This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a cozy dessert that brings together sweet apples and warm cinnamon flavors. The crust is made from soft cinnamon rolls, making it a fun twist on a classic pie!
Making this pie is like a hug in dessert form. I love that it looks fancy but is super easy to put together. Just bake it, slice, and enjoy with ice cream—pure happiness on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: These form the crust, making your pie unique. If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite cinnamon roll dough instead!
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect for their sweetness and tartness. If you want a different flavor, try Fuji or Braeburn apples. They also hold up well in baking.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and depth. For a lighter option, you could use coconut sugar or even maple syrup to maintain the flavor.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are key to that warm pie flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of clove or ginger for added warmth.
Butter: For extra richness, unsalted butter is ideal. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Make Sure My Apples Are Tender but Not Mushy?
To get perfectly tender apples without them turning to mush, it’s all about the type of apple and the cooking time. Use apples that hold their shape well, like Granny Smith.
- Thinly slice the apples to ensure they cook through.
- Mix them with sugar and spices in advance to allow the juices to meld before baking.
- Keep an eye on the pie in the last 10 minutes of baking—once the apples are tender when poked with a fork, take it out!
These tips help maintain the beautiful apple texture while blending perfectly with the sweet cinnamon roll crust. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 package (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pie will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. You’ll spend some lovely time mixing, arranging, and baking, and it will be ready to serve in just around 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch pie dish and lightly spray or grease it to prevent sticking. Now, take the icing packets out of the cinnamon rolls and set those aside for later!
2. Make the Crust:
Take 4 of the cinnamon rolls and press them into the bottom and up the sides of your pie dish, making a nice crust. Don’t worry if you need to pinch pieces together to form a solid base—just make sure it’s all pressed in nicely!
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until the apples are coated well with the sweet goodness!
4. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the apple mixture into your cinnamon roll crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter to add some extra richness.
5. Add the Topping:
Take the remaining 4 cinnamon rolls and tear them into small chunks. Scatter these chunks over the top of your apples, pressing them down slightly to cover most of the filling.
6. Bake:
Pop the pie in the oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when poked with a fork. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Drizzle and Cool:
Once it’s done, take the pie out of the oven and drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the warm pie. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve:
Slice it up and serve warm! For an extra treat, don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy every gooey, comforting bite of your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn. Just ensure they’re good for baking, as they’ll hold up better during cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Any leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make the Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance! Assemble the pie and cover it tightly before refrigerating. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for the Cinnamon Rolls?
If you prefer, you can make your own cinnamon roll dough or use pre-made pie crust instead. If you choose pie crust, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar before baking for that cinnamon roll flavor.
