Apple Pie from Cinnamon Rolls: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious apple pie using cinnamon rolls as the base. This innovative shortcut recipe transforms canned cinnamon rolls into a flaky, flavorful crust that bakes into a perfect apple pie in under an hour—no pie crust rolling required. The cinnamon roll dough creates a naturally sweet, spiced foundation that complements the apple filling beautifully, making it an ideal solution for time-pressed bakers seeking a quick dessert without sacrificing flavor.

If you've ever wondered whether those convenient canned cinnamon rolls could serve a purpose beyond their original intent, this apple pie variation delivers a resounding yes. As an experienced baker who's tested countless dessert shortcuts over two decades, I can confirm that apple pie from cinnamon rolls isn't just possible—it's remarkably delicious and surprisingly simple. This method eliminates the most challenging aspect of traditional pie making (the crust) while adding an extra dimension of cinnamon flavor that enhances the apple filling.

Why Cinnamon Rolls Work Perfectly for Apple Pie

The magic of this easy apple pie using cinnamon rolls lies in the dough's composition. Canned cinnamon roll dough contains the perfect balance of flour, sugar, butter, and leavening agents that, when baked with apple filling, creates a tender, slightly crisp crust with built-in flavor. Unlike traditional pie crusts that require chilling and rolling, the pre-portioned cinnamon roll dough provides consistent thickness and eliminates handling errors.

Professional bakers recognize that the cinnamon-sugar swirl in the rolls melts during baking, creating a caramelized layer that complements the apple filling's natural sweetness. This cinnamon roll apple pie recipe essentially gives you a two-in-one dessert: the comforting texture of pie with the familiar flavor profile of cinnamon rolls.

Essential Ingredients for Success

For the best results with your apple pie from cinnamon rolls, quality ingredients matter. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Canned cinnamon rolls	1 can (8-10 rolls)	Refrigerated section, not frozen
Fresh apples	4-5 medium	Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	Prevents browning
Granulated sugar	1/3 cup	Adjust based on apple sweetness
Cinnamon	1 1/2 teaspoons	Freshly ground preferred
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	Thickens the filling
Butter	2 tablespoons	Cubed for topping

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these precise steps for the perfect shortcut apple pie with cinnamon rolls:

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice 4-5 medium apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
2. Create the filling: In a large bowl, combine apples with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until apples are evenly coated.
3. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or 8x8 baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Arrange the base layer: Unroll cinnamon rolls and press them side by side in the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a solid layer. Gently press seams together.
5. Add the filling: Pour the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base.
6. Top with remaining dough: Arrange remaining cinnamon rolls on top of the apples, slightly overlapping to create a lattice or solid top.
7. Finish with butter: Dot the top with cubed butter for richness.
8. Bake: Place on middle oven rack and bake for 35-45 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
9. Cool: Let rest for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

After perfecting this how to make apple pie with cinnamon roll crust method through extensive testing, I've identified these crucial success factors:

• Don't skip the cornstarch—it prevents a runny filling that could make the cinnamon roll base soggy
• Use room temperature rolls for easier handling and better layering
• Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking (avoid Red Delicious)
• Check at 30 minutes—ovens vary, and you want golden topping without over-browning
• Let it rest—this allows the filling to thicken properly before slicing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers encounter pitfalls with this quick apple dessert with cinnamon rolls. Watch for these issues:

• Overfilling the dish—apples reduce significantly during baking; leave at least 1-inch space at the top
• Skipping the lemon juice—this leads to brown, unappetizing apples
• Using frozen rolls—they won't layer properly and may create excess moisture
• Cutting too soon—the filling needs time to set for clean slices
• Ignoring oven hot spots—rotate the dish halfway through baking for even results

Variations for Different Dietary Needs

This versatile apple pie from cinnamon rolls recipe adapts well to various preferences:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder
• Vegan: Choose plant-based cinnamon rolls and replace butter with coconut oil
• Reduced sugar: Use sugar-free cinnamon rolls and cut filling sugar by half
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans between the apple layers for texture
• Spice boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for complexity

Serving and Storage Recommendations

For optimal enjoyment of your cinnamon roll apple pie recipe, follow these serving guidelines:

• Serving temperature: Best served warm (not hot) with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 20-30 seconds or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of cinnamon rolls for this apple pie?

While crescent roll dough works as a pie crust substitute, it lacks the cinnamon flavor that makes this recipe special. For best results with crescent rolls, add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the dough layers to mimic the cinnamon roll flavor profile.

How do I prevent the bottom cinnamon roll layer from becoming soggy?

Prevent sogginess by ensuring your apple filling includes adequate thickener (cornstarch or tapioca) and by pre-baking the bottom cinnamon roll layer for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps the base crisp.

What's the best apple variety for cinnamon roll apple pie?

Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples provide the ideal balance for this recipe. Honeycrisp offers sweetness with firm texture, while Granny Smith adds tartness that cuts through the cinnamon roll sweetness. For best results, use a 50/50 blend of both varieties.

Can I make this apple pie from cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare as directed but don't bake—cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold. For best texture, avoid assembling more than one day ahead.

Why did my cinnamon roll apple pie turn out too sweet?

Excessive sweetness typically occurs when using very sweet apple varieties with the naturally sweet cinnamon rolls. To balance this, reduce the sugar in the filling by 1-2 tablespoons or add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest to cut through the sweetness. Tart apple varieties like Granny Smith also help counterbalance the sweetness.