This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a delightful mix of warm spiced apples and gooey cinnamon rolls baked together. It’s like a hug from grandma on a chilly day!
Honestly, the aroma alone while it’s baking is enough to make you weak in the knees. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—pure happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granny Smith Apples: These apples are tart and hold their shape well when baked, making them perfect for this pie. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a sweeter touch.
Cinnamon Rolls: I love using refrigerated cinnamon rolls for this recipe because they’re so easy! If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based rolls, or you could make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sugar: The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives the pie a lovely sweetness and texture. You can substitute coconut sugar for a more natural option, or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking if you’re cutting down on sugar.
Ground Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm flavors of the pie. If you don’t have nutmeg, just skip it or use a dash of allspice since it provides a similar taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Layered Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Layering the apples and cinnamon rolls is key to getting the best flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- After tossing the apple slices with lemon juice and spices, make sure they’re well coated to maximize flavor.
- Press the apple slices gently into the dish to ensure they’re compact, making the layers hold together better.
- When arranging cinnamon rolls, don’t stress about precision! Just lay them down to cover the apple layer and pack them in lightly.
- Use your judgment to see if you need more layers; the pie should be quite full to ensure it bakes evenly.
Take your time when layering and enjoy the process! You’ll want a well-balanced blend of apples and cinnamon rolls in every slice.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (about 8 rolls)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 45-55 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s good to let the pie cool for 20 minutes before serving, giving you plenty of time to set the table or whip up some ice cream!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a springform pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the pie from sticking.
2. Mix the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This helps prevent the apples from browning. Then, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until the apples are nicely coated with all those sweet and spicy flavors!
3. Layer the Apples:
Now, arrange a layer of the spiced apple slices in the bottom of your pie dish. Press them down gently to compact them slightly, making a solid base for your pie.
4. Add the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and unroll them gently. If they’re too large for your pie dish, you can cut or separate them into rounds. Place a layer of the cinnamon rolls on top of the apples, following the round shape of the dish.
5. Alternate Layers:
Add another layer of the spiced apple slices over the cinnamon rolls, pressing down lightly. Repeat this until you’ve used up your apple slices and cinnamon rolls, finishing with a final layer of rolls on top. Your pie should be nice and full with compacted layers—this is where the magic happens!
6. Add Butter:
Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of cinnamon rolls. This will help them get golden brown and crispy while baking.
7. Bake the Pie:
Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Look for the apples to be tender and the cinnamon rolls to be golden brown and cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
8. Cool and Ice:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Drizzle the icing included with your cinnamon rolls over the top while it’s still warm for a sweet finish.
9. Optional Dusting:
If you want, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the pie for a lovely touch before serving!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the pie and serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy this delightful blend of cinnamon roll goodness and apple pie!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and ability to hold shape, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples for a sweeter apple pie. Just mix and match based on your taste preference!
Can I Prepare This Pie in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and layer it with the cinnamon rolls a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold—it’s delicious both ways!
Can I Freeze the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it cooks through completely.
