Make a Tasty Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe

Cozy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe That Warms The Soul

Sweet aromas of cinnamon roll apple pie waft through the kitchen, promising a delectable fusion of classic dessert flavors.

Warm, gooey cinnamon swirls embrace tender apple slices in a buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.

Layers of rich, caramelized apples blend seamlessly with the soft, spiraled pastry, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of spicy cinnamon and sweet fruit, transforming a traditional pie into something extraordinary.

The golden-brown top glistens with a sugary glaze, hinting at the deliciousness waiting inside.

This recipe bridges comfort and indulgence, offering a crowd-pleasing treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that redefines classic apple pie.

FAQs

  • What type of apples work best for this pie?

Granny smith apples are ideal because they provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and maintain their texture during baking.

  • Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?

While canned cinnamon rolls are recommended for convenience, you can use homemade rolls if they have a similar soft texture and can be rolled out thinly.

  • How does cornstarch help in this recipe?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping to absorb excess liquid from the apples and create a stable, not runny pie filling during baking.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie: Why Bake It

  • This recipe transforms complex pie-making into a super simple process using convenient canned cinnamon rolls, perfect for busy home bakers.
  • Granny smith apples bring a delightful tart punch that perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon roll crust, allowing for delicious flavor customization.
  • Minimal technical skills required – anyone can roll out cinnamon rolls and create a stunning dessert without professional pastry training.
  • The combination of classic apple pie with beloved cinnamon roll flavors makes this dessert irresistible for kids and adults alike, ideal for gatherings and potlucks.

What Goes Into Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Main Ingredients:
  • Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples provide a sharp flavor contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls and help balance the overall taste of the pie.
  • Canned Cinnamon Rolls: These serve as both the crust and topping, creating a unique and easy pie-making approach.
Thickening and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create a thick and stable filling by absorbing excess liquid from the apples.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and complexity to the apple pie's flavor profile.
Sweet and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract, Cream Cheese Icing: These ingredients provide additional sweetness and a creamy finishing touch to the pie.
  • Butter, Sugar, Salt: These classic baking ingredients enhance the overall taste and texture of the pie.

Tools for Baking Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

  • 9-inch pie dish: Essential for baking and shaping the pie.
  • Rolling pin: Perfect for flattening cinnamon rolls into a thin, even crust.
  • Large mixing bowl: Great for tossing and coating apple slices with spices.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for slicing apples into uniform pieces.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for apple preparation.
  • Pastry brush: Helpful for spreading melted butter or egg wash.

Steps to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Wash and peel the apples carefully.

Slice them into thin, even wedges to ensure consistent cooking.

Remove any seeds or tough core pieces.

Pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in your pie.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

Combine the apple slices in a mixing bowl with:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract

Gently toss the ingredients until every apple slice is evenly coated.

The mixture will create a rich, warm flavor that complements the cinnamon roll crust perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Crust Base

Open the cinnamon roll package and carefully unroll each roll.

Press the rolls into a pie dish, creating an even layer that covers the bottom and sides.

Use your fingers to smooth out any gaps or uneven areas.

The rolls will create a sweet, soft foundation for your pie.

Step 4: Fill and Top the Pie

Pour the prepared apple filling into the cinnamon roll crust.

Take the remaining cinnamon rolls and cut them into strips.

Arrange these strips in a decorative lattice pattern across the top of the pie.

This creates a beautiful and delicious topping that will catch everyone’s eye.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pie in a preheated oven.

Bake until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling becomes bubbly and fragrant.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with an irresistible sweet cinnamon scent.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Once the pie has cooled slightly, drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll package over the top.

The sweet glaze will create a stunning finish that makes the pie look as amazing as it tastes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the pie into wedges and serve warm.

The combination of tender apples, sweet cinnamon crust, and creamy icing creates a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Tips for a Better Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

  • Press cinnamon rolls gently and evenly to create a uniform, thin crust that bakes consistently without becoming too thick or doughy.
  • Select firm, tart granny smith apples for balanced sweetness and prevent mushy texture during baking.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over apple mixture to ensure smooth, not runny, pie filling that holds its shape when sliced.
  • Slightly pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding apple filling to maintain a crisp, golden base.
  • Wait until pie completely cools to room temperature before drizzling icing, allowing it to set beautifully without melting.

Fun Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace canned cinnamon rolls with gluten-free cinnamon roll dough or almond flour-based pastry for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cinnamon rolls, and replace eggs with flaxseed mixture for dairy-free pie.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Select tart apples like Granny Smith, reduce sugar content, and use sugar-free cinnamon rolls for diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Keto-Friendly Makeover: Substitute traditional rolls with low-carb almond flour rolls, use erythritol sweetener, and add extra cinnamon for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting morning treat.
  • Festive Dessert Platter: Pair with vanilla ice cream and drizzle extra icing for a decadent holiday gathering centerpiece.
  • Family Game Night Delight: Cut into smaller squares for easy sharing during board game sessions or movie marathons.
  • Picnic Perfect Slice: Pack individual portions in portable containers for outdoor adventures or potluck gatherings.

Storage for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

  • Seal the cooled pie in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the texture and flavor intact.
  • Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months without losing its delicious taste.
  • Keep the pie covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, ensuring it stays fresh and appetizing.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat the entire pie in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its original warmth and softness.
Print
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Make a Tasty Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe

Make a Tasty Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cinnamon roll apple pie blends classic American dessert traditions into one irresistible treat. Flaky pastry, warm spices, and sweet apples create a comforting dessert you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 granny smith apples, sliced
  • 2 cans cinnamon roll

Sweeteners and Thickeners:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Spices and Preparation Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Flour for rolling
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Unwrap canned cinnamon rolls and gently flatten each roll using a rolling pin, creating a thin, uniform dough for the pie crust and topping.
  2. Slice granny smith apples into thin, even wedges, ensuring consistent cooking and a balanced texture throughout the pie.
  3. Press flattened cinnamon roll dough into a pie dish, covering the bottom and sides completely to form a smooth, even crust.
  4. Combine sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, thoroughly coating the fruit to create a rich, thickened filling.
  5. Pour the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared cinnamon roll crust, spreading evenly to prevent gaps or uneven baking.
  6. Cut remaining flattened cinnamon rolls into strips and arrange in a lattice pattern across the top of the pie, creating an attractive woven design.
  7. Bake the pie in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the filling sets and becomes less runny.
  9. Drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll package over the warm pie, creating a sweet, decorative finish that complements the baked apples.

Notes

  • Swap granny smith apples with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a milder taste profile.
  • Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Prevent soggy bottom crust by sprinkling a thin layer of breadcrumbs before adding apple filling to absorb excess moisture.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for deeper warmth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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