Effortlessly Delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie: A Quick & Easy Dessert
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie offers a delightful twist on a classic, transforming refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a wonderfully flaky and flavorful pie crust. It’s generously filled with a luscious, juicy Honeycrisp apple pie filling and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. This inventive apple dessert is remarkably quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion, and is brimming with comforting notes of warm cinnamon and fresh apple flavor.
Prepare to take your apple pie experience to an exciting new level with this ingenious recipe. Instead of traditional pie dough, we leverage the convenience and irresistible flavor of store-bought, refrigerated cinnamon rolls to create both the bottom and top crusts. You might be wondering how this magical transformation happens – let me reveal the simple secrets!
The beauty of this cinnamon roll apple pie lies in its effortless preparation. You’ll carefully unroll the canned cinnamon buns, flattening each one to form a pliable dough. These flattened rounds then become the sturdy, sweet base of your pie. Once the bottom crust is in place, you’ll fill it with a generous amount of our perfectly spiced, juicy apple pie filling. The same simple process is repeated for the top crust, creating a harmonious blend of tender cinnamon roll and warm apple goodness. This method not only saves considerable time but also infuses every bite with that beloved cinnamon roll flavor.
As a trained pastry chef, I often find joy in crafting desserts entirely from scratch. However, for a fun, comforting, and utterly delicious novelty dessert like this, or my equally popular apple dumplings, there’s absolutely no need to complicate things. Imagine a giant, warm cinnamon roll, but instead of just cinnamon sugar, it’s generously stuffed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s truly a dream dessert, perfect for a cozy evening or a festive gathering!
And let’s not overlook the crowning glory: a silky, sweet vanilla glaze generously drizzled over the top. This simple addition elevates the entire pie, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish that makes this dessert truly irresistible. It’s the perfect complement to the warm apples and spiced crust.
If you’re completely immersed in “apple mode” this season, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic apple creations! Don’t miss out on these reader favorite apple pie bars, which offer all the flavors of pie in an easy-to-eat format. For another classic with a twist, this caramel apple pie is a must-try. And for those who enjoy the art of baking from the ground up, you can even learn how to make your own flaky pie crust for it!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE RECIPE
- An Innovative Twist on a Classic: This recipe brilliantly merges the beloved flavors of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with the comforting essence of a homemade apple pie. It’s a truly unique dessert that will surprise and delight your taste buds, offering a familiar yet exciting experience.
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to the complexities of traditional pie crusts! By utilizing pre-made refrigerated cinnamon rolls, this recipe significantly reduces prep time and baking stress. You get to enjoy a delicious, homemade-tasting pie with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Superior Ease and Aroma: Not only is it significantly easier than rolling out and blind-baking your own pie dough, but the entire process fills your home with the most incredible, intoxicating aroma of baking apples and cinnamon. The convenience factor is huge, allowing even novice bakers to achieve stunning results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dessert, a potluck contribution, or a holiday treat, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Its unique appeal makes it a standout on any dessert table.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweet, yeasty, and cinnamon-laden crust perfectly complements the tender, spiced apple filling and the luscious vanilla glaze. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that is truly comforting and satisfying.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- Canned Cinnamon Rolls – You’ll need two standard cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. These are the secret to our incredibly easy, flavorful, and unique pie crust, serving as both the base and top layers of the pie. Opt for larger rolls if possible for easier shaping.
- Honeycrisp Apples – These exceptional apples are the undeniable stars of our pie filling. Their superb balance of sweetness and tartness, combined with their firm texture, ensures they hold their shape beautifully during baking, contributing a wonderful juicy and slightly crisp bite to the finished pie. Granny Smith apples are also an excellent alternative if you prefer a tarter flavor.
- Brown Sugar – This ingredient is crucial for developing a rich, deep, caramel-like sweetness within the apple filling. It not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes to the luscious, gooey consistency that makes a pie so comforting.
- All-Purpose Flour – Used primarily in the apple filling to help thicken the juices released by the apples during baking, preventing a watery pie. A small amount might also be useful for dusting your work surface when rolling out the cinnamon rolls, although it’s often not strictly necessary.
- Cornstarch – Working in conjunction with the flour, cornstarch acts as a powerful thickening agent. It ensures the apple filling achieves the perfect consistency – not too runny, yet wonderfully saucy – for a truly satisfying pie experience.
- Ground Cinnamon – The quintessential spice for any apple pie, ground cinnamon infuses this dessert with its warm, aromatic, and comforting flavor. It’s the key to achieving that classic, inviting apple pie scent and taste.
- Kosher Salt – A pinch of kosher salt in the apple filling is not just for seasoning; it’s a flavor enhancer. It cleverly balances the sweetness of the sugar and apples, making all the other flavors pop and preventing the pie from tasting overly sweet.
- Powdered Sugar – This finely milled sugar forms the base of our delightful vanilla glaze. Its smooth texture ensures a lump-free, creamy icing that beautifully coats the pie.
- Cream – Whether it’s heavy cream or half-and-half, cream is combined with powdered sugar to create a velvety, rich, and pourable icing. It adds a luxurious touch to the glaze, making it smooth and irresistible.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE
Get ready to create a show-stopping dessert with surprisingly little effort. This recipe walks you through combining the ease of pre-made cinnamon rolls with a homemade apple filling for an unforgettable treat. Follow these simple steps for a perfect pie every time:
1. Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9-inch pie pan with baking spray to ensure easy removal. You’ll be using one can of cinnamon rolls for the bottom crust and the second can for the top crust.
2. Craft the Bottom Crust: Carefully remove the cinnamon rolls from one can. You’ll want to cut the larger cinnamon roll slices in half if they are too big for your pie dish. For the bottom crust, you’ll generally need about seven flattened pieces to adequately cover the base of the pie dish. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each cinnamon roll until it’s approximately ¼ inch thick, transforming it from a spiral bun into a flat, round disc. Arrange these flattened pieces on the bottom of your prepared pie dish, overlapping them slightly to create a seamless crust. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy – that’s part of the charm and can be easily smoothed out. Set aside any extra rolled-out pieces for the top crust. Bake this bottom cinnamon roll crust in the preheated oven for 7 minutes to give it a head start and prevent sogginess.
3. Prepare the Irresistible Pie Filling: While your bottom crust is baking, prepare the delicious apple filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the apple slices are thoroughly coated with the spice and sugar mixture. This ensures every bite of your pie is bursting with flavor. Once the bottom crust is pre-baked, carefully pour the coated apple filling evenly over it.
4. Add the Top Crust: Now, take the remaining flattened cinnamon roll pieces you set aside. Arrange them artistically over the apple filling, forming the top crust of your pie. You can create a full, solid top or even cut them into strips to form a lattice pattern for a more decorative look.
5. Cover and Bake to Golden Perfection: Loosely cover the entire pie with a layer of aluminum foil. This prevents the cinnamon roll crust from browning too quickly. Bake the covered pie for 35 minutes. After this time, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top crust is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender.
6. Drizzle with Sweet Icing and Enjoy: While the pie cools slightly, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of powdered sugar with one tablespoon of cream and mix until completely smooth and lump-free. Alternatively, you can use the icing packet that came with your store-bought cinnamon rolls for ultimate convenience. Once the pie has cooled for at least 15-20 minutes (or completely for a firmer set), generously drizzle the sweet vanilla glaze over the top. Slice into warm, comforting portions and savor every bite!
EXPERT TIPS FOR CINNAMON ROLL APPLE PIE SUCCESS
- Achieving the Perfect Crust Thickness: When rolling out your canned cinnamon roll dough, aim for an even ¼ inch thickness. This ensures the crust bakes consistently and provides the ideal texture – not too dense, not too thin. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy; a light dusting of flour on your work surface can help manage stickiness. If the dough resists, let it rest for a minute or two before continuing to roll.
- Reshaping Wonky Rolls: If your cinnamon rolls get a bit stretched or take on an odd shape during rolling, don’t fret! You can gently gather and re-roll them back into a more circular form. The dough is quite forgiving, especially when it’s cold.
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom: A crucial step for a crisp crust is to drain any excess juice from the apple filling before spooning it into the pre-baked cinnamon roll crust. Apples release a lot of moisture during baking, and properly draining them ensures your pie doesn’t end up with a watery, soggy bottom.
- Uniform Apple Slices for Even Baking: For the best results and a consistently baked pie, use a mandoline slicer to get even ¼-inch thick apple slices. Uniform slices cook at the same rate, resulting in a tender, not mushy, filling. If you don’t have a mandoline, take your time with a sharp knife to achieve similar consistency.
- Cool Before Glazing: Patience is key! It’s best to wait until the pie has cooled completely, or at least significantly, before drizzling on the vanilla glaze. Applying the glaze to a hot pie will cause it to melt and absorb into the crust, rather than forming a lovely, visible topping.
- Choosing the Best Apples: The ideal apples for pie are those that are sturdy and hold their shape well during baking while offering a good balance of sweet and tart. Honeycrisp apples are fantastic for this, as are Granny Smith (for a tarter pie), Braeburn, or even a mix of varieties for complex flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This pie is heavenly on its own, but it’s even better served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added crunch.
STORAGE AND FREEZING GUIDELINES
Proper storage ensures your delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie stays fresh and enjoyable for longer. Whether you plan to savor it over a few days or save it for a future craving, here’s how to do it right:
Storing at Room Temperature: Once your cinnamon roll apple pie has cooled down completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will remain fresh and delightful at room temperature for up to 2 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent the crust from becoming too soft, consider refrigerating it after the first day, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Refrigerating: To extend its freshness, you can store the cooled pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Bringing it back to room temperature or gently reheating a slice before serving will enhance its flavors and texture.
Freezing for Later: This pie freezes beautifully! Once the pie has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. For extra protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe container or an airtight freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw and serve, transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can bring it to room temperature or reheat individual slices in a preheated oven until warmed through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie:
Q: Can I make the pie in advance and refrigerate it before baking?
A: While the apple filling can be prepared a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, it’s generally not recommended to assemble the entire pie with the cinnamon roll crust and refrigerate it unbaked. The cinnamon roll dough may become overly soft and lose its desired texture and flakiness. For the best results, assemble the pie just before baking.
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of pre-made canned ones?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to bake from scratch, homemade cinnamon rolls can certainly be used. Just ensure they are rolled out to the appropriate ¼-inch thickness before forming the crusts. You might need to adjust baking times slightly, so keep an eye on your pie to ensure it cooks perfectly.
Q: How can I reheat leftover pie slices?
A: To perfectly reheat individual pie slices, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning or drying out. Heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through and the crust is slightly crispy again. You can also briefly microwave them, but the oven method is preferred for texture.
Q: What if I don’t have Honeycrisp apples? Can I use other varieties?
A: Yes, you can! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweet-tart balance and firm texture, other excellent choices include Granny Smith (for a tarter pie), Braeburn, Fuji, or even a mix of different apple varieties to create a more complex flavor profile. The key is to choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Q: Can I add other flavors or toppings to the pie?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to the filling or sprinkled over the top. A drizzle of caramel sauce after baking (and before or after the vanilla glaze) would also be a fantastic addition, enhancing the dessert with a rich, buttery note. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can also be added to the apple filling for more depth of flavor.
EXPLORE MORE DELICIOUS FALL DESSERT RECIPES
If you’re still craving those warm, comforting flavors of autumn, be sure to check out these other fantastic fall dessert recipes that are sure to become new favorites:
- Irresistible Apple Pie Dessert Bars
- Chewy Pumpkin Maple Cookies
- Rustic Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe
- Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
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Ingredients
- 2 Cans of Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls
- 6 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Icing:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cream, or milk
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie pan by lightly spraying it with baking spray and set it aside. Remember, you’ll use one can of cinnamon rolls for the bottom crust and the second can for the top crust.
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Open one can of cinnamon rolls. If the rolls are very large, you may cut them in half. You will need about 7 flattened pieces to fully cover the bottom of your pie dish. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out each cinnamon roll to approximately ¼ inch thickness. This might get a little messy, but that’s perfectly fine! Reshape them into circles if necessary.
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Carefully arrange seven of these flattened cinnamon roll pieces on the bottom of your prepared pie dish, overlapping them slightly to create a continuous crust. Set aside the remaining rolled-out pieces for the top crust. -
Bake the bottom cinnamon roll crust in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. This pre-baking helps create a crispier base.
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While the bottom crust bakes, prepare your filling. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the ½ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss well to ensure all apples are evenly coated.
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Once the bottom crust is pre-baked, pour the apple mixture evenly over it, making sure to drain any excess juice from the apples before adding them to the pie dish.
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Carefully place the remaining rolled-out cinnamon rolls (from the second can) on top of the apple filling to create your top crust. You can overlap them or arrange them decoratively.
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Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Allow the pie to cool slightly (or completely for a cleaner slice). You can either drizzle it with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls, or combine ¾ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of cream and mix until smooth, then drizzle generously over the top. Slice and enjoy your delightful homemade pie!
