Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie combines the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll with the sweet, tart flavors of a traditional apple pie. This dessert takes two beloved favorites and merges them into a delightful treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a weekend indulgence. Whether you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or apple pie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through making a delicious cinnamon roll apple pie, offer variations for different dietary needs, and suggest perfect pairings for serving. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions about this exciting dessert hybrid.

What is a Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?

A Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is exactly what it sounds like—a dessert that combines the textures and flavors of both cinnamon rolls and apple pie. Instead of using a traditional pie crust, cinnamon roll dough forms the base, adding extra flavor, sweetness, and a soft, flaky texture. The apple filling is made with tart apples, sugar, and spices, similar to a classic apple pie. Once baked, the cinnamon roll base is gooey on the inside, crisp around the edges, and beautifully complements the apple filling.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

There are several reasons this dessert has quickly become a favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike:

Best of Both Worlds: You get the classic flavor of an apple pie with the added deliciousness of cinnamon rolls.
Easy to Make: Using pre-made cinnamon roll dough makes this pie quick and easy to prepare.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday dessert table or a cozy family gathering, this pie adds a festive touch to any meal.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

To make the perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, you’ll need a combination of classic apple pie ingredients and cinnamon roll dough. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

1. Cinnamon Roll Dough

You can either use homemade dough or opt for a pre-made version:

Pre-made Cinnamon Roll Dough: Using pre-packaged cinnamon rolls is a convenient and time-saving option.
Homemade Cinnamon Roll Dough: If you prefer to make your dough from scratch, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, yeast, and cinnamon.

2. Apples

For the filling, you’ll need fresh apples:

Tart Apples (Granny Smith): These apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Their firm texture holds up well during baking.
Sweeter Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala): If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can use a combination of tart and sweet apples.

3. Spices

The spices are what give this pie its warm, comforting flavor:

Cinnamon: The star spice in this dessert. It adds warmth and enhances the cinnamon roll base.
Nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the filling.
Cloves: Optional, but a small pinch adds depth to the spice blend.

4. Sugar

For sweetness and caramelization:

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps balance the tartness of the apples.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and pairs well with cinnamon.

5. Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the filling:

Unsalted Butter: Melts into the apples and spices to create a rich, buttery filling.

6. Thickening Agent

To thicken the filling so it doesn’t become watery:

Flour or Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling and creates a smooth consistency.

7. Optional Toppings

Add some extra indulgence to the pie:

Vanilla Icing: Drizzle on top of the pie for added sweetness and to enhance the cinnamon roll flavor.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich pie.
Caramel Sauce: For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle caramel sauce over the pie just before serving.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie at Home

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering dessert:

Ingredients Needed

1 package of pre-made cinnamon roll dough (or homemade dough)
5-6 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional)
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla icing (from the cinnamon roll package or homemade)
Optional: whipped cream, caramel sauce for serving

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Dough: If using pre-made cinnamon roll dough, unroll the cinnamon rolls and flatten each piece to about 1/4-inch thickness. If making homemade dough, roll out the dough into circles large enough to fit into a pie pan.
Line the Pie Dish with Dough: Take the flattened cinnamon roll dough and arrange it in the pie dish, pressing the pieces together to form the crust. Make sure there are no gaps between the pieces.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and flour or cornstarch. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the cinnamon roll crust and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the apples for added richness.
Top with Cinnamon Roll Swirls: Take the remaining cinnamon roll dough and cut it into smaller pieces to place on top of the pie. These will bake into beautiful, golden-brown cinnamon roll swirls.
Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
Add Icing: Once the pie is out of the oven, drizzle it with vanilla icing from the cinnamon roll package or your homemade icing.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Delicious Variations for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

1. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough (available in many stores or homemade) and ensure all other ingredients, including flour or cornstarch, are gluten-free.

2. Vegan Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

For a vegan version, use dairy-free cinnamon roll dough and substitute butter with plant-based margarine. Ensure the icing is also dairy-free or make your own using powdered sugar, plant milk, and vanilla.

3. Caramel Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the pie once it has cooled slightly. This adds a rich, gooey element to the dessert.

4. Nutty Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Add a crunchy texture by incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling or sprinkling them on top before baking.

5. Spiced Pear and Apple Pie

For a twist, substitute half the apples with sliced pears for a spicier, more fragrant filling.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

While Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a treat, it can still offer some health benefits if made with wholesome ingredients:

High in Fiber: Apples are a great source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Antioxidants from Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are packed with antioxidants, which can support overall health.
Customizable Ingredients: By using less sugar or healthier fat alternatives like coconut oil, you can reduce the overall calorie content of the pie.

Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Enhance the experience by pairing your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie with the following:

Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced filling.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delicate touch to each bite.
Hot Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider enhances the fall flavors in this dessert.
Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pie.

Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape during baking and provide a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
Don’t Overfill the Pie: Be mindful not to overfill the pie with apples, as the filling can overflow during baking.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the pie cool for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Double the Cinnamon Roll Topping: For extra cinnamon goodness, you can double the amount of cinnamon roll dough and create more swirls on top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

1. Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the pie a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven before serving.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days.

3. Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking or after it has been baked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

4. Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Pie Filling?

While fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought apple pie filling for convenience. Just be sure to reduce the amount of sugar and spices to avoid an overly sweet pie.

Conclusion

This dessert is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts that brings a comforting warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it to guests, this dessert is sure to impress. With its gooey cinnamon roll crust, spiced apple filling, and optional toppings, this pie is a treat you’ll want to make again and again.