Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe

 Crispy, flaky, and comfortingly sweet—that's what happens when you combine two all-time classics, cinnamon rolls and apple pie. This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the perfect fusion dessert that feels a little indulgent and 100% irresistible. Picture this: tender spiced apples tucked under a crust made from cinnamon rolls. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Whether you're looking for a showstopping dessert for family gatherings or something cozy for a lazy weekend, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Crust

• 1 tube (8-count) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
• 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for rolling)

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Optional Glaze

• Reserved frosting from the cinnamon roll package
• 1–2 teaspoons milk (for thinning, if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start With the Cinnamon Roll Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Open the cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. Dust your surface with a little flour, then roll out each cinnamon roll into a flat disk, about 3–4 inches wide.
3. Press the flattened cinnamon rolls evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish, overlapping slightly to create one unified crust. Pinch and press the seams together to prevent gaps during baking. Save two extra rolls for the top crust decoration later!

2. Prepare the Sweet Apple Filling

1. Place the sliced apples in a big mixing bowl. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture looks slightly syrupy.
2. Transfer the apple filling into the cinnamon roll crust, spreading it out evenly.

3. Add the Butter and Top Crust

1. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter for a richer flavor.
2. Take those two extra cinnamon rolls, flatten, and slice them into strips to create a simple lattice design for the top crust. Feel free to get creative here! Lay the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern for a rustic look.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from overbrowning too quickly.
2. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the cinnamon roll crust is golden brown.
3. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.

5. Add a Sweet Glaze (Optional)

If you're feeling fancy, warm the cinnamon roll frosting in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it. Drizzle it over the pie before serving for an extra pop of sweetness.

Tips for Serving and Customization

• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort experience. The combination of warm cinnamon, spiced apples, and cold, creamy ice cream is unbeatable.
• Custom Tweaks: You can swap out apples for pears or even a mix of fruits like apples and cranberries for a fun twist. Love nuts? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a dessert that invites happiness and nostalgia in every bite. It’s easy to make, delightful to eat, and destined to be the star of your table. Whether you share it with loved ones or enjoy it as a solo indulgence, one thing’s for sure—it won’t last long!