The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls mingling with the creamy sweetness of a pie is pure magic, isn’t it? This irresistible cinnamon roll cream pie combines two beloved desserts into one show-stopping treat. Imagine soft, buttery cinnamon rolls layered with silky vanilla cream filling, all nestled in a flaky crust. It’s indulgent, comforting, and downright unforgettable.
I first stumbled upon this idea while brainstorming desserts for a family holiday dinner. I wanted something unique but still familiar enough to win over everyone at the table. Enter this cinnamon roll cream pie—a dessert that feels like a warm hug but looks fancy enough to impress. Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday afternoon or a festive celebration, this recipe is destined to be a hit!
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and pies, this recipe is your ultimate dessert dream come true. It’s rich, creamy, and just sweet enough to leave you wanting another slice. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Desserts in One: Combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the creamy decadence of pie creates a dessert masterpiece.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required. With simple steps, you can create a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, this pie will steal the show.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet cinnamon swirls and luscious cream filling.
- Customizable: From the crust to the toppings, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences.
Unlike traditional pies, this recipe brings a unique twist to the table with its cinnamon roll-inspired layers. You’ll love how the buttery cinnamon rolls add texture and flavor to every bite. Plus, the cream filling is smooth and dreamy, perfectly balancing the spiced sweetness. If you’re looking for a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe, this is it!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. Most of these are pantry staples, so you won’t need a special grocery trip!
- For the crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)
- Butter for greasing the pie pan
- For the cinnamon roll layer:
- 1 package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or homemade cinnamon rolls, if you have time)
- Brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
- Cinnamon (optional, to boost the flavor)
- For the cream filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped, for folding into the filling)
- Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon sugar
- Drizzle of icing (comes with cinnamon rolls or make your own)
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make the cinnamon rolls and pie crust from scratch. But honestly, the store-bought versions work just as well and save you time!
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie pan
- Rolling pin (if making a homemade crust)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap (for chilling the cream filling)
- Oven
If you don’t have a pie pan, you can use a cake pan or even a deep dish baking dish. Just make sure the sides are high enough to hold the layers. I also recommend using a sturdy whisk for the cream filling to avoid lumps!
Preparation Method
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your pie pan lightly with butter. Roll out the pie crust and press it into the pan, trimming any excess around the edges.
- Bake the crust: Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the cinnamon roll layer: Slice the cinnamon rolls into thin rounds (around 1/4 inch thick). Arrange them in a single layer over the baked crust, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon if desired.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls: Place the pie into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are puffed and golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the cream filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 7-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Fold in whipped cream: Once the filling has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the cream filling over the cinnamon roll layer, smoothing with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Add toppings: Before serving, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of icing for extra flair.
And voilà—your irresistible cinnamon roll cream pie is ready to impress!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Don’t skip blind baking: Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy under the cream filling.
- Cool completely before assembling: Both the cinnamon rolls and cream filling should be fully cooled to avoid melting the layers.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Whipping cream folds better into the filling when it’s at room temperature.
- Chill overnight for best results: Letting the pie chill overnight helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the cream filling before assembling and adjust sugar levels if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
Following these tips will ensure your pie turns out perfect every single time!
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and cinnamon rolls to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Seasonal Twist: Add a layer of cooked apples or pears between the cinnamon rolls and cream filling for a fall-inspired version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap the vanilla cream filling for chocolate pudding and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan butter in the recipe.
One of my favorite variations is swapping out the whipped cream topping for a swirl of caramel sauce—it adds a rich, buttery finish!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
To serve, slice the pie into wedges and present on dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream. This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge and enjoy chilled—or warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for a freshly-baked taste.
The flavors of the pie deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
While this cinnamon roll cream pie is definitely a treat, it does include wholesome ingredients like milk and eggs, which provide calcium and protein. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 18g
If you’re counting calories, you can reduce the sugar or opt for a lighter whipped cream topping. Either way, this dessert is worth every bite!
Conclusion
This irresistible cinnamon roll cream pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of comfort and indulgence. With its buttery cinnamon rolls, creamy filling, and customizable toppings, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table.
Why not make it your new go-to dessert for holidays, birthdays, or just because you deserve a treat? I can promise you—it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your creations on social media. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will make this pie even more special, though store-bought ones save time.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. It actually tastes better after chilling!
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat slices?
Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Cooked apples, pears, or even cherries would pair beautifully with the cinnamon roll layer.
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Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cream Pie
This irresistible cinnamon roll cream pie combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the creamy decadence of pie, creating a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)
- Butter for greasing the pie pan
- 1 package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or homemade cinnamon rolls, if you have time)
- Brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
- Cinnamon (optional, to boost the flavor)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped, for folding into the filling)
- Whipped cream (optional topping)
- Cinnamon sugar (optional topping)
- Drizzle of icing (optional topping, comes with cinnamon rolls or make your own)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your pie pan lightly with butter. Roll out the pie crust and press it into the pan, trimming any excess around the edges.
- Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Slice the cinnamon rolls into thin rounds (around 1/4 inch thick). Arrange them in a single layer over the baked crust, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon if desired.
- Place the pie into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are puffed and golden. Let cool completely.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 7-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the filling has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Pour the cream filling over the cinnamon roll layer, smoothing with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of icing for extra flair.
Notes
Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy. Ensure the cinnamon rolls and cream filling are fully cooled before assembling. Chill the pie overnight for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: cinnamon roll cream pie, dessert, cinnamon rolls, pie, holiday dessert, creamy pie