Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the perfect blend of two beloved desserts, bringing together the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls and the sweet, comforting flavors of apple pie. Think of it as a cozy hug on a plate: the cinnamon rolls form a soft, sweet crust that holds a generously spiced apple filling, with a delightful crunch from the crumble topping. It’s a treat that feels both festive and homey, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a midweek pick-me-up. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this crowd-pleaser is a must-try for anyone who loves the sweet embrace of cinnamon and apples.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

My first experience making this delightful combination was out of sheer curiosity—what happens when you merge two favorites? Much to my surprise, the result was nothing short of heavenly. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen paired with the warm, sweet scent of baked apples was simply intoxicating. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare. With convenience and flavor in mind, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie uses store-bought cinnamon rolls, making it a quick and budget-friendly option that still feels indulgent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Assembling this pie takes only about 15 minutes, with a total bake time of around 40 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling creates a mouthwatering taste explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its beautiful layers and crumble topping, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—this pie knows no rules!
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (12.4 oz) roll Pillsbury cinnamon rolls: These pre-made rolls serve as the warm, sweet base for the pie. If you’re looking for a homemade option, you can make your favorite cinnamon roll dough.
1 egg white, whipped: This acts as a lovely glaze for the cinnamon rolls, helping to achieve a golden color.
1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling: Provides sweetness and spices; feel free to use homemade apple filling if you’re up for it.
2 tbsp sugar: Just a touch to sprinkle over the cinnamon rolls, enhancing the flavor.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: A must-have for that signature warm spice flavor.
6 tbsp butter, softened: This adds richness to the crumble topping and balances the sweetness of the roll and filling.
3/4 cup flour: Used to create a crumb structure for the topping.
3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel flavor to the crumble and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
1 tsp cinnamon: Extra cinnamon for the crumble brings additional layers of flavor to the pie.
3/4 cup pecans, chopped: These add delightful crunch and richness. You can substitute them with walnuts or omit if you have nut allergies.
Vanilla ice cream, optional: A scoop on top takes this pie to the next level.
Ghirardelli caramel sauce, optional: For drizzling, it makes every slice even more decadent.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 10-inch pie pan with non-stick spray to keep everything from sticking.
Prepare the Base: Flatten each of the eight cinnamon rolls and evenly distribute them on the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a snug layer.
Glaze with Egg White: Brush the flattened cinnamon rolls with the whipped egg white for a nice golden finish.
Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cinnamon rolls for an extra sweet touch.
Initial Baking: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the rolls puff slightly but are not fully baked.
Spread the Filling: Remove the pan from the oven. Gently spread the apple pie filling over the baked cinnamon rolls, covering evenly.
Make the Crumble: In a new bowl, combine the softened butter, 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Use the back of a fork to blend these ingredients until they form a crumbly texture.
Top with Crumble and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apple pie filling. Follow up by adding the chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.
Final Baking: Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the crumble is golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Serve Warm: If desired, you can drizzle with icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls or serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with Ghirardelli caramel sauce.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, let the pie cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. It can stay at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. You may notice the texture slightly changes after freezing, but a good reheat brings it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overworking the cinnamon rolls; just flatten them gently to keep them fluffy.
Ensure your butter is soft for a smoother crumble, which will bake up nicely.
If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in a splash of vanilla extract with the apple filling.
Keep an eye on the pie towards the end of baking—if the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
This pie can easily be made ahead of time and warmed up just before serving, making it a great choice for gatherings.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines two beloved favorites into one sensational creation. Whether you’re pulling it from the oven to serve at brunch or enjoying a slice as a midnight snack, this dish brings warmth and happiness in every bite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional toppings or fillings—after all, baking is just as much about creative expression as it is about following recipes. Share this recipe with friends and family, and you might find it becomes a staple in everyone’s kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, feel free to use that instead. Just ensure the dough is rolled out thin enough to fit the bottom of the pan.

What other fruits can I add to the filling?

You can definitely mix in other fruits like pears or even berries! Just keep in mind the sweetness, adjusting the sugar in the apple pie filling as necessary.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire pie up to the point of baking. Just cover it well and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling are also gluten-free. Always check the labels!