This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a warm and cozy treat that merges two favorites! Imagine sweet cinnamon rolls hugging delicious spiced apples. Yum!
It’s like having dessert for breakfast! I love to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s a scrumptious way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: The star ingredient here! I prefer using pre-made refrigerated cinnamon rolls for ease, but feel free to make homemade dough if you’re up for it. This gives you total control over the flavor!
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tangy flavor and firm texture, while Honeycrisp apples bring sweetness. You could also mix both for a balanced taste. Other apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn work well too!
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination adds depth to the sweetness. You can reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness or replace it with coconut sugar for a different twist.
Nutmeg: This adds warmth, but if you don’t have it, cinnamon alone works fine. I often use pumpkin pie spice as an alternative in the fall for that cozy flavor!
Egg Wash: This is optional but gives the top a nice golden color. If you’re vegan, a splash of non-dairy milk brushed on top also works well!
How Do I Ensure My Apples Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting those apples just right is key to a delicious pie. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the apples thinly for even cooking. Thicker slices might not become tender.
- Toss them with sugar and spices and let them sit for about 10 minutes before using. This draws out their juices and adds flavor!
- If you use cornstarch, it will help absorb some of the juices and keep the pie from being too runny.
With these tips, your apples will be a sweet, tender surprise in every bite!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 package (about 17.5 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (about 8 rolls)
- 5 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Butter for pie dish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying this warm, gooey dessert in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will make serving a breeze!
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss those sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. If you’re using cornstarch to thicken the filling, add it in as well. This mixture will create a yummy, spiced filling for your pie. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak in the flavors!
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base:
Open the package of cinnamon rolls and gently separate them. Unroll each roll to flatten it. We want it to cover the base of the pie dish nicely!
4. Form the Pie Base:
Take half of the flattened cinnamon rolls and press them into the bottom of the pie dish. Make sure to cover the base evenly. This is going to hold all that delicious apple filling!
5. Add the Apple Filling:
Spread that lovely apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base. Make sure the apples are well-distributed so each slice gets plenty!
6. Top with Remaining Cinnamon Rolls:
Now, grab the rest of the cinnamon rolls and place them on top of the apple filling. Arrange them to cover as much of the apples as possible. They will become a nice, gooey topping!
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Take your beaten egg and brush it lightly over the top cinnamon rolls. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake!
8. Bake the Pie:
Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the cinnamon rolls to be golden brown and the apples to be tender when you take it out.
9. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the filling set a bit more. While it’s still warm, drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls right over the top!
10. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to dig in! Slice up your pie and serve it warm. It’s delicious on its own, but feel free to top it with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your heavenly Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn. Mixing different varieties can add extra flavor and texture!
Can I Make This Pie Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls. You can also use a gluten-free pie crust if you prefer a traditional pie base instead of cinnamon rolls.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or the oven until heated through. A little scoop of ice cream on top makes reheating extra delicious!
What If My Pie Is Too Runny?
If your pie turns out runny, it could be due to excess moisture from the apples. Make sure to toss the apples with cornstarch before adding them to the pie, as this will help absorb some juices. You can also bake it a bit longer to help thicken the filling!
