall or any occasion. With a cinnamon-sugar filling, a buttery, flaky crust, and the sweet, tart taste of apples, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for sure.

If you’re a fan of both apple pie and cinnamon rolls, this recipe is the best of both worlds. The cinnamon roll dough serves as the crust, while the spiced apple filling creates a delicious contrast in every bite.

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

This dessert is made with a combination of store-bought cinnamon rolls, apples, and simple ingredients that transform into a delightful pie.

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• Cinnamon Rolls: A can of store-bought cinnamon rolls is used as the base of the pie. You’ll use the rolls to form the crust, and the frosting to drizzle over the top.

• Butter: To make the dough extra rich and ensure it bakes beautifully.

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples: You’ll need about 6-7 medium apples. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness and texture, but a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Honeycrisp and Fuji, can also be used.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar to sweeten the apples.

• Brown Sugar: For added depth and caramel flavor in the filling.

• Cinnamon: The star spice that makes this pie warm and comforting.

• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon for that extra fall flavor.

• Cornstarch: To help thicken the apple filling.

• Lemon Juice: To balance the sweetness of the apples and prevent them from browning.

For the Topping:

• Cinnamon Roll Icing: The icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls is drizzled on top after baking, giving the pie a sweet, creamy finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

This recipe is easy and fun to make, using store-bought cinnamon rolls to save time and create a unique twist on a classic dessert.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Crust

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and remove the rolls from the package. Roll each cinnamon roll flat with your fingers or a rolling pin until it forms a thin layer (about 1/4-inch thick).

Place the flattened cinnamon rolls in the prepared pie pan, overlapping the edges slightly to create a crust. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, pinching the seams together to seal. The crust should be nice and even, with no gaps.

Bake the cinnamon roll crust for about 10 minutes to set it slightly, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice 6-7 medium apples into thin slices. Place them in a large bowl and toss with:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix everything together until the apples are well coated and the sugars and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Fill the Pie

Spoon the prepared apple mixture into the partially baked cinnamon roll crust, making sure to spread the apples out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

Take the remaining cinnamon rolls and cut them into quarters. Arrange the pieces on top of the apples, creating a lattice pattern or simply layering them in a spiral on top. Press the edges gently to seal the crust to the apple filling.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the crust begins to brown too much, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 7: Drizzle the Icing

Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the top of the pie while it’s still warm. The frosting will melt into the pie, adding sweetness and creaminess.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pie to cool for a few more minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of cinnamon rolls, apples, and the sweet glaze.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie:

• Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape during baking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold, to avoid a mushy filling.

• Flatten the Cinnamon Rolls: For a nice, even crust, flatten the cinnamon rolls as thin as possible. This ensures a better crust and prevents the filling from overflowing.

• Let the Pie Cool Slightly: Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Variations:

• Add a Streusel Topping: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a streusel topping (a mixture of butter, flour, and brown sugar) over the pie before baking.

• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished pie for an even richer, sweeter dessert.

• Nutty Add-ins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a crunchy texture.

Substitutions:

• No Cinnamon Rolls?: If you prefer, you can make homemade cinnamon rolls or use puff pastry for the crust if you want to change up the texture.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and cornstarch to thicken the filling. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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Serving Ideas & When to Make It

When to Serve:

• Fall Gatherings: The warm, spiced apple filling and cinnamon roll crust make this pie perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any fall get-together.

• Weekend Treat: Make this on a cozy weekend to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

• Family Dessert: It’s an easy and delicious dessert for a family meal.

What to Serve With It:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the pie.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm apple pie for a classic dessert duo.

• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds richness and an extra layer of sweetness.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Slice)

• Calories: 350–400 (depending on portion size)

• Fat: 15–18g (from butter and cinnamon rolls)

• Protein: 2–3g (from cinnamon rolls and apples)

• Carbs: 55–60g (from the sugar and apples)

• Fiber: 3–4g (from the apples)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Bake the pie as instructed when you’re ready to serve. If you make the pie a day ahead, the cinnamon roll crust may soften, but it will still be delicious.

2. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie (without the glaze) before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

3. Can I use a different type of fruit?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and seasoning according to the fruit you’re using.

4. What if I don’t have a 9-inch pie pan?

You can use a slightly larger or smaller pan if needed, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly. A deep-dish pie pan or even an 8×8 square pan can work well for this recipe.

5. What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

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