This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a cozy treat that blends sweet apples and warm cinnamon inside a fluffy, buttery crust. It’s like your favorite apple pie got a delicious upgrade!
Honestly, the smell of this pie baking is enough to make anyone happy! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure comfort food bliss! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this pie as they hold their shape and add a nice tartness. If you want a sweeter pie, mix in some Honeycrisp or Fuji apples!
Pie Crust: If you don’t have time for homemade, refrigerated pie crust works great! You can also make a crumb crust using graham crackers if you prefer something different.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or omit it entirely for a traditional apple pie feel.
Cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavor! If you’re short on cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice can work as an excellent alternative for a warm flavor
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Effect?
Creating that stunning cinnamon roll top is easier than you might think. Here’s how:
- Roll the dough into a thin sheet, then spread melted butter over it. This helps it roll nicely!
- Generously sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the butter. Don’t hold back – you want those lovely swirls!
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. The tighter the roll, the better the pattern will look.
- Slice your log into even pieces. A sharp knife or dental floss works great for this!
- When placing the slices on top, overlap them a little for a beautiful spiral design.
Take your time on this step, and you’ll have a stunning pie that impresses everyone!
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough (enough for 1 crust)
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite baking apple)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for icing consistency)
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie will take about 20 minutes for prep and 45-55 minutes for baking. You’ll need an extra 20 minutes to cool before serving, making it perfect for a delightful dessert that’s less than an hour and a half total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, get your 9-inch pie dish ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with your pie crust dough.
2. Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss everything together until all the apple slices are well coated, and set it aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust dough so it fits nicely into the 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the rolled dough into the pie dish, trimming any excess edges as needed.
4. Fill the Pie
Spoon the prepared apple mixture evenly onto the crust. Spread it out so it’s nice and even for even baking!
5. Create the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and butter until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Spread this delicious mixture evenly over the apples, creating a nice marbled layer.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Topping
To make that yummy cinnamon roll effect, roll out another portion of dough or use strips of dough. Brush it with melted butter, sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar, and roll it tightly into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick rounds.
7. Arrange the Topping
Carefully arrange those cinnamon roll slices on top of the pie, slightly overlapping them in a spiral pattern for a beautiful design.
8. Brush with Egg Wash
To give your pie a lovely golden color, brush the edges of the crust and the tops of the cinnamon rolls with the beaten egg wash.
9. Bake the Pie
Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust and cinnamon rolls are golden brown, and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
10. Prepare the Glaze
While the pie is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. You want it to be drizzle-able, so adjust the milk as needed.
11. Cool and Drizzle
Once the pie is out of the oven, let it cool for at least 20 minutes. This will help the filling set. After cooling, drizzle the glaze generously over the top!
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, maybe with a little vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can mix in other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra sweetness. A combination often yields the best flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Simply reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the point of baking. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for cream cheese. You can also skip it altogether for a more traditional apple pie flavor!
