Cinnamon Roll Swirl Apple Pie

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie offers a truly enchanting fusion of two beloved dessert classics: the gooey, cinnamon-spiced warmth of fresh cinnamon rolls and the comforting, fruit-filled embrace of a traditional apple pie. It’s a dessert that not only promises a delightful flavor adventure but also delivers a cozy, heartwarming experience perfect for any occasion. This creative twist on traditional apple pie is designed to impress, delight, and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Imagine the irresistible aroma of baked apples mingling with sweet cinnamon and vanilla icing filling your kitchen. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie brings that dream to life, combining the tender, sweet dough of cinnamon rolls with a luscious, spiced apple filling. Every bite offers a perfect balance of soft, buttery crust and juicy, tart-sweet apples, all crowned with that signature, creamy cinnamon roll glaze. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that evokes feelings of home, comfort, and celebration. Its unique appearance and incredible taste make it a standout treat, guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any gathering.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its ingenious simplicity. By leveraging store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls and a few other pantry staples, you can achieve a sophisticated, homemade-tasting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holidays when time is precious, for family gatherings where you want to serve something special, or simply for an ordinary evening when you crave an extraordinary treat. If you’re a fan of these delightful flavor combinations, you might also enjoy exploring our Cinnamon Pie Recipe for pure spice indulgence or our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe for another incredible apple pie variation.

Table of Contents

• Why We Love This Recipe
• Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
• Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Pie
• Delicious Apple Pie Toppings
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Pro Tips for Baking Success
• Storage and Reheating Advice
• More Irresistible Apple Desserts

Why We Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe truly lives up to its promise of ease. By utilizing convenient refrigerated cinnamon rolls and, if desired, canned apple pie filling, you significantly cut down on preparation time without compromising on flavor or the comforting essence of a homemade dessert. It’s the perfect solution when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spare for from-scratch baking. The result is a dessert that tastes like you put in all the effort, but with minimal fuss.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about the blend of warm cinnamon and tender apples. This pie takes that comfort to the next level, wrapping it in a soft, sweet cinnamon roll crust and topping it with a delectable glaze. It’s a dessert that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings, family celebrations, or simply when you need a sweet escape. The rich flavors and soft textures create a truly satisfying and indulgent experience.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is consistently a showstopper. Its innovative combination of two beloved treats makes it incredibly popular at potlucks, holiday feasts, and family gatherings. Guests are always curious about its unique presentation and rave about its irresistible taste. It’s a creative and memorable twist on classic pie that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Remarkably Versatile: While undoubtedly a fantastic dessert, this pie transcends traditional meal boundaries. Its sweet and comforting profile makes it surprisingly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream after dinner, offer it as a delightful centerpiece for a special brunch, or even enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for an indulgent breakfast. It’s delicious at any time of day and suitable for various occasions.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need exotic items or a specialized pantry to create this bakery-quality dessert. The ingredient list is short and features items readily available at any grocery store. This accessibility ensures that anyone can whip up this delightful treat at home, making gourmet-level comfort food achievable for every baker, regardless of experience.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Creating this spectacular Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert so special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Cinnamon Rolls: The star of our unique crust! Two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (typically 8 count each) are all you need. While store-bought varieties offer incredible convenience and consistent results, feel free to use a homemade cinnamon roll recipe if you have the time and prefer a completely from-scratch approach. The ready-made rolls, however, are key to the “easy” aspect of this recipe.
• Granny Smith Apples: For a vibrant, tangy apple filling that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, Granny Smith apples are the ideal choice. Their firm texture ensures they hold up well during baking without turning mushy, and their tartness provides a perfect balance. Peel and slice them thinly to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the pie. If you’re truly pressed for time, a good quality canned apple pie filling can be a convenient shortcut, though fresh apples will always yield the best flavor and texture. Other great apple options include Honeycrisp for a slightly sweeter crunch, Braeburn for a good balance of sweet and tart, or a mix of varieties for complex flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential. It brightens the flavor of the apples, preventing the pie from tasting overly sweet, and helps to keep the apple slices from browning too quickly, maintaining their fresh appearance. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
• Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is critical for enhancing the apple flavor and tying it seamlessly with the cinnamon roll crust. The amount can be adjusted to your personal preference – add a little extra for a bolder, spicier profile, or less for a milder apple-forward taste. Consider using high-quality ground cinnamon for the most aromatic results.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar contributes to the sweet and tender apple filling. You can adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal taste preferences.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the apple filling, preventing it from tasting flat.
• Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent for the apple filling, ensuring it sets beautifully when cooled, creating that perfect gooey texture without being watery.

By gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable dessert.

Step By Step Instructions for Perfect Pie

Follow these simple steps to bring your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie to life. Precision in each step ensures a delicious and beautifully baked dessert.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Thoroughly spray a standard pie pan (9-inch or 10-inch) with a non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Crust. Carefully open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the small containers of icing that come with them; you’ll use this later for drizzling. On a clean, lightly floured cutting board or work surface, unroll each cinnamon roll. Then, cut each unrolled cinnamon roll in half lengthwise, creating two thinner strips. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out these thinner strips to flatten them slightly, making them easier to work with and helping them cover the pie pan evenly.

Step 3: Form and Pre-bake the Bottom Crust. Arrange the rolled-out cinnamon roll halves at the bottom of the prepared pie plate, pressing them gently together to form a solid, continuous crust. Ensure there are no large gaps. You may need to pinch and mold them slightly. Bake this cinnamon roll pie crust in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes. This partial baking helps to set the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy once the apple filling is added.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced apples with the lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure all apple slices are lightly coated, which helps prevent browning and brightens the flavor. Next, add the granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch to the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until the apple slices are evenly coated with the spice and thickening mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie. Carefully spoon the apple mixture over the pre-baked cinnamon roll bottom crust, spreading it out evenly. Then, take the remaining rolled-out cinnamon roll halves and arrange them decoratively on top of the apple filling to create the top crust. You can create a lattice pattern, a full cover, or any design you prefer. Gently pinch together any holes or gaps in the top crust and press the edges firmly onto the bottom layer of cinnamon roll crust to seal the pie.

Step 6: Bake the Pie to Golden Perfection. Cover the entire pie pan loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the cinnamon roll crust from browning too quickly. Bake for 35 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top crust is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve. Once the pie has cooled completely, retrieve the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll packages. Drizzle the sweet, creamy glaze generously over the cooled pie. The cooling step is crucial, as drizzling the icing on a warm pie would cause it to melt and become runny. After glazing, the pie is ready to be sliced, served warm, and thoroughly enjoyed! This dessert is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored as directed below.

Delicious Apple Pie Toppings

While this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is absolutely divine on its own, a delightful topping can elevate it to an even more indulgent level. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement its sweet, apple-cinnamon flavors:

• Fresh Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of light, airy whipped cream adds a wonderful cool contrast to the warm pie. Its subtle sweetness and creamy texture are a classic pairing with apple desserts. For an extra special touch, try making homemade whipped cream with a hint of vanilla.
• Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a warm slice of this pie with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream creates an irresistible “à la mode” experience. The melting ice cream forms a creamy sauce that blends beautifully with the spiced apples and cinnamon roll crust, making for a truly decadent dessert. Consider trying a no-churn vanilla ice cream for easy homemade goodness.
• Sweet Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of gooey caramel sauce adds another layer of sweetness and a hint of buttery richness. The caramel notes beautifully enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors. You can use store-bought caramel or whip up a quick homemade caramel sauce for a gourmet touch.
• A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal, making the pie look even more inviting.
• Extra Fried Apples: If you’re an absolute apple enthusiast, topping your slice with a spoonful of warm Deep Fried Apples can amplify the apple flavor and add another layer of soft, tender fruit texture.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Beyond the included cinnamon roll glaze, a homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe can be an incredibly luxurious alternative. Its tangy-sweet profile pairs wonderfully with both cinnamon and apples, creating an even richer dessert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Pro Tips for Baking Success

Achieving a perfectly baked Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is simple with these expert tips:

• Choosing the Right Apples: While a mix of fresh apples can offer a complex flavor profile, Granny Smith apples are highly recommended due to their ideal balance of tartness and firm texture. Their tartness beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, while their firmness ensures they don’t turn mushy during the baking process. If you prefer a slightly sweeter outcome, Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option that holds up well. Avoid very soft or floury apple varieties.
• The Importance of Cooling: Patience is key! Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature after baking. This step is crucial for several reasons: it allows the apple filling to fully set, making for cleaner slices, and prevents the cinnamon roll icing from melting into a thin, runny liquid. A properly cooled pie will have well-defined layers and a beautifully glazed top.
• Even Apple Distribution: To ensure every slice of your pie is equally delicious and has a consistent texture, make sure the apple slices are evenly distributed across the cinnamon roll base. This not only guarantees a balanced flavor in every bite but also promotes even baking of the fruit.
• Enhancing Flavor and Texture: For an extra boost of flavor and a slightly crisper texture on top, consider sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or a light dusting of brown sugar over the top cinnamon roll crust before baking. This can create a lovely caramelized crust and a more intense spice aroma.
• Preventing a Soggy Bottom: The pre-baking of the bottom cinnamon roll crust in Step 3 is vital for preventing a soggy pie bottom. Don’t skip this step! It helps to create a barrier against the moisture from the apple filling, ensuring your crust remains tender yet firm.
• Using Foil Wisely: Covering the pie loosely with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase (Step 6) is essential. It protects the cinnamon roll crust from browning too quickly and burning before the apples have a chance to soften and cook through. Removing it for the last 10-15 minutes allows for that beautiful golden finish.

Storage and Reheating Advice

Proper storage is essential to keep your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie tasting fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the pie within a day or two, it can be stored at room temperature. Ensure it’s covered loosely with an airtight container or plastic wrap to prevent the cinnamon rolls from drying out and to protect it from air exposure. This is generally suitable for up to 2 days, especially if the weather is cool.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, or if you prefer a cooler pie, transfer any leftover slices or the entire pie (covered) to the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days. To enjoy it at its best, allow the pie to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or warm it slightly in the oven or microwave.

Freezer: This pie can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Once the pie has cooled completely, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the wrapped pie to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can warm it gently in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) until heated through, or individual slices can be microwaved. For more detailed tips on freezing apple pies, check out our guide on Can you freeze apple pie.

More Irresistible Apple Desserts

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic apple-based dessert recipes:

• Apple Pie Bites Recipe: Perfect for snacking or individual servings, these bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of apple pie into a convenient form.
• Apple Pie Cookies: Combining two favorite treats, these cookies feature a tender cookie base with a delicious apple pie filling center.
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe: An incredibly easy and flavorful dessert, this dump cake combines apples, caramel, and a cake mix for a gooey, satisfying treat.
• Apple Crostata Recipe: For a rustic and elegant alternative to traditional pie, this open-faced apple tart highlights the fresh fruit beautifully.

We encourage you to give this delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie recipe a try! It’s truly a unique and comforting dessert that brings together the best of both worlds. We would love to hear about your experience! Please come back and leave a star rating and comment once you make it to share your feedback with our community.