This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a yummy twist on two classic desserts! It features soft apple filling wrapped in sweet cinnamon roll dough, making each bite oh-so-delicious!
You’ll love how cozy your kitchen smells while it’s baking. I can never resist sneaking a piece while it’s still warm—it’s just too tempting! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Roll Dough: The pre-made dough makes this pie super easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade dough. A sweet dough recipe will work just fine! Gluten-free dough is an option, too, if you need a gluten-free pie.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, balancing the sweetness. Honeycrisp adds a nice crunch. Feel free to mix your favorites or use a different kind of tart apple, like Braeburn or Jonagold.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives a deep flavor. You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, keeping in mind it may change the texture slightly.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that cozy flavor. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can omit it or use a pinch of allspice or pumpkin pie spice as an alternative.
How Do I Ensure the Apples are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the apples just right is key! You want them tender yet still holding their shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Slice the apples thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Coat them in sugar and spices just before filling the pie, so they release juices while baking—this creates that nice, gooey filling.
This way, your apples will complement the sweet cinnamon roll crust beautifully, creating a tasty experience in every bite.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing
- 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- Optional: extra icing from cinnamon rolls or powdered sugar glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour, including a little cooling time before serving. Perfect for a cozy dessert or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9-inch pie dish or a springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough:
Open the can of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. Make sure to set the icing packet aside for later because it will be the finishing touch!
3. Form the Crust:
Take about two-thirds of the cinnamon roll dough pieces and press them evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pie dish. Make sure to press them together gently to seal any gaps and create a nice sturdy crust.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss everything well until the apple slices are coated evenly. This mixture will be your flavorful filling!
5. Fill the Pie:
Carefully pour the apple mixture into the crust you’ve created, spreading it out evenly. This will help ensure every bite is delicious!
6. Add Butter:
Sprinkle the small cubes of butter evenly over the apple filling. This adds richness and flavor as it bakes!
7. Top the Pie:
Take the remaining pieces of the cinnamon roll dough and place them on top of the apple filling. Lightly press them into the filling. Make sure the top is mostly covered but leave some apple peeking through for a rustic look.
8. Bake:
Pop the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Pie:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help everything set and make it easier to slice.
10. Drizzle the Icing:
After it has cooled a bit, drizzle the reserved icing over the warm pie. If you want an extra touch, you can mix some powdered sugar with a little milk or cream to create an additional glaze.
11. Serve:
Slice your warm Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie and enjoy it! This pie is perfect on its own or served with a scoop of ice cream. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any mix of tart apples like Braeburn or Jonagold for added flavor. Just make sure they’re firm and ideal for baking!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance! Simply assemble it and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Yes, you can make your own cinnamon roll dough if you prefer! Follow your favorite recipe for a sweet dough that can be rolled into cinnamon rolls. Just ensure to make enough to cover the crust and topping!