Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe – A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert

Introduction

Apple pie is a classic, beloved dessert with deep roots in American tradition. But what if we took this iconic treat and elevated it to the next level? Introducing Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie—a mouthwatering fusion of the timeless apple pie and the comforting, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. This dessert is not just a feast for the taste buds but also an absolute showstopper at gatherings, holiday dinners, or any occasion that calls for a little indulgence.

In this in-depth guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step recipe for making the perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, expert tips, and variations to customize your dessert. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Twist on a Classic Dessert – Combines two beloved treats into one decadent dish.
• Rich Cinnamon Flavor – Infuses every bite with a cozy, warm aroma.
• Buttery, Flaky Crust – The cinnamon roll dough makes for an irresistible, tender crust.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or even just a weekend treat.
• Simple Yet Impressive – While it looks fancy, it’s actually easy to make with just a few steps.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the cinnamon roll crust and one for the apple filling.

For the Cinnamon Roll Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 pounds apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Step-By-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Roll the Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Brush with Butter: Melt a little butter and brush it over the rolled-out dough.
6. Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
7. Roll It Up: Starting from the short end, tightly roll up each rectangle into a log shape.
8. Refrigerate: Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Create the Bottom Crust: Slice one of the chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick slices and press them into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, forming a crust.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
   • Cook, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until apples start to soften.
4. Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
5. Add the Top Crust: Slice the second dough log into 1/4-inch thick pieces and arrange them over the apple filling.
6. Bake the Pie: Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7. Cool Completely: Let the pie cool before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

1. Use Cold Butter for the Dough – This ensures a flaky and buttery texture.
2. Choose the Right Apples – Granny Smith apples offer tartness, while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness.
3. Chill the Dough Logs – This step makes slicing easier and helps the dough maintain its shape.
4. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice – It balances the sweetness and prevents apples from browning.
5. Let the Pie Cool Before Serving – This prevents the filling from running out when sliced.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pie dough or even store-bought cinnamon rolls.

2. What Are the Best Apples for This Pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the top choices, but Pink Lady or Fuji can also work well.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

4. Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the assembled pie one day in advance before baking.

5. Can I Freeze This Pie?

Yes, wrap the fully baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a must-try dessert that brings together the best of two classic treats. With its buttery, cinnamon-infused crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this pie is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you love baking, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure comfort and indulgence!

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