As the leaves turn golden and the air carries a crisp hint of autumn, I find myself craving the comforting flavors that define this season. It was on one of those cozy fall afternoons that I decided to bring two of my favorite treats together cinnamon rolls and apple pie into something extraordinary: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Imagine the buttery, fluffy texture of warm cinnamon rolls embracing a sweet and tangy apple filling, creating a dessert that’s not just delicious but incredibly easy to whip up with just five ingredients.
Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, a cozy family dinner, or even a simple treat after a long day, this dish combines nostalgic flavors that warm the heart and indulge the senses. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, you’ll love how this delightful twist on the classic pie transforms your kitchen into a haven of delightful scents and promises an unforgettable dessert experience. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why will you love Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Comforting Combination: This recipe beautifully merges two beloved desserts into one fantastic treat that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Effortlessly Simple: With only five ingredients, anyone can master this pie, making it a go-to for busy bakers.
Aromatic Delight: Your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and apples, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Versatile for All Occasions: Ideal for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both young and old.
Perfectly Textured: Enjoy the fluffy cinnamon roll crust layered over soft, spiced apples, delivering a delightful contrast in every bite.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• Cinnamon Rolls – Use store-bought for convenience and to create a fluffy base for your pie.
For the Filling
• Apples – Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith, which provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
• Brown Sugar – This enhances caramelization in the filling; coconut sugar can be a great healthier substitute.
• Cinnamon – A key spice that ties together the flavors of cinnamon rolls and apple pie, amplifying warmth.
• Egg – Serves as a binder to keep everything together, but you can substitute with a flaxseed mixture for a vegan option.
Now you’re ready to gather these delightful ingredients to create your tasty Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie bakes evenly and beautifully.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin pieces. Toss the sliced apples gently with brown sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl until well combined.
- Roll out the cinnamon rolls in a greased pie dish. Make sure to create a delightful crust that covers the base and sides, forming a inviting bowl for your apple filling.
- Fill the cinnamon roll crust with the apple mixture evenly, spreading it out well. This ensures that every slice will have that perfect balance of cinnamon, sweetness, and tang.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the cinnamon rolls achieve that golden brown perfection. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-browning!
- Cool the pie slightly before serving. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes; this will help the filling set and make meltingly soft every bite.
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra hit of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
- Even Apple Slices: Ensure all apple slices are uniform; thicker pieces may remain crunchy, disrupting the pie’s texture.
- Watch the Bake: Keep a close eye during the final minutes to prevent the cinnamon roll topping from over-browning.
- Cooling Time: Let your pie sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This makes slicing easier and helps the filling set perfectly.
- Stick to the Recipe: Using the specified five ingredients results in a harmonious blend of flavors, making your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie a standout treat.
- Personalize It: Feel free to add nuts or a drizzle of caramel on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
The perfect dessert deserves an equally delightful meal to accompany it; let’s make your dining experience unforgettable!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy coldness of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced pie. Every bite feels like a cozy hug!
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream enhances the pie’s sweetness, adding a dreamy texture. Consider a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flair!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the pie for a touch of indulgence. The rich flavor elevates each slice, transforming it into a decadent dessert experience.
- Chai Tea: The spiced profile of chai complements the cinnamon and apple filling perfectly. Sip it warm alongside a slice for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Roasted Pecans: Crunchy roasted pecans add texture and nuttiness, enhancing the pie’s flavors. Their buttery richness balances the sweet apple filling beautifully.
- Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tart cranberry sauce introduces a tart contrast, refreshing the palate between bites of the rich pie. This pairing is especially festive for Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall vibes with a warm, spiced latte. The blend of coffee and spices will keep the cozy mood going long after dessert is served.
- Hot Apple Cider: Keep the autumn spirit alive with a steaming cup of spiced apple cider. The warm spices echo the flavors within the pie and make for a comforting drink choice.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of melted chocolate brings a sumptuous finish to the pie, providing an extra level of sweetness to every bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the apple filling (peeling, coring, and slicing the apples, then mixing them with brown sugar and cinnamon) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the apples fresh. Additionally, you can roll out the cinnamon rolls and fit them into the pie dish a day ahead, covering them with plastic wrap to prevent drying. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the pie by filling the crust with the chilled apple mixture and bake it as directed. With these make-ahead options, you’ll enjoy a delightful, homemade Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie that tastes just as delicious as when made fresh!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delicious twists!
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for delightful texture and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warmed caramel sauce over the top before serving for a sweet, irresistible finish.
- Fruity Swap: Swap the apples for ripe pears or juicy peaches to switch up the flavor profile delightfully.
- Spiced Twist: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to enhance the warm spices of the filling and create a cozy aroma.
- Dairy-Free: Use a flaxseed mixture instead of egg and your favorite non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version of this treat.
- Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkles: Mix sugar and cinnamon together to sprinkle generously on top of the pie before baking for an extra sweet and crispy crust.
- Savory Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the apple filling for a surprising hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Cheesecake Layer: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla on the cinnamon roll crust before adding the apple filling for a creamy twist.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh while maintaining the pie’s delightful texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie again, reheat individual pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This restores that warm, fluffy texture perfectly!
Room Temperature: Ideally, serve your pie warm, but if left out, it can sit for about 2 hours before needing refrigeration to ensure freshness.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples should I use for the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
For the best flavor, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties balance sweetness and tang beautifully, preventing your pie from becoming overly sweet. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider mixing in some sweet apples like Fuji or Gala to create a harmonious filling.
How should I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps retain the freshness and delightful texture. However, if you’d like to extend its lifespan, I often recommend freezing it. Just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container; it will last for up to 2 months!
Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie? How?
You can absolutely freeze your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie! First, allow it to cool completely. Slice the pie, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Afterward, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag for extra protection. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that freshly baked taste!
What can I do if my apples are too crunchy after baking?
If your apples turn out too crunchy, it’s often because they were cut too thick. For next time, slice your apples as thinly as possible and consider pre-cooking them for about 5-10 minutes in a microwave with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon before adding them to the pie. This ensures they soften perfectly during the baking process and meld beautifully with that gooey cinnamon roll crust.
Is it possible to make the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie vegan?
Very! You can easily make this pie vegan by simply replacing the egg with a flaxseed mixture. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Plus, you can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier option that maintains that delicious caramel flavor.
Can I add other ingredients to the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to personalize it. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add wonderful crunch and texture. Additionally, drizzling caramel sauce on top right before serving can elevate the sweetness and create a beautiful presentation. You could also swap apples for other fruits like pears or peaches for a new twist!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie: Your Cozy Fall Dessert Surprise
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin pieces. Toss the sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Roll out the cinnamon rolls in a greased pie dish to create a crust.
- Fill the cinnamon roll crust with the apple mixture evenly.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the cinnamon rolls are golden brown.
- Cool the pie slightly for about 10 minutes before serving.