This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a sweet dream come true! It combines all the yummy flavors of cinnamon rolls and the classic taste of apple pie. Talk about a dessert that knows how to party!
Those gooey cinnamon rolls as a crust are an absolute game changer. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: The cinnamon rolls serve as both the crust and a topping for this pie. You can use any brand, but I find that the ones with icing create the best flavor contrast. If you can’t find canned rolls, try homemade dough or frozen dough that can be thawed.
Apples: Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples give a sweet crunch. Feel free to mix different apples for a more complex flavor. For a sweeter option, choose Fuji or Gala apples. Just make sure they are firm to hold up during baking.
Sweeteners: The combination of granulated and brown sugar heightens the pie’s flavor. If you want a lower sugar option, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the quantity based on the product.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that warm ambiance. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can skip it or use allspice as a substitute. Freshly grated spices provide a more vibrant flavor if you have them on hand.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Crust?
Creating a lovely cinnamon roll crust is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make sure it’s just right:
- Use a 9-inch pie plate and lightly grease it for easy removal later.
- When you press the cinnamon rolls in, make sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly, pinching the edges to form a solid crust.
- Don’t worry about cracks; they will settle during baking. Just work with the dough until it’s spread out evenly.
Allowing the crust to bake until golden brown helps it hold that beautiful apple filling. Just keep an eye on it in the oven!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40 to 50 minutes to bake. You’ll have a delicious dessert ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or deep-dish pie pan to keep the pie from sticking.
2. Make the Cinnamon Roll Crust:
Open one can of cinnamon rolls. Press them evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish. Make sure they are nicely packed together and pinch the edges to form a crust. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.
3. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until all the apple slices are evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
4. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the apple mixture into your cinnamon roll crust in the pie plate. Ensure it’s evenly distributed. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter for that extra richness!
5. Add the Top Crust:
Open the second can of cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into halves or quarters to create small strips or pieces. Now, arrange them on top of the apple filling in a lattice pattern or scatter them randomly across the surface. Get creative!
6. Bake the Pie:
Pop the pie in the oven and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for tender apples and a golden-brown cinnamon roll crust. Keep an eye on it as it bakes!
7. Drizzle with Icing:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. While it’s still warm, drizzle or spread the icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top for that sweet finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up the pie and serve it warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for some extra fun!
Enjoy this delightful fusion of soft cinnamon roll dough with classic apple pie filling, finished with sweet icing for an irresistible treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tartness and crisp texture, you can also try Fuji, Gala, or a mix of your favorite apples. Just ensure they are firm to hold up during baking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cinnamon Rolls?
If you don’t have cinnamon rolls, you can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust instead. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious! You can also use biscuit dough as an alternative; just follow the same assembly instructions.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it fresh the day you plan to serve it for the best texture. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it before baking, then bake from frozen, adding a little extra baking time.
How to Store Leftover Pie?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.