Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie with Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious cinnamon roll apple pie using canned apple pie filling. This hybrid dessert combines the flaky, spiced layers of cinnamon rolls with the sweet-tart apple filling in about 45 minutes of active preparation plus baking time. The key is using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough layered with quality apple pie filling and a simple homemade streusel topping for optimal texture contrast.

Combining two classic American desserts into one showstopper, the cinnamon roll apple pie with apple pie filling has gained popularity for its perfect balance of convenience and homemade flavor. This innovative recipe bridges the gap between traditional apple pie and gooey cinnamon rolls, creating a dessert that's ideal for holiday gatherings or weekend baking projects.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe Works

The magic of this dessert lies in its strategic layering technique. Unlike standard apple pie recipes that require making pastry from scratch, this version leverages the convenience of pre-made cinnamon roll dough while elevating it with quality apple pie filling. The refrigerated dough provides consistent layers that puff beautifully during baking, creating pockets that capture the apple filling's juices without becoming soggy.

When selecting ingredients for your cinnamon roll apple pie with canned filling, opt for premium apple pie filling that contains real apple chunks rather than just applesauce. This ensures your finished dessert has the proper texture contrast between the soft apple pieces and the chewy cinnamon roll base.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results

Creating an exceptional cinnamon roll apple pie starts with selecting the right components. Here's what you'll need for an 8x8 inch baking dish:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough	1 can (8 rolls)	With icing for serving
Apple pie filling	1 can (21 oz)	Preferably with visible apple chunks
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons	Melted
Brown sugar	¼ cup packed	For streusel topping
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	For streusel topping
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon	For streusel topping

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless cinnamon roll apple pie with apple pie filling:

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the streusel: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to create a crumbly streusel topping. Set aside.
3. Layer the cinnamon rolls: Unroll the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and flatten each into a 4-inch circle using a rolling pin. Layer three rolls in the bottom of your baking dish, slightly overlapping to create a solid base.
4. Add apple filling: Spread half of the apple pie filling evenly over the cinnamon roll base, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
5. Create middle layer: Add three more flattened cinnamon rolls on top of the apple layer, then spread the remaining apple filling.
6. Top layer: Place the final two flattened cinnamon rolls on top, then generously sprinkle the streusel mixture over the entire surface.
7. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
8. Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 15 minutes before drizzling with the included icing from the cinnamon roll can.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with this straightforward cinnamon roll apple pie recipe with canned filling, you might encounter some challenges:

• Soggy bottom layer: This happens when the apple filling releases too much liquid. Prevent this by draining excess liquid from the canned filling before use or adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the apple mixture.
• Undercooked center: If the top is browning too quickly but the center remains doughy, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking for additional 5-10 minutes.
• Dry texture: Using expired cinnamon roll dough or overbaking can cause dryness. Check for doneness at 35 minutes and remove when the center springs back lightly when touched.

Serving and Storage Recommendations

This hybrid dessert serves 6-8 people and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For optimal flavor development, let the pie rest for 20 minutes after baking before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.

Variations for Different Dietary Needs

Adapt this easy apple pie cinnamon roll bake for various dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough and ensure your apple pie filling is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute the butter in the streusel with coconut oil and use vegan cinnamon rolls.
• Reduced sugar option: Choose unsweetened apple pie filling and reduce the brown sugar in the streusel by half.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike other shortcut dessert recipes, this cinnamon roll apple pie with apple pie filling maintains the distinct textures of both component desserts. The cinnamon roll layers puff and separate during baking, creating those coveted pull-apart sections, while the apple filling settles into the spaces between layers without making the entire dessert soggy.

Professional bakers appreciate how this recipe solves the common problem of apple pie's sometimes-bland top crust by replacing it with flavorful cinnamon roll dough. The streusel topping adds a crucial textural element that mimics the crumble topping of traditional apple crisp while complementing the cinnamon roll components.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Seasoned bakers recommend these pro techniques when making your cinnamon roll apple pie recipe with canned filling:

• Bring refrigerated dough to room temperature for 15 minutes before unrolling for easier handling
• Lightly flour your work surface when flattening the cinnamon rolls to prevent sticking
• Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest to the apple filling for brighter flavor notes
• For extra richness, brush the assembled layers with melted butter before adding the next component
• Let the finished pie rest 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set properly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute homemade apple pie filling. Use approximately 3 cups of your preferred recipe, ensuring it has a thick consistency similar to canned filling. If your homemade version is runnier, add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch during cooking to achieve the proper thickness for this cinnamon roll apple pie recipe.

How do I prevent the apple filling from making the cinnamon rolls soggy?

To prevent sogginess in your cinnamon roll apple pie with apple pie filling, drain excess liquid from the canned filling before use. Additionally, create distinct layers with the flattened cinnamon roll dough acting as barriers, and include the streusel topping which absorbs excess moisture during baking. Allowing the pie to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking also helps the filling set properly.

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

Yes, you can assemble the cinnamon roll apple pie with apple pie filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if going directly from cold to oven. For best results with this easy apple pie cinnamon roll bake, prepare the streusel topping separately and add it just before baking to maintain its crumbly texture.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers of this dessert?

For optimal results with your cinnamon roll apple pie recipe with canned filling leftovers, reheat individual portions in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes rather than using a microwave. This method restores the flaky texture of the cinnamon roll layers while gently warming the apple filling without making it overly soft. If using a microwave, cover with a paper towel and heat in 15-second intervals until warm.