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Craving a dessert that’s both fun and easy? Let me introduce you to Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie! This delightful treat combines warm cinnamon rolls and sweet, spiced apples. You can impress your friends and family with a dessert that looks beautiful and tastes amazing. Forget fancy techniques—this recipe is straightforward and perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers. Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure happiness!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Combination: The blend of cinnamon rolls and apple pie creates a delightful dessert that balances sweetness and spice perfectly.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This pie serves a crowd and is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks, making it a favorite among friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the apple filling for a personal touch!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
To make a delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 large egg
– 3-4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients create the base for your pie and the apple filling.
Optional Add-ins
You can add some fun extras to make your pie even better! Here are some great options:
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup raisins
These add-ins give your pie a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Topping
The topping is what makes this pie a true treat. For the cinnamon roll topping, gather these:
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Powdered sugar (for drizzling)
This topping creates a lovely sweet layer on top of the pie. The egg wash helps it bake to a golden brown. Don’t forget to drizzle powdered sugar for that finishing touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Cinnamon Roll Dough
To make the dough, start by gathering all your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Next, add 1/2 cup of softened butter and mix until it looks crumbly. Then, stir in 1 large egg until a soft dough forms. This dough will be the base for your pie and the topping.
Preparing the Apple Filling
Now, let’s prepare the apple filling. Take 3-4 medium-sized apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel and slice them thinly. In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts and 1/4 cup of raisins. Make sure all the apple slices are evenly coated with the mixture. This step adds sweetness and flavor to each bite.
Assembling the Pie
Next, we will assemble the pie. On a floured surface, roll out about two-thirds of your dough into a large circle, about 12 inches wide. Carefully place this rolled dough into a pie dish, pressing it against the bottom and sides. Pour the apple filling into the crust. For the topping, roll out the remaining dough. Sprinkle it with a mix of 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll it up tightly and slice it into 1-inch pieces. Arrange these pieces on top of the apple filling, creating a cinnamon roll effect. Finally, beat another egg and brush it over the cinnamon roll slices for a golden finish.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cinnamon Roll Texture
To get the best cinnamon roll texture, focus on your dough. Use softened butter for a light and fluffy roll. Mix the dry ingredients well before adding butter. This helps create a uniform texture. When rolling out the dough, keep it at a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will make it easier to slice. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it soft. Remember, a little chill time in the fridge can also help.
Best Apple Varieties for Pie
Choosing the right apples is key. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice tartness and hold their shape well. You can also mix different varieties for added flavor. Other great options include Fuji or Braeburn. Each brings its own taste to the pie. Make sure to slice the apples thinly for even cooking. This ensures they soften nicely while baking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your pie warm for the best taste. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a classic choice. Whipped cream also adds a nice touch. For a twist, try drizzling caramel sauce over the pie. Pair it with a cup of warm cider or tea for a cozy treat. You can also enjoy it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. These simple additions enhance the flavors of your pie.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Butter: For a flakier crust, make sure your butter is cold when mixing it into the flour. This helps create steam pockets as it bakes, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Let it Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
- Drizzle with Care: When drizzling powdered sugar on top, use a fine sieve for an even and beautiful finish, enhancing the visual appeal of your pie.

Variations
Alternative Toppings
You can change the topping to fit your taste. Try using a crumb topping. Mix flour, butter, and sugar for a crunchy layer. You can also use a glaze. A mix of powdered sugar and milk works well. Drizzle it over the pie after baking. For a chocolate twist, sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking. This adds a rich flavor that pairs well with apples.
Gluten-Free Options
Making this pie gluten-free is easy. Use a gluten-free flour mix instead of all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. For the dough, combine the gluten-free flour with some xanthan gum. This will help the dough hold together. You can follow the same steps to make the pie. Enjoy a tasty treat that everyone can eat!
Spiced Apple Filling Variations
You can spice up the apple filling in many ways. Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a warm flavor. Try using different apples like Fuji or Braeburn. They give a sweet bite. For a caramel touch, mix in some caramel sauce with the apples. It adds a rich sweetness. You can also toss in a handful of dried cranberries for a tart twist. These options can change the pie into something new and exciting!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Pie
After enjoying your pie, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the pie in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you don’t have a container, cover the pie with plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Leftover pie stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie loosely with foil to avoid burning the top. Heat it for about 15 to 20 minutes. This warms the pie without making it soggy. If you want a crisp top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.
Freezing Tips for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
You can freeze your pie for longer storage. First, let the pie cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven as mentioned. This way, it tastes fresh and delicious!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Look for a pie crust or cinnamon roll dough. This shortcut makes the process easier. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and baking.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the topping is golden brown. Check the apples, too; they should be bubbly. Insert a knife into the filling. If it goes in easily, your pie is ready.
What can I substitute for nuts in the recipe?
If you want to skip nuts, use more raisins or oats. You can also add some extra spices. For a different texture, try using seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
This blog post guides you through making a delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. We covered key ingredients and optional add-ins, plus how to make the dough and apple filling. I shared tips for perfecting texture and choosing the best apples. You also learned about variations, storage, and common questions.
Embrace your baking journey. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures in this pie. It’s a fun treat for all occasions. Happy bakin
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
A delicious blend of cinnamon rolls and apple pie, perfect for dessert.
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 0.25 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 egg for egg wash
- to taste powdered sugar (for drizzling)
Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and optional nuts and raisins. Ensure the apples are evenly coated.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out about two-thirds of the dough into a large circular shape (around 12 inches in diameter). This will be the base of your pie.
Assemble the Pie: Carefully place the rolled dough into a pie dish, pressing it against the bottom and sides. Pour the apple filling into the crust.
Create Cinnamon Roll Topping: Roll out the remaining dough and sprinkle it with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon (2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon). Roll it up tightly, slice into 1-inch pieces, and arrange them on top of the apple filling, resembling a cinnamon roll.
Final Touches: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the cinnamon roll slices. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Let the pie cool before serving for best results.
Keyword apple pie, cinnamon roll, dessert
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