Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

The smell of warm cinnamon fills the kitchen as you prepare to serve one of the ultimate comfort desserts: cinnamon roll apple pie. This dish marries two beloved treats into one stunning creation that boasts a gooey apple filling nestled within a soft, sweet cinnamon roll crust. The result? An unforgettable dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also garners compliments from family and friends. It’s a delight for anyone who loves the combination of buttery cinnamon and juicy apples, making it perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

I remember the first time I made this cinnamon roll apple pie. It was a chilly weekend, and I craved a dessert that would fill my home with warmth and nostalgia. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, I transformed a can of apple pie filling and some trusty cinnamon rolls into an impressive dish. Since then, it’s become a staple in my baking repertoire, and I invite you to enjoy this easy, budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that has the potential to be your new favorite dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In under an hour, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to share, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices of cinnamon combined with the tartness of apples create a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This pie is visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests or family at any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm right from the oven, or top with vanilla ice cream and caramel for an extra indulgence.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences; it’s great with gluten-free options too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (12.4 oz) roll Pillsbury cinnamon rolls: These pre-made rolls serve as both the crust and sweet topping, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor.
1 egg white, whipped: This acts as a glaze to give the cinnamon rolls a beautiful golden sheen.
1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling: The star of the pie, this filling adds deliciously spiced apples without any extra prep.
2 tbsp sugar: A touch of sweetness to enhance the apple filling and your cinnamon rolls.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and connects the flavors.
6 tbsp butter, softened: This helps create a rich crumble topping that adds texture and flavor.
3/4 cup flour: Combined with other dry ingredients, it creates a crumbly topping.
3/4 cup brown sugar: For a deeper sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apples perfectly.
1 tsp cinnamon: More cinnamon for that signature flavor in the crumble.
3/4 cup pecans, chopped: These add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
Vanilla ice cream, optional: A perfect pairing for a warm slice of pie, enhancing the experience.
Ghirardelli caramel sauce, optional: Drizzling caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness that takes this dish over the top.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to spray a 10-inch pan with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking!
Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base: Flatten the 8 cinnamon rolls, and then press them into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid base for your apple pie filling.
Brush with Egg White: For a golden crust, brush the flattened cinnamon rolls with the whipped egg white.
Add Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls for extra sweetness.
Initial Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 10 minutes, or until they’re slightly puffed and beginning to set.
Spread the Filling: Once out of the oven, carefully spread the can of apple pie filling over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
Prepare the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of softened butter, 3/4 cup of flour, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use the back of a fork to mix until a crumbly texture forms. This is your pie’s topping!
Assemble the Crumble: Evenly sprinkle the crumble over the apple filling. Take it a step further by adding chopped pecans atop the crumble for some added crunch.
Final Bake: Bake the assembled pie for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fragrant, with the filling bubbling around the edges.
Serve with Extras: For that finishing touch, top with the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, or enjoy a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with warm caramel sauce.

Storing & Reheating

The cinnamon roll apple pie can be stored at room temperature for a day, covered loosely with a cloth. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing; it can become a bit softer, but refreshing it in the oven will help revive its delightful qualities.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier whipping and incorporation into the cinnamon roll crust.
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in the crumble.
If you like things extra cinnamon-y, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in both the filling and crumble.
For a soft and gooey topping, be careful not to overbake; a few minutes can make the difference.
This recipe is fantastic for making ahead of time; you can prepare it in advance and bake just before serving.

The delightful combination of flavors and textures in this dessert is sure to make it a hit with everyone who tries it. From the luscious apple filling to the sweet and buttery cinnamon roll layer, every bite is a tasty revelation. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or even fillings; perhaps try adding some cranberries or swapped nuts for a different twist.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cinnamon rolls, go ahead and use your favorite recipe. Just ensure they are flattened to fit in the pan properly. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them in the oven.

Can I substitute the pecans?

Certainly! If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use pecans, feel free to omit them entirely or replace them with other nuts like walnuts or even seeds for added crunch.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this cinnamon roll apple pie. Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and flour for the crumble, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How can I make the crumble topping even more interesting?

For a little extra flair, consider mixing in some oats into the crumble topping. It will provide additional texture and a wholesome flavor contrast that pairs beautifully with the apple filling.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie