Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe Easy Fall Dessert Idea

The warm aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven mixed with spiced apples bubbling away—doesn’t that sound like fall perfection? This cinnamon roll apple pie recipe brings together two timeless favorites into one show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Imagine the sticky sweetness of cinnamon rolls paired with tender, caramelized apple filling in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or simply craving something cozy, this dessert is a must-try.

I first made this pie on a chilly autumn afternoon when I wanted something comforting yet creative for my family. Let’s be honest, traditional apple pie is great, but pairing it with cinnamon roll dough takes it to another level entirely. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple, and you don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull it off. If you’re ready for a dessert that screams fall and makes your kitchen smell heavenly, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon roll apple pie isn’t your average dessert. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and a touch of whimsy that makes it unforgettable. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Easy to Make: With store-bought cinnamon rolls and a simple apple filling, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Two Desserts in One: You’re essentially getting all the joys of cinnamon rolls and apple pie in one bite!
• Perfect for Fall: Nothing says autumn quite like warm cinnamon and spiced apples.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will rave about this pie. It’s perfect for parties and potlucks.
• Visually Stunning: The cinnamon roll crust makes this pie absolutely Pinterest-worthy.
• Customizable: Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a dollop of whipped cream to make it your own.

This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the gooey cinnamon roll crust to the warm apple filling, every bite feels like a cozy hug. Trust me, once you make this pie, it’ll become a staple in your fall recipe lineup.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This cinnamon roll apple pie uses simple, accessible ingredients that you can likely find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• 1 can (about 12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (save the icing for later)
• All-purpose flour (for rolling out the dough)

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans

If you can’t find refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, you can make your own from scratch. However, using store-bought dough keeps this recipe simple and stress-free!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this pie—just the basics! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pie dish (9-inch works best)
• Rolling pin (or a sturdy glass bottle as an alternative)
• Mixing bowls (for the apple filling)
• Peeler and corer (for preparing the apples)
• Knife (for slicing apples)
• Pastry brush (optional, for adding egg wash)

If you don’t have a pie dish, you can use a square baking dish or even a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation. Just make sure the sides are deep enough to hold the filling!

Preparation Method

Follow these simple steps to create your cinnamon roll apple pie:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your pie dish.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Crust: Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the cinnamon roll dough into a thin sheet. Cut the dough into rounds (or leave them as-is) and press them into the pie dish to form a crust. Make sure the bottom and sides are fully covered.
3. Make the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the cinnamon roll crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Use any extra cinnamon roll dough to create decorative pieces for the top of the pie.
6. Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
7. Add the Icing: Once the pie has cooled slightly, drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top. For extra flair, add caramel sauce or chopped nuts.

That’s it! Slice, serve, and enjoy the magic of this fall-inspired dessert.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some helpful tips to make your cinnamon roll apple pie turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It prevents the apples from turning brown and adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
• Choose the Right Apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and don’t turn mushy when baked.
• Roll the Dough Evenly: Use a light touch when rolling out the cinnamon roll dough so it doesn’t stick or tear.
• Watch for Bubbling: The pie is done when the filling bubbles and the cinnamon rolls are golden brown.
• Let It Cool: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to help the filling set.

If you want to make it extra fancy, try braiding extra cinnamon roll dough or using cookie cutters for decorative shapes on top!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is super versatile, and here are some fun ways to adapt it:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough and substitute almond flour in the filling.
• Vegan: Use plant-based cinnamon rolls and swap the butter-based icing for coconut cream drizzle.
• Caramel Apple Pie: Mix caramel sauce into the apple filling for extra indulgence.
• Pecan Pie Twist: Add chopped pecans to the filling for a nutty crunch.
• Seasonal Fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or fresh cranberries for a festive twist.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. You’ll love how adaptable it is!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This pie is best served warm, straight out of the oven. Here’s how to serve and store it:

• Serving: Pair slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For an extra treat, drizzle caramel sauce on top.
• Storage: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The flavors deepen as the pie sits, making leftovers even more irresistible!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate for one slice of this cinnamon roll apple pie (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g

Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, while cinnamon adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. While indulgent, this dessert delivers a cozy dose of fall flavors with a touch of wholesomeness.

Conclusion

This cinnamon roll apple pie is everything you could ask for in a fall dessert: warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. It’s perfect for special occasions or casual family dinners, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up all season long.

I love how this recipe combines two of my favorite treats into one magical dish. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, sparking smiles and happy conversations over every bite.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Share your photos, tag me on social media, and don’t forget to save this recipe for later. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully, though it adds extra prep time. Store-bought is quicker and just as delicious.

What kind of apples should I use?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape when baked.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the pie and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat slices before serving for the best flavor.

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

What toppings pair well with this pie?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts are all fantastic options!

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