Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

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Cinnamon roll apple pie is a warm, comforting dessert that brings together two beloved favorites.

With soft, sweet dough wrapped around juicy apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this treat is sure to make anyone smile.

The wonderful smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes will have everyone eagerly waiting for a slice.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights, or just to enjoy a little something special.

You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make it—it’s simple and fun to prepare. Let’s get started on creating this wonderful dessert that everyone will love!

Table of Contents

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Dough

3/4 cup of lukewarm milk (use almond or soy milk if preferred)
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1.5 teaspoons of active dry yeast
2 cups of all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for rolling)
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt

Filling

1/4 cup of unsalted butter (or a dairy-free alternative, like margarine)
1/4 cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
3-4 apples, peeled and diced into small pieces

Cinnamon Glaze

1/4 cup of powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons of milk (use almond or soy milk if preferred)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions

Warm the milk until it’s just lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, vegetable oil, and yeast. Stir it well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, mix in the extra 1/4 cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. At this point, your dough is ready to use. If you’d like, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes or even overnight for easier handling.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Grease two 9-inch pie dishes with butter or oil.
Dust your work surface with a little flour and roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
Brush the rolled-out dough generously with melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and place the seam side down.
Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in your greased pie dishes, spacing them slightly apart.
Allow the rolls to rise for an additional 15-20 minutes until they look puffy.
Place the dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the juices from the apples are bubbling.
Let the rolls cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the cinnamon glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach a pourable consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy this delightful cinnamon roll apple pie!

Helpful Tips For Making Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Making this delicious dessert can be a breeze with a few handy tips:

Use Fresh Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly helps create soft and fluffy rolls. Be patient; it’s worth it!
Roll the Dough Evenly: Try to roll the dough to the same thickness for even baking. This ensures that all rolls cook evenly.
Brush with Butter: Brushing melted butter on the dough before adding the filling adds flavor and helps everything stick together.
Check for Doneness: The rolls should be golden brown on top, and the juices from the apples should be bubbling. This means they’re ready to enjoy!

Variations For Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Feel free to get creative with your cinnamon roll apple pie! Here are some fun ideas:

Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch to the filling.
Try Different Spices: Mix in nutmeg or allspice for a twist on the flavor.
Use Different Fruits: Swap apples for pears or berries to change the filling.
Make it Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.
Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries: These can add a burst of flavor and sweetness to the filling.

What To Serve With Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?

Pairing your pie with the right sides can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top of the warm pie is a classic and delicious choice.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a nice touch to each slice.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can complement the flavors perfectly.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some caramel sauce over the pie adds extra sweetness and richness.
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like berries or slices of oranges, can balance the sweetness.

How To Store Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie?

Proper storage can help keep your pie fresh and delicious for longer. Here’s how to do it:

At Room Temperature: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil. It can stay out for up to two days.
In the Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store the pie in the fridge. Cover it tightly, and it will last for about a week.
Reheat Before Serving: To enjoy the pie warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole pie in the oven at a low temperature.

Can Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze cinnamon roll apple pie! Here’s how:

Before Baking: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Bake it straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
After Baking: If you have leftover pie, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

What Are The Best Apples For Pie?

When making apple pie, the type of apples you choose can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some of the best apples to use:

Granny Smith: These are tart and firm, which helps balance the sweetness of the pie. They hold their shape well during baking.
Honeycrisp: Known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor, these apples are crunchy and juicy, making them a favorite for pies.
Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, providing a nice sweetness to the pie. They also hold up well when baked.
Gala: These apples are sweet and soft, which makes for a delicious filling. They work well when mixed with firmer apples.
Braeburn: With a mix of sweet and tart flavors, Braeburn apples are juicy and maintain their shape during baking.

Mixing different types of apples can create a more interesting flavor in your pie. Combining sweet and tart apples adds depth and balance to the overall taste.

Should You Cook Apples Before Making Pie?

Cooking apples before making a pie is not always necessary, but it can be helpful in some cases. Here are a few points to consider:

Avoid Soggy Pie: Pre-cooking apples helps remove excess moisture. This can prevent your pie crust from getting soggy.
Control Texture: Cooking the apples slightly makes them softer, which can create a smoother filling. If you prefer a softer texture, this is a good option.
Enhance Flavor: Cooking the apples can help release their natural sugars, intensifying their flavor before baking.

How To Pre-Cook Apples:

Peel and Slice: Start by peeling and slicing the apples into small pieces.
Cook Gently: Place the sliced apples in a pot with a little sugar and some spices like cinnamon. Cook them over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until they start to soften.
Cool Down: Let the cooked apples cool before adding them to your pie crust.