If you love warm, spiced desserts, Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a must-try indulgence. This unique dessert combines the best of classic cinnamon rolls with the comforting, fruity flavor of apple pie, creating a soft, gooey, and aromatic treat that appeals to both children and adults.
Its sweet, buttery layers, fragrant cinnamon, and tender apple filling make it a dessert perfect for holidays, brunches, or café menus. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need: what Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is, why it’s so popular, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, variations, storage, nutrition, and serving suggestions.
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What Is Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a hybrid dessert that blends the rich, sweet layers of cinnamon rolls with the classic spiced apple filling of traditional apple pie. Unlike regular pies, it often features rolled cinnamon dough arranged over a fruit filling, sometimes drizzled with glaze or topped with cream cheese frosting.
The result is a dessert that is soft, gooey, and aromatic, with a balance of sweet cinnamon, tender apples, and buttery dough, delivering the best of both worlds: cinnamon rolls and apple pie.
Why Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Is So Popular
This dessert has gained popularity for several reasons:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: Sweet, spiced cinnamon and tender apple slices create a perfect harmony.
- Comforting & Warm: Ideal for autumn, winter, or cozy gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Soft dough, sweet filling, and a touch of glaze appeal to children and adults alike.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts, caramel, or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
- Perfect for Businesses: Easy to serve in slices or mini portions for cafés, brunch spots, and catering events.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on preference.
For creative dessert ideas, check Apple Butter Pie.
Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
To make a classic Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, you will need:
- Apples: Tart and sweet varieties, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- Cinnamon Roll Dough: Homemade or store-bought pre-rolled dough.
- Sugar: Granulated, brown sugar, or a combination for depth of flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dough and apple filling.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for warmth.
- Eggs: Optional, for brushing the dough for a golden finish.
- Topping Options: Glaze, cream cheese frosting, caramel drizzle, or powdered sugar.
Tips: For healthier versions, reduce sugar, use lighter butter, or substitute part of the dough with whole wheat.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice apples thinly.
- Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice.
- Optional: sauté apples with butter for 5–7 minutes for a slightly caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough
- Roll out the cinnamon roll dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into strips or circles depending on the assembly style (woven, layered, or rolled).
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lay a base layer of dough in a pie dish.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Top with remaining dough strips, arranged as lattice or rolled cinnamon pieces.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the dough is golden and apples are tender.
Step 5: Add Toppings
- Drizzle with glaze or cream cheese frosting once slightly cooled.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for added texture.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Variations
- Classic Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie: Traditional apple filling with cinnamon-spiced dough.
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Pie: Add caramel drizzle or caramel bits to the apple filling.
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies: Individual portions for cafés or catering.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free dough and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free frosting.
- Spiced Version: Add ginger, cloves, or cardamom for extra warmth.
Business Tip: Mini pies in individual portions are ideal for cafés, brunch menus, or takeout, increasing convenience and presentation value.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for soft, gooey bites or room temperature for easier slicing.
- Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or tea for a cozy experience.
- Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Slice into mini portions for buffets, catering, or café menus.
- Drizzle with caramel or powdered sugar to enhance visual appeal.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Glaze or frosting should be added just before serving to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add toppings after thawing.
Tip for cafés: Pre-sliced mini pies or single portions maintain freshness and are convenient for takeaway or catering orders.
Calories and Nutrition
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is indulgent but can be enjoyed in moderation:
- 1 slice (1/8 of pie): ~350–500 calories depending on dough, sugar, and toppings.
- Calories come from: Butter, sugar, and dough.
- Nutrients: Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Tips to Reduce Calories:
- Use lighter dough or less sugar.
- Substitute part of the butter with applesauce.
- Use low-fat or plant-based toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Q: Can I make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare and refrigerate or freeze before adding glaze or frosting.
Q: Can I use pre-made cinnamon rolls?
A: Absolutely! Slice and layer them over the apple filling for convenience.
Q: Is this pie suitable for children?
A: Yes, it’s sweet, soft, and kid-friendly, perfect for brunches or dessert tables.
Q: Can I make a vegan version?
A: Yes. Use plant-based dough, coconut oil, and flax eggs, plus dairy-free frosting.
Q: How should I serve it?
A: Warm, with coffee or ice cream, or in mini portions for catering and cafés.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the buttery, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls with the sweet, tender apple filling of classic pie. Its versatility, flavor, and kid-friendly appeal make it perfect for home bakers, cafés, and catering businesses.
By experimenting with toppings, dough styles, and portion sizes, you can create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
