This delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie combines the joy of warm apple filling with the sweet, swirly goodness of cinnamon rolls. It’s like a hug in dessert form!
Who can resist that heavenly cinnamon aroma wafting through the kitchen? I’m always tempted to sneak a slice before dinner—definitely a treat worth sharing, though I won’t tell if you don’t! 😄
I love how easy this pie is to whip up using store-bought cinnamon rolls. Just layer, bake, and let it cool a bit before serving. Perfect for cozy evenings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Roll Dough: The star of this pie! I recommend using refrigerated cinnamon rolls for ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making homemade dough or use biscuit dough as an alternative.
Granny Smith Apples: These apples are tart, which balances the sweetness nicely. If you can’t find them, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, as they’re also great for baking!
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars give the filling depth. You could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you want a lighter option.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg really enhance the flavors. For a twist, add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth or omit nutmeg if you don’t have it.
How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Apple Filling?
Preparing the apple filling is crucial for a tasty pie. You’ll want a perfect blend of flavor and texture. Here’s how:
- Slice the apples thinly for even cooking. You want them tender but not mushy.
- Toss them in sugar, flour, and spices in a bowl to allow the flavors to combine. This helps to create a nice syrup as they bake.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before placing it in the pie. This draws out some moisture and enhances the flavors.
Enjoy the comforting combination of apples and cinnamon rolls in this easy dessert!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 package (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing)
- 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10-15 minutes to cool. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to make this delightful pie and have it ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your pie is assembled.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, mix your sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Toss everything well until the apples are coated evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can blend while you prepare the crust.
3. Create the Pie Crust:
Take half of the cinnamon roll dough (about 4 rolls), unroll them, and press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, forming a crust.
4. Add the Apple Filling:
Pour the apple mixture evenly into your cinnamon roll crust. Make sure to dot the top with small pieces of butter, which will add flavor as it bakes!
5. Top with Remaining Dough:
Unroll the remaining cinnamon rolls and place them on top of the apple filling in a single layer, covering the apples completely. This will create a lovely, swirly topping!
6. Bake the Pie:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cinnamon rolls to turn a nice golden brown and the apples to become tender.
7. Cool the Pie:
Once done, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
8. Drizzle the Icing:
Before serving, drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll package over the warm pie for a sweet finishing touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie warm. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Enjoy this decadent blend of spiced apple pie and cinnamon roll sweetness!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples also work well in pies, providing a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Just make sure to use apples that hold their shape well when baked.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or cover the pie with foil and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and assemble the pie up to a day in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just be sure to bake it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for the Cinnamon Roll Dough?
If you don’t have cinnamon roll dough, you can use store-bought biscuit dough or a homemade pie crust. If using biscuit dough, adjust the baking time accordingly as biscuits may cook differently than cinnamon rolls.