My Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is the ultimate mash-up of two classic desserts, combining the warm, gooey sweetness of apple pie with the soft, cinnamon-spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls. This easy and irresistible treat is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or whenever you crave a comforting dessert. Whether youโre using fresh apples or a shortcut with canned filling, the result is a delicious mini pie thatโs both simple and special. Iโm confident youโll love the sweet, cozy flavors of these cinnamon roll apple pies โ theyโre the perfect addition to any dessert spread!

Although most of my recipes focus on fresh and whole ingredients, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie has quickly become a blog favorite! Itโs one of those recipes thatโs both versatile and delicious, allowing you to opt for homemade apple filling if you prefer to keep things fresh, or go with canned filling for a quicker option. Either way, these mini pies are a hit with everyone who tries them. The combination of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and soft, gooey cinnamon rolls is simply irresistible, making it a go-to treat for both special occasions and everyday indulgence!
Looking for more fall desserts? Try my Pear Puff Pastry, Chocolate Crockpot Cake, and Biscoff Tiramisu. For a Halloween treat, be sure to check out my leftover halloween candy rice crispy treats.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Delicious! This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie combines the sweet, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls and warm apple pie filling for a truly cozy and indulgent dessert. Itโs a comforting treat thatโs perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever youโre in the mood for something sweet and satisfying!
- Easy and Quick to Make! With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe comes together in no time. Whether youโre using canned or homemade apple filling, these mini pies are a breeze to prepare, making them ideal for both special occasions and everyday desserts!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls โ The star of this recipe, refrigerated cinnamon rolls provide the perfect soft and sweet crust for the mini apple pies. When baked, they become golden brown and fluffy, offering a delicious cinnamon-spiced flavor. Opt for cinnamon rolls with included frosting to add an extra sweet drizzle on top.
Apple Pie Filling โ Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, apple pie filling adds a rich, sweet, and slightly tart flavor to the pies. The tender apples and spiced syrup perfectly complement the cinnamon roll crust. For a fresher option, you can make your own filling using firm apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
Butter โ Butter is used to sautรฉ fresh apples in the homemade filling, adding richness and enhancing the flavor. Its creamy texture helps bind the ingredients, creating a luscious and buttery apple filling.
Cinnamon โ Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the homemade apple filling. It enhances the sweet apple flavor and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon rolls, giving the pies a cozy, autumnal essence.
Sugar โ Sugar sweetens the fresh apple filling, balancing the tartness of the apples and adding a touch of caramelized flavor as the filling cooks. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
Cornstarch โ Cornstarch is used to thicken the homemade apple filling, ensuring it has a luscious, syrupy consistency without being runny. This helps the filling hold its shape inside the cinnamon roll crust.
Water โ Water is mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry that thickens the apple filling as it cooks. It also helps to soften the apples during the cooking process.
Frosting โ The frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls is drizzled on top of the pies after baking, adding a sweet, creamy finish. Itโs the perfect final touch, balancing the warm, spiced flavors with a sweet, smooth topping.
Step by Step Instructions
Cook the Apples (If Using Fresh Apples):
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 peeled, cored, and chopped apples, โ
cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 4-6 minutes.
Thicken the Apple Filling:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture into the cooked apples. Continue cooking until the filling thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let the apple filling cool.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly grease 8 cups of a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Press the Cinnamon Rolls:
Remove the refrigerated cinnamon rolls from the package. Press each cinnamon roll firmly into the greased muffin tin cups, making sure to cover the bottom and sides to form a small well.
Fill the Cinnamon Rolls:
Spoon about 2 large tablespoonfuls of the cooled apple filling (or canned filling) into each cinnamon roll cup, filling them evenly.
Bake the Pies:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown. Check at 12 minutes to avoid over-baking.
Cool and Drizzle:
Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the frosting that came with the cinnamon rolls over the top of each pie.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the cinnamon roll apple pies warm. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
Use Firm Apples: If making the filling from scratch, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to give your filling a better texture. Softer apples may become mushy during cooking.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the filling as it cooks and adjust the sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a more tart filling, reduce the sugar slightly.
Let the Filling Cool: Make sure the apple filling is cool before adding it to the cinnamon roll cups. This prevents the dough from becoming too soggy while baking.
Press Cinnamon Rolls Firmly: Ensure the cinnamon rolls are pressed firmly into the muffin tin cups to create a secure base for the filling. This will help hold everything together during baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pies as they bake. Check them at around 12 minutes to make sure the cinnamon rolls turn golden brown but donโt over-bake.
Serve Warm for Best Flavor: These pies are best enjoyed warm when the cinnamon rolls are soft, and the apple filling is gooey and fragrant. Add a drizzle of frosting or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Substitutions & Variations
- Different Apple Filling โ If you're short on time or prefer a different flavor, you can use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making your own. For a twist, try a different fruit filling like cherry or blueberry. These fillings will offer a unique, sweet variation while still pairing beautifully with the cinnamon roll crust.
- Homemade Dough โ If you prefer to make everything from scratch, you can use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of the refrigerated kind. This will give you more control over the flavor and texture. Just roll out the dough and cut it into pieces large enough to press into the muffin tin.
- Add Nuts โ For added crunch and texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling before baking. This variation adds a nutty richness that complements the sweet and spiced apple filling perfectly.
- Spice Variations โ You can experiment with spices by adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the apple filling. These warm spices will enhance the flavor and give the pies a deeper, more complex taste.
- Make it a Caramel Apple Pie โ Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apple filling before baking or after adding the frosting. This will give the pies a rich, caramelized flavor and an extra layer of sweetness.
- Healthier Version โ For a lighter option, you can use low-sugar apple pie filling or reduce the sugar in the homemade filling. You can also choose whole wheat cinnamon rolls for a slightly healthier crust without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Coffee Pairing โ A warm, spiced latte or a rich cup of coffee makes the perfect companion for these cinnamon roll apple pies. The bold flavors of the coffee balance the sweetness of the pies, creating a cozy, comforting combination.
Vanilla Ice Cream โ Serve the pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The cold, creamy ice cream melts over the warm pies, adding a delicious contrast in both texture and temperature.
Caramel Drizzle โ For added richness, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pies just before serving. The sweet, buttery caramel enhances the cinnamon and apple flavors, making each bite even more decadent.
Whipped Cream โ A dollop of whipped cream on top of the pies adds a light and fluffy texture, balancing the richness of the cinnamon roll crust and apple filling. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Serve Warm โ These pies are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. The cinnamon rolls stay soft and fluffy while the apple filling remains gooey and fragrant, making them a perfect fall or holiday dessert.
Add a Crunch โ For a contrasting texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before serving. This adds a delightful crunch to the soft pies, elevating their flavor and presentation.
FAQ's
Yes, you can make these cinnamon roll apple pies ahead of time! To prepare in advance, bake the pies as instructed and allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. Drizzle the frosting on just before serving for the best results.
Yes, you can freeze these pies! After baking, allow the pies to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 10 minutes. Add the frosting after reheating for a fresh, delicious finish.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
These cinnamon roll apple pies will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the pies are completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing:
To freeze, place the cooled pies in a freezer-safe container or wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and foil. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the pies without the frosting and add it after reheating.
Thawing and Reheating:
To thaw, transfer the pies to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Place the pies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Drizzle with the frosting after reheating for a fresh finish. You can also microwave individual pies for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but the oven method will help maintain the best texture.
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๐ Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
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Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Saucepan
- Peeler and knife (if using fresh apples)
- Cutting board
- Small mixing dish
- Spatula or Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 21oz can apple pie filling
- 1 package cinnamon rolls with frosting refrigerated
OR
- 4 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced
- โ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch plus 1 teaspoon
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
If you're making the Apple Filling (If using can, skip to making the cinnamon rolls:)
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Cook Apples: Add 4 medium chopped apples, โ cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons of water to the saucepan. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes, until the apples are slightly softened.
- Thicken Filling: In a small dish, mix together 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the apple filling. Continue to cook until the apples are soft and the filling has thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Making the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly grease 8 cups of a muffin tin.
- Press Cinnamon Rolls: Remove the cinnamon rolls from their package. Press each one firmly into the greased muffin tin cups, covering the bottom and sides. Make sure they are pressed well to hold the filling securely.
- Fill with Apples: Spoon about 2 large tablespoonfuls of the cooled apple filling (or canned filling) into each cinnamon roll cup.
- Bake: Bake the pies for approximately 15 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls turn golden brown. Check at 12 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Cool & Drizzle: Allow the cinnamon roll apple pies to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the frosting that came with the cinnamon rolls on top.
- Serve: Serve the pies warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use firm apples for a better texture in the filling.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste.
- Let the filling cool before adding it to the cinnamon roll cups.
- Grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the baking time to achieve a golden brown color.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Get creative with toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Lucia
Very good and minimal effort.