Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe

I’ve always loved a good apple pie, but let’s be honest—it can feel a bit predictable at times. So when I stumbled across the idea of a cinnamon roll apple pie, I was intrigued. Combining the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the sweet-tart filling of apple pie? Sign me up. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint!

The first time I made this, I was prepping for a holiday dinner. I wanted something unique but still comforting, and this pie delivered on every level. Plus, it was a total hit—people couldn’t stop raving about the flaky cinnamon roll crust and the rich apple filling. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this is it.

What sets this pie apart is the cinnamon roll crust. Unlike traditional pie crusts, which can be intimidating for beginners, this one uses pre-made cinnamon roll dough. It’s quick, easy, and practically foolproof. And the best part? The sugary glaze from the cinnamon rolls doubles as the perfect finishing touch. If you’re new to creative baking, you might also enjoy trying this sweet potato cheesecake recipe for another unique dessert idea.

What Is Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?

Let’s break it down. A cinnamon roll apple pie is essentially an apple pie with a crust made from cinnamon roll dough instead of traditional pastry. The cinnamon rolls are sliced, flattened, and arranged to create both the bottom and top crusts, giving the pie a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple filling.

If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls (and honestly, who isn’t?), this pie is going to blow your mind. The crust bakes up golden and slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and gooey. And then there’s the filling—a mix of sweet and tart apples coated in sugar, flour, and spices. Trust me, it’s like autumn in dessert form.

This pie is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or even a casual weekend treat. And if you want to take things to the next level, try drizzling some caramel sauce over the top. It’s a little extra effort, but so worth it. For more inspiration, check out this pumpkin pie spice recipe to customize the spice blend in your filling.

If you’re a fan of fusion desserts, you might also enjoy experimenting with sweet potato cheesecake or other creative bakes like red velvet brownies.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

One of the reasons I love this recipe is because it uses simple, accessible ingredients. You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find items—just a few basics and some fresh apples.

For the Crust

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: You’ll need two 17.5-ounce tubes of cinnamon rolls. Pillsbury Grands! with cream cheese icing works great, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Flour: A little all-purpose flour for dusting the cinnamon rolls as you roll them out.

For the Filling

• Apples: Use six small apples (about 1½ pounds). Granny Smiths are my go-to because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work too.
• Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Apple Pie Spice: 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice or substitute with pumpkin pie spice. (Pro tip: You can make your own spice blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice!)
• Flour: 3 tablespoons of flour to thicken the filling.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of salted butter, cut into small pieces, for added richness.

Optional Additions

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle it over the finished pie for an indulgent touch.
• Chopped Nuts: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
• Raisins: If you’re a fan of raisins in apple pie, toss in a handful for a chewy, sweet surprise.

Equipment Needed to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to baking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pie Dish: A standard 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe. Avoid deep-dish pie plates, as the crust may not cover the entire surface.
• Rolling Pin: For flattening the cinnamon rolls into thin, even pieces.
• Serrated Knife: Use this to slice the cinnamon rolls into smaller rounds for easier assembly.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your work surface with parchment paper makes rolling and transferring the dough much easier.
• Aluminum Foil: To protect the edges of the crust from over-browning during baking.

Pro Tip

If you have leftover cinnamon roll dough scraps, don’t toss them! They make amazing little cookies. Just bake them on a parchment-lined sheet for 10-12 minutes at 350°F and drizzle with any leftover glaze. It’s a sweet bonus treat while your pie cools!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. By following these easy steps, you’ll create a pie that’s visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro baker—this one’s practically foolproof.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9-inch pie dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
• Set aside the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls. You’ll use it as a finishing glaze later.

• Open your cinnamon roll tubes and separate the rolls. Using a serrated knife, slice each roll into thinner rounds (about ¼ inch thick).
• Lightly flour a clean surface or parchment paper and roll out each slice with a rolling pin until it’s flat and about 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Arrange the flattened cinnamon rolls to cover the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Press them together gently so there are no gaps. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the crust before adding the filling.

• Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Aim for slices that are about ⅛ inch thick to ensure they cook evenly.
• In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, apple pie spice, and flour until they’re evenly coated.
• Layer the apple mixture into the prepared crust, then dot the top with small pieces of butter for extra richness.

• Roll out additional cinnamon roll slices and arrange them over the apple filling, overlapping slightly. You can create a full covering, a lattice pattern, or even fun shapes using cookie cutters. Get creative!
• Pinch the edges together to seal the top and bottom crusts, then trim any excess dough.

• Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the edges to crisp up beautifully.

• Once the pie has cooled slightly, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top. You can thin it with a little milk for easier drizzling if needed.

• Slice the pie into wedges and serve warm. For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

No matter how simple a recipe seems, a few expert tips can take it to the next level. Here’s how to make sure your cinnamon roll apple pie turns out perfect every time:

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice because they hold their shape and provide a tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls. Honeycrisp and Fuji are great options too if you prefer a slightly sweeter filling. For more guidance, this guide to the best apples for baking is super helpful.

While it’s tempting to pack in as many apples as possible, overfilling can lead to a soggy crust. Stick to about six small apples or 1½ pounds for the perfect balance.

To avoid burnt edges, always use aluminum foil or a pie shield. Removing the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking ensures a beautifully golden crust.

Patience is key! Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a runny mess.

Variations of Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. With a few tweaks, you can create a completely different dessert to suit any occasion.

Perfect for parties or individual servings, these mini pies are made in muffin tins. Press flattened cinnamon rolls into each tin to form the crust, fill with apple mixture, and top with more dough. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

For caramel lovers, drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust. After baking, add another drizzle for an indulgent finishing touch.

Swap the apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice to create a fall-inspired flavor. You can even add a touch of canned pumpkin puree to the filling for a unique twist.

Instead of a full cinnamon roll top crust, try sprinkling the pie with a nutty streusel made from butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. It adds a crunchy contrast to the soft filling.

Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the apple filling for a surprising pop of chocolatey sweetness. It’s an unexpected but delightful pairing with the cinnamon rolls.

Creative Toppings for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Toppings can transform a great dessert into an unforgettable one. Here are some ways to elevate your cinnamon roll apple pie and make it a true showstopper.

A dollop of whipped cream is a classic, but pairing it with a drizzle of caramel sauce takes things to the next level. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.

Serving warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. The ice cream melts into the filling, creating a creamy, luscious bite every time.

Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even candied nuts like these candied pecans over the top before baking. The added crunch complements the soft apples and gooey cinnamon rolls.

Instead of the traditional cinnamon roll icing, make a tangy cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the cooled pie.

Add a buttery streusel topping made with flour, brown sugar, and butter for extra texture. Scatter it over the pie before baking, and watch it crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later without compromising on flavor or texture.

Storing at Room Temperature

For short-term storage, keep the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Use a pie dome or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerating the Pie

If you’ve added perishable toppings like whipped cream or cream cheese glaze, refrigerate the pie. Store it in an airtight container or cover the dish with foil. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

To freeze the pie, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating Instructions

For that just-baked taste, warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 20-second intervals to avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully and can add a personal touch. Just prepare the dough ahead of time, and slice and roll it as directed in the recipe.

2. What’s the best type of apple to use for this pie?

Granny Smith apples are the gold standard because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are excellent choices if you prefer a slightly sweeter filling.

3. Do I need to grease the pie dish?

While the cinnamon rolls contain plenty of butter, lightly greasing the dish ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, especially on the sides.

4. Can I make cinnamon roll apple pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge, unbaked. When you’re ready to serve, bake it fresh, following the recipe instructions.

5. How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Soggy crusts are usually the result of excess moisture in the filling. Make sure to coat your apples with flour or cornstarch, and don’t overfill the pie.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie for Special Occasions

This pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a conversation starter. Here’s how to incorporate it into various celebrations:

Holiday Tables

Serve cinnamon roll apple pie as the centerpiece dessert at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its warm, spiced flavor pairs perfectly with seasonal dishes.

Brunch Desserts

Turn your pie into a breakfast-inspired treat by serving it at a holiday brunch. Pair it with coffee or a mimosa for a cozy and indulgent morning spread.

Giftable Treats

Mini versions of this pie make fantastic gifts. Use small tart pans or muffin tins to create individual servings, then wrap them in cellophane with a festive ribbon.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon roll apple pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a delicious fusion of flavors that’s sure to delight anyone who tries it. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or a casual weekend, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. For more creative desserts, check out these lemon brownies or banana brownies.

The best part? It’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re rolling out cinnamon rolls, layering apple slices, or drizzling on that sweet glaze, every step is satisfying and rewarding. And let’s be honest—few things can compete with the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and baked apples wafting through your kitchen.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try! Pair it with other seasonal favorites like sweet potato cheesecake or pumpkin muffins for a dessert spread that will wow your friends and family. I promise, this is one pie you’ll be making again and again.