This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a fun twist on two favorites! It features a sweet cinnamon roll crust, packed with tender apple slices and warm spices that make your kitchen smell amazing.
Honestly, who could resist the smell of apples and cinnamon baking together? I love serving this pie warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp also works for their crisp texture. If you want a sweeter pie, try using Fuji or Gala apples instead!
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives a great depth of flavor. If you’re cutting back on sugar, you can use less or opt for alternatives like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but be sure to adjust according to the sweetener’s conversion ratios.
Cinnamon Roll Dough: The refrigerated dough is a huge time-saver! If you want to make it from scratch, consider using a simple cinnamon roll dough recipe. Gluten-free dough can also work, though you’ll miss out on some texture.
Spices: While nutmeg and cloves are optional, they add layers of flavor. You can use store-bought apple pie spice as a shortcut if you’re in a pinch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Apple Filling?
The apple filling is crucial for your pie’s flavor and texture. Start by slicing the apples thinly so they cook down nicely. Combine them with sugars, spices, flour, vanilla, and lemon juice. This mixture helps balance flavors and thicken the filling during baking. Here’s how to prep your apples:
- Peel and core your apples, then slice them thinly for even cooking.
- Toss the apples with the sugar and spices in a bowl, making sure they’re evenly coated to maximize flavor.
- Let them sit for about 10 minutes; this helps release some juices, making your filling tastier.
Following these tips will help you create a deliciously flavored apple pie that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking! 🥧🍏
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cinnamon Roll Crust:
- 1 tube (about 12 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing pie)
For Serving:
- Additional icing from cinnamon roll tube or homemade glaze for drizzling
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 15 minutes for cooling before serving. So, you can whip this up in about an hour and 15 minutes before diving in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9-inch pie dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are nicely coated. This mix gives a lovely sweet and spiced flavor to the apples!
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Bottom:
Open the tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and gently separate the rolls. Take half of the rolls and unroll and flatten them out slightly. Use these flattened rolls to cover the bottom and sides of your pie dish, overlapping them a bit as needed.
4. Add the Apple Filling:
Spoon the beautifully coated apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll crust. Make sure to spread them out for even baking!
5. Cap with More Cinnamon Rolls:
Now, take the remaining cinnamon rolls, unroll them, and arrange them on top of the apple filling like a rustic lid. Don’t worry if they look a bit messy; that’s part of the charm!
6. Brush and Bake:
Brush the melted butter all over the top of the pie. This helps it turn golden brown while baking. Place your pie dish on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. This helps the filling set a little. Before serving, drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll tube over the warm pie (or a homemade glaze for a personal touch).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your cozy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie and serve it warm. For a delightful treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with family and friends!
This pie combines the gooey cinnamon roll texture with the fruity spiced apple filling, all finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for dessert or a special gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any apples you love. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will result in a sweeter filling.
Can I Make This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick treat or in the oven to keep the crust nice and crispy!
What If I Don’t Have Cinnamon Roll Dough?
If you can’t find refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, you can use prepared pie crust, puff pastry, or even a biscuit dough as an alternative. Just adjust the cooking time according to the dough you choose to ensure it’s cooked through!