Name: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling; 1 package cinnamon rolls with frosting (refrigerated); 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced); 1/3 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons water

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an edible hug, a symphony of cozy flavors that instantly transports you to a world of warmth and comfort. Imagine the sweet, gooey swirl of a cinnamon roll embracing the tender, spiced slices of baked apple, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. That’s the magic of this incredible creation! It’s no wonder people fall head over heels for this fusion masterpiece. The familiar, beloved taste of a cinnamon roll, with its intoxicating blend of cinnamon and sugar, is perfectly complemented by the tartness and soft texture of a classic apple pie. What truly sets our Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie apart is the ingenious way we’ve married these two iconic treats, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and wonderfully new. Get ready to experience your favorite flavors in a way you never thought possible!

Ingredients:

1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
1 package cinnamon rolls with frosting (refrigerated)
4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced)
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon)
2 tablespoons water

Preparing the Apple Filling

This step focuses on creating a flavorful and slightly thickened apple filling that complements the inherent sweetness of the cinnamon rolls. We’ll enhance the canned filling and incorporate fresh apples for added texture and brightness.

In a large skillet or pot, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your 4 medium apples, which you’ve already peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced into manageable pieces. Sauté the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly. You don’t want them mushy at this stage, just tender enough to meld beautifully into the final pie. This initial sauté helps release some of their natural juices and starts the cooking process.
Next, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/3 cup of sugar over the softening apples. Stir everything together to ensure the cinnamon and sugar are evenly distributed. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the cinnamon to become fragrant, coating the apples in a warm, spiced glaze. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. This slurry will act as our thickening agent. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the apples. Stir continuously as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice it will start to thicken within a minute or two. Once it reaches a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, remove the skillet from the heat. This is your base for a beautifully textured filling.
Now, it’s time to incorporate the convenience of the canned apple pie filling. Gently fold the entire 1 (21-ounce) can of apple pie filling into your prepared apple mixture in the skillet. Stir carefully to combine, ensuring you don’t break up the apple pieces too much. The goal is to create a cohesive filling that has both fresh and canned apple elements, with a delightful sauce. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cinnamon roll crust.

Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

This section guides you through transforming the cinnamon rolls into a unique and delicious crust for your apple pie. The caramelization from the cinnamon roll icing during baking adds an irresistible touch.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or a similar-sized baking dish. Open the package of 1 refrigerated cinnamon roll package. You’ll want to separate the individual cinnamon rolls. For the bottom crust, gently press the cinnamon rolls into the bottom of your prepared pie plate, spacing them closely together. You can flatten them slightly with your fingers or the palm of your hand to create a more continuous base. Don’t worry if there are small gaps; they will expand and meld during baking.
Carefully spoon your prepared apple filling evenly over the cinnamon roll base in the pie plate. Ensure the filling is distributed across the entire surface, leaving a small border if desired. The fragrance of the spiced apples will already be tantalizing.
Now, for the pièce de résistance: the top crust! Take the remaining cinnamon rolls from the package. You can either place them whole on top of the apple filling, spacing them out, or gently tear them into smaller pieces and arrange them to cover more of the surface. The icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls will melt and caramelize during baking, creating a wonderfully sweet and sticky topping that is characteristic of a Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie.
If you find your filling seems a little thin, or you’d like an extra layer of glaze on top, you can prepare a simple cornstarch slurry. In a very small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water until fully dissolved. Drizzle this evenly over the top cinnamon rolls. This will help create a slightly glossier finish and a bit more texture on the top crust.
Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips during baking. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through, and the apple filling is bubbly. The edges of the cinnamon rolls should be beautifully caramelized, and the aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly. Let the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. You can serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. The combination of warm, spiced apples and sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls makes for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this delightful journey into creating a truly special Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie! This recipe beautifully marries the comforting spices of cinnamon rolls with the classic appeal of apple pie, resulting in a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. The flaky, buttery crust cradles a tender apple filling infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar, all topped with a swirl of sweet, doughy cinnamon roll topping. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive holiday celebration. Don’t be afraid to get creative with serving; a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition. For variations, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom. We encourage you to give this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie a try – we’re confident it will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cinnamon roll topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon roll dough and the cinnamon-sugar filling separately a day in advance. Store the dough chilled and the cinnamon-sugar mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble and bake closer to serving for the best texture.

What kind of apples are best for this pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works wonderfully. Varieties like Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Gala for a balanced flavor will give your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie a fantastic depth of flavor and a good texture that holds its shape during baking.