The crisp autumn air is filled with warmth as I pull a freshly baked pie from the oven, the mouthwatering scent of cinnamon and sweet apples wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. Imagine a delightful fusion of two beloved classics—cinnamon rolls and apple pie—brought together in one whimsical dish that is as comforting as it is impressive. This Simple Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie boasts a luscious, flaky crust layered with tender, spiced apple slices and a gooey cinnamon roll filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Perfect for those crisp fall evenings or weekend gatherings, this easy dessert will not only wow your family and friends but also reignite your love for homemade treats while leaving fast food in the dust. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with salted caramel, each slice is an invitation to savor the season’s best flavors. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create something remarkable together!
Why will you love Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
Harmony of Flavors: This dessert beautifully merges the rich tastes of apple pie with the warmth of cinnamon rolls, creating a unique taste experience.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this charming recipe.
Crowd-Pleasing: This pie is sure to impress guests, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Versatile Treat: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with salted caramel for a delightful twist. For more apple-inspired goodness, check out our Apple Crisp Mini recipe!
Perfect for Fall: Embrace the season with each slice, featuring tender spiced apples and a flaky crust that captures the essence of autumn.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
For the Crust
• Pastry Flour – Structure for the crust; substitute with all-purpose flour if needed, but results may vary.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; essential for balance, don’t omit.
• Shortening & Cold Butter – Create a flaky texture; use all butter for a richer flavor.
• Ice Cold Water & White Vinegar – Aid dough formation; do not substitute vinegar as it tenderizes the crust.
For the Filling
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon filling and crust; brown sugar can be used for depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness; increase amount for a stronger flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Prevents browning of apples and balances sweetness; essential, don’t skip.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg – Adds extra warmth and aroma; ground nutmeg can replace, but fresh is preferred.
• Large Apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp) – Core filling; mix different varieties for complexity.
• Salted Butter – For dotting and richness in filling.
• All-purpose Flour – Thickens apple filling; cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free option.
For the Topping
• 2% Milk – Creates a golden finish on the crust; any milk can be used.
• Coarse Sugar – Adds texture and shine to the topping; granulated sugar is an alternative.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare Dough: Sift together the pastry flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually mix in the ice cold water and vinegar until just combined to form a dough.
- Roll Dough: Divide the dough in half. Roll out one piece into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread butter over the dough, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into rounds, about 1-inch thick. Place the slices in a greased 9-inch pie plate, pressing them together gently.
- Cook Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine the apple slices with flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, cooking until softened (about 10-15 minutes).
- Assemble Pie: Pour the warm apple filling into the crust, pressing it down lightly. Dot the filling with salted butter, then cover with the remaining dough slices in a decorative pattern. Brush the entire pie with milk and sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bake the pie for about 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are soft. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving, as this will help set the filling and prevent runny slices.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Store covered loosely with foil for up to 2 days to maintain freshness while avoiding sogginess.
Fridge: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps keep the apple filling fresh and prevents the crust from softening.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months, either baked or unbaked. This makes for a delightful treat on chilly days!
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, allowing the flavors to come alive once again.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Choose the Right Apples: Use firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold up during baking. Avoid mushy varieties like Red Delicious.
Slice Evenly: Keep apple slices about 1/4-inch thick to avoid a runny filling; this helps to maintain their texture in the pie.
Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping your butter and dough cold will ensure a flakier crust. If your dough feels soft, refrigerate it for a bit before rolling.
Set It to Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set and prevents runny slices when serving.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play with additional spices or toppings. A hint of vanilla or a drizzle of caramel can elevate your apple pie cinnamon rolls even more!
What to Serve with Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
Enhance your cozy fall gathering by pairing this delightful dessert with the perfect accompaniments that will elevate each bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture contrasts beautifully with the warm pie, creating a comforting treat that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness and sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the apple and cinnamon filling.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: This sweet and salty topping enhances the pie’s cinnamon notes, making every slice a decadent experience worth savoring.
- Coffee or Spiced Cider: Both beverages offer warmth and depth; coffee brings out the cinnamon sweetness, while spiced cider enhances the pie with autumnal flavors.
- Candied Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the pie will provide a lovely crunch, adding both texture and flavor harmony with the soft apples.
- Caramel Sauce: For an indulgent twist, serve with warm caramel sauce on the side, inviting guests to drizzle it over their slice for an extra layer of flavor.
Each pairing will help you create a memorable meal that emphasizes the delightful fusion of flavors in your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls while celebrating the beauty of autumn gatherings.
Delicious Variations for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Get creative and make this recipe your own with tempting twists and swaps!
- Pears: Replace some of the apples with ripe pears for a delightful seasonal variation that adds sweetness and juiciness.
- Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a satisfying crunch and an earthy flavor kick that pairs wonderfully with spices.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a splash of caramel sauce to your apple mixture for a rich, decadent twist that elevates the whole dessert to a new level.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the apple filling deepens the flavors and brings warmth, making every bite feel like a hug.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for those avoiding gluten, ensuring everyone can enjoy this cozy treat.
- Spicy Twist: Amp up the warmth by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the filling for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Chocolate: Stir in some dark chocolate chips with the apple filling for an indulgent chocolate-cinnamon fusion that’s simply irresistible.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup in the filling for an earthy sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! I always recommend using firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for apple pie cinnamon rolls. These varieties maintain their texture during baking, ensuring a delightful bite. Avoid using mushy apples like Red Delicious, as they can result in a runny filling.
How do I store leftover apple pie cinnamon rolls?
For short-term storage, cover the pie loosely with foil at room temperature for up to 2 days; this keeps it fresh without becoming soggy. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This method helps preserve the taste and texture of the apple filling while preventing the crust from becoming too soft.
Can I freeze apple pie cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze, tightly wrap the pie with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, whether baked or unbaked. Just remember to label it with the date so you won’t lose track of yummy goodies in your freezer!
What should I do if my apple pie filling turns out runny?
No worries! If you find your filling is runny, it could be due to the apples releasing too much moisture. To avoid this in the future, try slicing the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces and pre-cooking them with flour, sugar, and spices as mentioned in the recipe. This step helps thicken the sauce and give a better texture. If it happens and you’re serving soon, consider adding a little more cornstarch to thicken it up.
Can I use a gluten-free flour substitute for the crust and filling?
Very! While the pastry flour gives the best results for a flaky crust, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum as a substitute. For the filling, make sure to swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch while thickening the apple filling. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different but should still be delicious!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare the pie up to the point of baking, then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This is a great way to save time if you’re entertaining, and it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking!
Indulgent Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls – A Cozy Fall Delight
Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate
- Skillet
- Large bowl
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups Pastry Flour Substitute with all-purpose flour if needed, but results may vary.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for balance, don’t omit.
- 1/2 cup Shortening Create a flaky texture.
- 1/2 cup Cold Butter Use all butter for a richer flavor.
- 5 tablespoons Ice Cold Water Aid dough formation.
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar Tenderizes the crust.
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can be used for depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Increase amount for a stronger flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Prevents browning of apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Grated Nutmeg Ground nutmeg can replace, but fresh is preferred.
- 3 large Large Apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp) Mix different varieties for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons Salted Butter For dotting and richness in filling.
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Thickens apple filling.
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons 2% Milk Any milk can be used.
- 1 tablespoon Coarse Sugar Granulated sugar is an alternative.
Instructions
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Sift together the pastry flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually mix in the ice cold water and vinegar until just combined to form a dough.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll out one piece into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread butter over the dough, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into rounds, about 1-inch thick. Place the slices in a greased 9-inch pie plate, pressing them together gently.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine the apple slices with flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, cooking until softened (about 10-15 minutes).
- Pour the warm apple filling into the crust, pressing it down lightly. Dot the filling with salted butter, then cover with the remaining dough slices in a decorative pattern. Brush the entire pie with milk and sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bake the pie for about 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are soft. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving, as this will help set the filling and prevent runny slices.
Notes
Nutrition
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