This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a cozy, indulgent dessert that combines two classic favorites: cinnamon rolls and apple pie. The cinnamon rolls create a soft, sweet crust while the apple filling provides a warm, comforting flavor. Topped with cinnamon sugar and finished with icing, it’s a decadent treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving something sweet!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of original cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
- 1 can of apple pie filling (use your favorite brand or make your own)
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (or to taste)
- Icing from the cinnamon roll cans (or use homemade icing if preferred)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pie will bake evenly and get the perfect golden-brown color.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate the rolls.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, press the cinnamon rolls into the bottom of the pan, pinching them together to form a solid crust. Don’t worry if the rolls aren’t perfectly smooth, as they’ll puff up and bake together into a nice crust during baking.
- Tip: You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press down and flatten the dough slightly for a better base.
3. Layer the Apple Pie Filling:
- Open your can of apple pie filling and spread it evenly over the cinnamon roll crust. If you like, you can slightly mash the apples in the filling or mix them with a bit of cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor.
- Tip: If you’re using homemade apple pie filling, you can cook the apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a little cornstarch until they thicken before layering them onto the dough.
4. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar:
- Generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar (about 1/4 cup) over the top of the apple pie filling. This adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the cinnamon taste throughout the dessert.
5. Top with Cinnamon Rolls:
- Take the remaining cinnamon rolls and tear them apart into smaller pieces, then scatter these pieces evenly over the apple pie filling. This will form a topping that will bake into a sweet, cinnamon-crusted pie.
- Tip: To ensure even baking, place the cinnamon rolls so that there’s minimal space between them, but don’t worry if they’re slightly overlapping – they’ll separate during baking.
6. Bake the Pie:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top cinnamon roll pieces are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Check doneness: The cinnamon rolls should puff up and turn golden, and the apple filling should be bubbling along the edges. If the top gets too brown before it’s done, loosely cover the pie with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Drizzle the Icing:
- Once the cinnamon roll apple pie is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes it easier to slice.
- Drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the top. You can microwave the icing for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to pour or drizzle.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- After cooling slightly, cut into squares and serve. The pie will be warm and gooey with soft cinnamon roll crust, sweet apple filling, and a delicious icing topping.
- Optional: You can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success:
- Make Your Own Apple Pie Filling: If you prefer fresh apples, you can use about 6-8 peeled and sliced apples, sautéed with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it into a homemade filling. This allows you to adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking.
- Customize the Cinnamon Sugar: If you love a bit of extra spice, you can add nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix to give the pie an additional layer of warmth and flavor.
- Use a Glass Dish: For the best results, use a glass baking dish so you can easily monitor the color and texture of the cinnamon rolls and the apple filling. Glass pans also allow for more even heat distribution.
- Allow to Cool: Let the pie cool slightly before serving. This will help the filling set and make it easier to slice into neat pieces. The cooling time also enhances the flavors, making each bite even more delicious.
Variations:
- Nutty Topping: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the pie after the icing for a rich, decadent addition.
- Berry Mix-In: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries) to the apple filling for a fruity twist that complements the cinnamon roll crust perfectly.
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the ultimate combination of comfort and sweetness, offering the best of both apple pie and cinnamon rolls in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, and the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with apple filling will keep you coming back for more! 🍏🍩