There is nothing quite like the warm, gooey comfort of a pie, especially when it is reinvented with the sweet swirls of cinnamon rolls and the fresh zest of apples. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe brings together the best of both worlds with a delightful fusion of tender cinnamon dough enveloping a luscious, spiced apple filling. It is a charming dessert that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests with a uniquely scrumptious twist on classic apple pie. Get ready to savor a new favorite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create the magic of this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe. Each item plays a special role, from the comforting cinnamon spice to the juicy apples that give brilliant color and texture.
- 1 can (21oz) apple pie filling: This ready-made filling brings sweetness and a perfect blend of spices, making the recipe a breeze.
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting: These provide a soft, pillowy crust infused with cinnamon, and the frosting adds a lovely glaze after baking.
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): Fresh apples add crispness and a fresh fruity bite that balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Enhances natural sweetness and helps create a syrupy filling.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve sugar and thicken the apple mixture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and encourages a golden, flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The heart of the flavor profile, giving warmth and spice.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to ensure the filling is luscious and not too runny.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake the cinnamon roll dough to a golden brown while ensuring the apple filling bubbles just right inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Stir well to coat each apple piece, which creates a sweet, spiced filling that will thicken beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Roll Out Cinnamon Rolls
Carefully unroll each refrigerated cinnamon roll until they lay flat like little circles. This gives you the perfect pastry base to cradle your apple filling, infusing every bite with those cozy cinnamon swirls.
Step 4: Assemble the Pies
Scoop spoonfuls of the apple mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges over the filling, pinching them gently to seal and create charming little apple-stuffed pockets that will bake into individual mini pies.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the sealed pockets in a greased baking dish and dot each with bits of butter. Bake them for about 20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the filling bubbles invitingly underneath the cinnamon dough. The butter helps create a crisp, buttery finish that makes this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe with a drizzle of the included cinnamon roll frosting creates an irresistibly sweet glaze that melts over the warm pies. For extra flair, sprinkle with chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside makes every bite feel like a little celebration.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot apple cider. For a heartier finish, serve alongside creamy custard or a light fruit salad for balance and a touch of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the mini cinnamon roll apple pies on a rustic wooden board with autumnal decorations like cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a charming presentation. You can also serve them warm in individual ramekins or even as part of a brunch spread to surprise your guests with something both cozy and unique.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any uneaten portions of this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain their soft yet crisp texture when properly covered.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled pies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. This is perfect for prepping ahead for busy days or holiday gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through to keep that delightful crispiness on the outside while warming the filling to gooey perfection. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Combining fresh apples with just a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, as in the recipe, adds wonderful texture and flavor. The canned filling is convenient, but fresh apples create an even more vibrant taste.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, work beautifully. They provide the right balance of tartness and sweetness to complement the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute vegan cinnamon rolls and use vegan butter to make this dessert vegan-friendly. Just be sure to check the ingredients on your cinnamon rolls to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch helps thicken the filling so it’s not runny after baking, but if you prefer, you can use an alternative thickener like arrowroot powder or flour. The goal is a luscious, slightly thickened apple filling.
How long can I store the prepared apple pies before baking?
You can assemble the pies and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows you to prepare ahead without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful way to bring warmth and excitement to your dessert table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special treat just for you, these sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple pockets are sure to become a beloved favorite. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and watch smiles light up as everyone enjoys each tender, flavorful bite.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful fusion dessert combining classic cinnamon rolls with the comforting flavors of apple pie. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie recipe features cinnamon roll dough filled with a sweet, spiced apple mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with the signature cinnamon roll frosting for a deliciously decadent treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Other Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cinnamon roll apple pies.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Mix thoroughly to coat the apples evenly and create a slightly thickened filling.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out each cinnamon roll from the package into flat circles, expanding the dough carefully without tearing it, to form the base for the filling.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture onto the center of each rolled-out cinnamon roll circle. Fold the edges over to create sealed pockets, enclosing the filling completely.
- Bake: Place the assembled cinnamon roll apple pies in a greased baking dish. Dot the tops with butter for richness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Frosting: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle or spread the included cinnamon roll frosting over the top of each pie pocket while warm for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh apple pie filling for canned if preferred.
- Ensure the edges of the cinnamon roll dough are tightly sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
