Have you ever wondered what magic would happen if you combined the gooey, spiced perfection of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of apple pie? Well, wonder no more! This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is about to become your new obsession – and trust me, once you smell that incredible aroma wafting from your oven, you’ll understand why this dessert is pure genius.
When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how the tender cinnamon roll spirals nestled perfectly with the caramelized apples, creating layers of flavor that dance on your taste buds. It’s like getting a warm hug from your two favorite desserts at once!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Two desserts in one: Combines the best of cinnamon rolls and apple pie for an unforgettable treat
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for entertaining since you can prep components in advance
- Customizable sweetness: Easy to adjust spice levels and sweetness to your family’s preferences
- Impressive presentation: Looks bakery-worthy but uses simple techniques anyone can master
- Comfort food perfection: Ideal for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you want something special
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
✅ Surprisingly simple: Uses store-bought cinnamon roll dough for convenience without sacrificing flavor
✅ Flavor explosion: The warm spices from cinnamon rolls complement the tender, sweet apples perfectly
✅ Flexible and forgiving: Easy to customize with your favorite apple varieties or spice preferences
✅ Perfect for gatherings: Makes enough to feed a crowd and always gets rave reviews
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. The key is using quality apples that hold their shape during baking – I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their perfect balance of sweet and tart. The cinnamon roll dough acts as both your crust and topping, creating those gorgeous spirals that make this dessert so Instagram-worthy!
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples, peeled and sliced thin (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala work beautifully)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps thicken the juices)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (use Ceylon cinnamon for extra warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is divine)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed (adds richness to the filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning and adds brightness)
For the Cinnamon Roll Component:
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (about 8 rolls each)
- ¼ cup melted butter (for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (enhances the caramel notes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes all the difference)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sift for smoothest texture)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
Equipment & Tools
- 9-inch deep-dish pie pan (glass works best for even browning)
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously butter your 9-inch pie pan. Trust me, you don’t want this beauty sticking! The aroma of butter hitting that warm pan is just the beginning of the amazing smells to come.
Step 2: Create the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Mix gently until every slice is coated – you’ll notice how the apples start to glisten and smell absolutely incredible. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you prep the cinnamon rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base
Open one tube of cinnamon roll dough and unroll each piece carefully. Press 4-5 cinnamon rolls into the bottom of your prepared pie pan, creating a rustic crust. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the homestyle look is part of the charm!
Step 4: Layer the Magic
Spoon your apple mixture over the cinnamon roll base, spreading it evenly. Dot with those cubes of butter – they’ll melt and create the most wonderful caramelized sauce as it bakes.
Step 5: Top with More Cinnamon Goodness
Unroll the remaining cinnamon rolls and arrange them on top of the apples in a decorative pattern. I love creating a spiral design that shows off those beautiful swirls! Brush with melted butter mixed with brown sugar and vanilla.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven – it’s almost impossible to wait!
Step 7: Create the Perfect Glaze
While your pie cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pie for that bakery-style finish.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
For Extra Flavor:
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture
- Try a splash of bourbon or rum in the apple filling for grown-up appeal
- Mix in some dried cranberries for a festive touch
Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough (several brands make excellent versions)
- Dairy-free: Substitute vegan butter and use plant-based milk in the glaze
- Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar in the apple filling and use sugar-free cinnamon rolls
Troubleshooting:
- If your cinnamon rolls brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes
- Soggy bottom? Pre-bake the bottom cinnamon roll layer for 8-10 minutes before adding apples
- Too sweet? Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors
Just like my festive Christmas cranberry roll ups, this recipe is all about creating those special moments that bring people together around the table.
Serving Suggestions
This gorgeous pie is absolutely divine served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting alongside each slice. The contrast between the warm, spiced fruit and cool, creamy ice cream is pure magic! ✨
For a more elegant presentation, try serving with:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of toasted nuts
- A cup of hot coffee or spiced cider
The pie pairs beautifully with other comfort desserts too – consider serving it alongside my winter wonderland chocolate chip cookies for a dessert spread that’ll have everyone talking!
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Storage:
- Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (the flavors actually develop beautifully overnight!)
- Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months
Make-Ahead Magic:
You can prep this entire pie up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
Reheating:
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. The cinnamon rolls will puff back up beautifully!
Similar to my pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese, this dessert actually tastes even better the next day as all those wonderful flavors meld together.
Nutrition & Dietary Notes
Each generous slice contains approximately:
- Calories: 420-450
- Carbohydrates: 65g (mainly from the natural fruit sugars and dough)
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g (thanks to those lovely apples!)
This dessert is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made dairy-free with simple substitutions. The apples provide a good dose of fiber and vitamin C, making this a slightly more nutritious indulgence than many traditional desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead?
A: Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully, though you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly. The convenience of store-bought makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, but homemade adds that extra special touch.
Q: What if my apples release too much juice during baking?
A: This is totally normal! The flour in the apple mixture helps thicken those juices into a lovely sauce. If you’re concerned, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or a bit of cornstarch to the apple mixture.
Q: Can I make mini versions of this pie?
A: Yes! Use muffin tins and reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes. They make adorable individual servings that are perfect for parties.
Q: How do I know when it’s perfectly done?
A: The cinnamon rolls should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. The apples should be tender when pierced with a knife, and you might see some lovely bubbling around the edges.
Q: Can I add other fruits to the apple mixture?
A: Definitely! Pears work wonderfully, and a handful of fresh or dried cranberries adds a beautiful color and tart contrast. Just keep the total fruit amount the same.
This recipe reminds me why I love sharing desserts that bring families together – just like the cozy comfort you’ll find in all my favorite recipes at Martha Blogger. There’s something so special about creating these memorable treats that become part of your family’s tradition.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie truly is the best of both worlds – combining the nostalgic comfort of warm cinnamon rolls with the classic appeal of homemade apple pie. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple, accessible ingredients into something that looks and tastes absolutely spectacular.
The beauty lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in how it brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or just because Tuesday deserves something special, this dessert never fails to create those “wow” moments that make cooking so rewarding.
Your next steps:
- Gather your ingredients – most you probably already have on hand!
- Choose your apple variety – I recommend Honeycrisp for the perfect sweet-tart balance
- Set aside about an hour for prep and baking (trust me, it’s so worth it)
- Take photos – this pie is definitely social media worthy!
Don’t forget to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate experience. And if you’re looking for more show-stopping desserts that are surprisingly simple to make, be sure to check out my gingerbread crinkle cookies – they’re perfect alongside this pie for a complete dessert spread.
Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this incredible dessert!
