Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe

This Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is what cozy dessert dreams are made of. It combines the gooey, spiced filling of a classic apple pie with the soft, sweet crust of cinnamon rolls—yes, actual cinnamon rolls replace traditional pie dough! The result? A ridiculously simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for when you want something comforting and crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making dessert on a busy weeknight or bringing something special to brunch, this shortcut pie will steal the show every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Easy: No pie dough rolling, no special tools—just grab a can of cinnamon rolls and go!
• Big Flavors, Low Effort: Sweet cinnamon, buttery apples, and a sticky glaze make this feel bakery-quality with minimal effort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, fall gathering, or holiday brunch, this pie fits right in.
• Kid and Crowd Favorite: That soft cinnamon roll base with warm apple filling is a universal hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this delicious shortcut dessert, and why each one matters:

• Cinnamon Roll Dough: Use store-bought canned cinnamon rolls (with icing included). These form the crust and topping and add a sweet, spiced layer of flavor you just can’t beat.
• Apples: Go for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a rich caramel flavor to the filling.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Essential for that warm, spiced apple pie vibe—don’t skip them!
• Butter: Helps soften the apples and makes the filling extra luscious.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture so your pie doesn’t get watery.
• Lemon Juice: A splash brings brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the filling.

Variations

Want to play around with flavors? Here are some ideas to mix it up:

• Pecan Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
• Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking for an extra decadent twist.
• Berry Boost: Mix in a half cup of fresh or frozen berries with the apples for a fruity variation.
• Spice It Up: Try adding cardamom or allspice to the cinnamon-nutmeg blend for a more complex flavor.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Crust

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside. Flatten each roll slightly and press them into the bottom and sides of a greased pie dish, overlapping as needed to form a crust. Press the seams together with your fingers to create one solid layer.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are just tender. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the warm apple mixture into the prepared cinnamon roll crust. Flatten a few of the remaining cinnamon rolls and place them on top of the filling like a rustic lattice or simple crust topping.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll crust is golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Let the pie cool slightly, then drizzle the reserved icing over the top. Slice and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overbake: The cinnamon roll crust can harden if overcooked. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to let the filling set.
• Use an Apple Slicer: Speeds up prep time and ensures even slices that cook uniformly.
• Add Extra Icing: If you love a gooey finish, add an extra drizzle of homemade cream cheese glaze or store-bought vanilla icing.

How to Serve

This pie is best served warm, right out of the oven—or reheated for a few seconds in the microwave. It’s absolutely dreamy on its own, but here are a few extra ways to serve it:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream:

Vanilla, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream takes this dessert to a whole new level.

With Whipped Cream:

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft, airy contrast to the rich filling.

As a Brunch Star:

Slice and serve alongside scrambled eggs and coffee for a sweet twist on a savory breakfast spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully!

Freezing

This pie can be frozen after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough, feel free to use it. Just make sure it’s rolled thin enough to press into a crust.

What apples are best for this recipe?
Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape during baking and balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

Do I need to cook the apples before baking the pie?
Yes, pre-cooking the apples helps release their juices and prevents the pie from becoming soggy. It also lets the spices fully infuse into the filling.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven before serving, then drizzle with the icing just before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s rich, gooey, and full of fall flavor, yet incredibly simple to make. If you’ve never tried a cinnamon roll crust before, prepare to be obsessed. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to do pie.

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