Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe: Ultimate Fusion Dessert Guide

The cinnamon roll apple pie recipe combines two classic American desserts into one irresistible fusion treat. This hybrid dessert features flaky pie crust layered with spiced apple filling and swirled with cinnamon roll dough, creating a unique texture and flavor profile that's achievable with standard baking techniques. The final product delivers the comforting warmth of apple pie with the gooey, cinnamon-sweet swirls of a bakery-style cinnamon roll.

Imagine the familiar aroma of baked apples mingling with cinnamon sugar, but with an unexpected twist: instead of a traditional lattice or solid crust, you'll find tender swirls of yeasted dough baked right into the pie. This innovative dessert bridges the gap between breakfast pastry and after-dinner treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or special weekend baking projects.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Fusion Works

The magic happens when you layer traditional apple pie filling between sheets of cinnamon roll dough, creating a marbled effect as the dessert bakes. Unlike standard apple pie recipes, this version incorporates the soft, pull-apart texture of cinnamon rolls directly into the pie structure. The yeast in the dough creates air pockets that allow the apple flavors to permeate throughout, while the cinnamon-sugar mixture caramelizes into a sticky, sweet layer between the fruit and pastry.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
45 minutes	50 minutes	2 hours 15 minutes	8-10	Intermediate

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Quality ingredients make the difference between a good fusion dessert and an exceptional one. For the apple component, choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking. The cinnamon roll element requires fresh yeast dough—either homemade or high-quality store-bought—for optimal texture.

Apple Filling Components

• 6 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Roll Dough Elements

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 pound yeast dough (homemade or quality store-bought)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• ⅓ cup heavy cream (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Follow these precise steps for the perfect cinnamon roll apple pie fusion. Temperature control and timing are critical for achieving the right balance between cooked apples and fully risen dough.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Combine sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning
2. Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in separate container
3. Stir dry ingredients into apples until evenly coated
4. Add vanilla extract and let mixture sit for 15 minutes to develop flavors

Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Component

1. Roll yeast dough into 16x12 inch rectangle on floured surface
2. Brush surface evenly with melted butter
3. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture across entire surface
4. Tightly roll dough into log starting from long edge
5. Cut log into 12 equal slices using dental floss for clean cuts

Assemble the Fusion Dessert

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack in center position
2. Fit pie crust into 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess edges
3. Pour half the apple mixture into prepared crust
4. Arrange 6 cinnamon roll slices evenly over apples
5. Add remaining apples, then top with remaining cinnamon roll slices
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes
7. Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until golden brown
8. Cool completely (at least 2 hours) before serving

Professional Baking Tips for Success

Avoid common pitfalls with these expert recommendations:

• Temperature matters: Chill assembled pie for 20 minutes before baking to prevent dough from spreading too quickly
• Apple selection: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor (try 3 Honeycrisp + 3 Granny Smith)
• Dough thickness: Roll yeast dough to exactly ¼ inch thickness for proper layering
• Cooling is critical: Allow full cooling time to let filling set—serving too soon causes structural collapse
• Flavor boost: Add ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice to filling for deeper flavor complexity

Common Variations and Adaptations

Customize this fusion dessert to suit your preferences:

• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pie crust and substitute yeast dough with gluten-free cinnamon roll recipe
• Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk in dough preparation
• Reduced sugar option: Cut sugar by 25% and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to maintain structure
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans between layers for added texture
• Individual portions: Create mini versions using muffin tins for single-serving desserts

Troubleshooting Guide

Solve these common issues:

• Soggy bottom crust: Pre-bake pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling
• Dough not rising properly: Ensure kitchen temperature is at least 70°F (21°C) during preparation
• Overly runny filling: Increase flour in filling by 1 tablespoon and extend cooling time
• Burnt edges: Cover pie edges with foil after first 25 minutes of baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

While fresh apples produce superior texture and flavor, you can substitute 2 cans (21 oz each) of apple pie filling. Drain excess liquid thoroughly and reduce added sugar by half since canned filling is already sweetened.

How do I prevent the cinnamon roll layers from becoming too dense?

Proper dough rising is essential. Allow yeast dough to rest for 15 minutes after rolling but before assembling. Don't overfill the pie dish—leave at least 1 inch of space at the top for expansion during baking.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers without losing texture?

Reheat individual portions in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes the crust soggy. For best results, cover loosely with foil and place a small oven-safe dish of water nearby to maintain moisture.

Can I prepare this cinnamon roll apple pie recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pie completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-7 minutes to the initial baking time if starting from cold. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked pie for up to 3 months—thaw in refrigerator before baking.