Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe: A Decadent Dessert Hack
Store-bought dough and spiced apples unite in a decadent bake that wows every time.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
If you love the cozy flavors of apple pie and the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of cinnamon rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie recipe is your dream dessert. It brings together the best of both worlds—sweet, spiced apple filling nestled between layers of tender, buttery cinnamon roll “crust.” This creative twist on a classic is surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the use of store-bought cinnamon roll dough, and is guaranteed to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 (17.5-oz) tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (such as Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnabon Cream Cheese Icing)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 6 small apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 pounds; Granny Smith recommended for tartness)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the center rack—this will help catch any drips and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Open both tubes of cinnamon rolls but do not separate the individual rolls. Set aside the icing packets for later. Using a serrated knife, slice each roll crosswise into three 1/4-inch-thick rounds. You should end up with about 28–30 rounds.
Step 3: Form the Bottom Crust
Place one of the cinnamon roll rounds in the center of a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper. Arrange 6–8 more rounds in a circle around the center to form a 7–8 inch “flower.” Use 3–4 halved cinnamon roll rounds to fill any gaps at the edge, creating a roughly 9-inch circle. Lightly dust the dough with more flour, cover with another sheet of parchment, and gently roll the dough into an 11-inch round.
Step 4: Transfer to Pie Plate
Carefully invert the parchment-covered cinnamon roll crust into a 9-inch pie plate (not a deep-dish style). Peel off the parchment. Repeat the arranging and rolling process with the remaining dough to create a second, slightly smaller (10-inch) round for the top crust. You may have some dough leftover.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, apple pie (or pumpkin pie) spice, and flour. Spoon the mixture into the pie plate, spreading it evenly over the crust. Dot the top with the pieces of butter.
Step 6: Add the Top Crust
Invert the second cinnamon roll crust over the apples, pinching the edges to seal any gaps between the roll pieces. Trim the overhang to about 1/2 inch, then fold both crusts up over the rim of the pie plate and pinch to seal the edge.
Step 7: Bake the Pie
Cut four 3-inch-wide strips of foil and cover the edges of the pie to prevent over-browning. Loosely tent the top of the pie with an 8-inch square of foil. Bake on the center rack for 45 minutes. Remove the top foil tent (leave the edge strips) and continue baking until the crust is golden brown, about 20–25 minutes more.
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Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Let the pie cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with as much of the reserved cinnamon roll icing as you like. Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Dough Handling: If the dough becomes too soft or sticky, chill it briefly before rolling. A well-floured work surface and parchment are key for easy handling.
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet crust, but you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more complexity.
- Spice Blend: Experiment with your favorite pie spices—nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can add depth to the filling.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the pie up to a day ahead and refrigerate (unbaked) until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftover Dough: Use any extra dough to make mini cinnamon roll apple pies or simple cinnamon roll bites.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a true crowd-pleaser because it combines the familiar, comforting flavors of apple pie with the irresistible appeal of cinnamon rolls—all without the hassle of making pastry from scratch. The refrigerated dough is soft, slightly sweet, and bakes up beautifully golden and tender, while the apple filling stays juicy and fragrant. The drizzle of cinnamon roll icing adds a creamy, sweet finish that ties the whole dessert together.
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and creativity. By repurposing cinnamon roll dough into a pie crust, you save time and effort while creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and novel. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon roll dough, but the convenience of refrigerated dough is a major advantage of this recipe. If using homemade, ensure the dough is rolled thin enough for easy assembly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pie, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled pie (without icing) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before adding the icing.
What can I serve with this pie?
This pie pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Can I make this recipe with other fruits?
Absolutely! Try this method with peaches, pears, or mixed berries for a delicious variation.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
This recipe is a decadent treat. While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities, a typical serving (1/8th of the pie) may contain roughly 300–400 calories, with moderate amounts of sugar and fat. For a lighter version, consider reducing the amount of icing or using reduced-sugar cinnamon rolls.
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a fun, easy, and utterly delicious dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite. By combining two beloved classics—apple pie and cinnamon rolls—this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a cozy treat at home, this pie is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Recommended Recipes
If you enjoyed this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, you might also like traditional apple pies with rich, buttery crusts, or other creative desserts that use refrigerated dough for easy prep. For more inspiration, explore recipes for cinnamon roll cobblers, apple crisp, or even cinnamon roll-based breakfast bakes.
“This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food favorites—sweet, tart apple pie filling layered between gooey cinnamon roll ‘crust.’ It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!”
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62919727/cinnamon-roll-apple-pie-recipe/
- https://olivesnthyme.com/cinnamon-rolls-and-apple-pie-filling/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9553/dreamy-apple-pie/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65542579/best-pie-recipes-guide/
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