Let’s face it—there’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon baking in your kitchen. It’s one of those scents that immediately makes you feel warm and cozy, like a big hug in dessert form. Now, imagine combining two beloved classics: gooey cinnamon buns and spiced apple pie. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, get ready because this cinnamon bun apple pie is about to change your dessert game forever. If you’re a fan of creative dessert mashups, you might also enjoy these delightful apple pie cinnamon rolls, which combine similar flavors in a fun and unique way.
This pie is where indulgence meets simplicity. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a random Tuesday when you need something special to brighten your day. And the best part? You don’t need to be a master baker to pull it off. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so you can whip up this masterpiece with confidence.
Why Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie Is a Winner
This dessert is everything you didn’t know you needed. It combines the best parts of a soft, sticky cinnamon roll with the comforting warmth of apple pie. The cinnamon roll dough acts as the crust, soaking up the juicy apple filling, while the gooey glaze takes it over the top.
Plus, it’s ridiculously versatile. Want it for breakfast? Go for it. Dessert? Obviously. Midnight snack? No one’s judging. This pie fits every occasion and satisfies every craving.
What Makes Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie So Special?
Here’s the thing: combining cinnamon rolls and apple pie isn’t just about taste—it’s about the texture, too.
- The Crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, we’re using flattened cinnamon roll dough. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and infused with cinnamon, making it the perfect base.
- The Filling: Spiced apples bring that classic pie vibe, with just the right amount of sweetness and tartness.
- The Glaze: The finishing drizzle of sweet icing ties everything together in the most delicious way.
It’s the kind of dessert that gets you excited even before the first bite. Just the smell of it baking is enough to make your mouth water. If you’re intrigued by indulgent pie recipes, don’t miss out on this ultimate no-bake chocolate pie recipe that offers a completely different yet equally satisfying dessert experience.
The Ingredients You’ll Need Are Simple and Easy to Find
This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Most of what you need is probably already sitting in your kitchen, and the rest is just a quick grocery run away. Here’s the breakdown:
Cinnamon Roll Crust
- 2 cans of cinnamon roll dough: Store-bought dough is a lifesaver here. It’s quick, reliable, and tastes amazing. (Of course, you can make your own if you’re feeling fancy!)
- A little flour: Just a dusting to keep the dough from sticking when you roll it out.
Apple Filling
- Apples: Grab 5–6 medium-sized ones. Granny Smiths are perfect for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work if you prefer something sweeter.
- Sugars: You’ll need ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar for the perfect mix of sweetness and depth.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Cinnamon (1 tablespoon) brings the warmth, and nutmeg (1 teaspoon) adds a subtle spice.
- Cornstarch: About 2 tablespoons to thicken the apple filling and keep it from getting watery.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon or two for that extra touch of flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A quick squeeze keeps the apples fresh and brightens the flavor.
Glaze
Powdered Sugar and Milk: Mix these in to stretch the icing and make it perfectly drizzly.
Icing from the cinnamon roll cans: Don’t toss this—it’s the sweet, gooey topping that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Trust me, you don’t want to forget this step and then be stuck waiting while your pie sits there, ready to go. Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prep Your Apples
Peel and slice your apples into thin wedges. (If you hate peeling apples, grab an apple peeler—it’s a lifesaver!) Toss the slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Let them sit for a few minutes to soak up all those flavors.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Pop open those cans of cinnamon rolls (and brace yourself for the “pop!”). Flatten each roll with a rolling pin until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
Press the flattened rolls into the pie dish, starting from the center and working your way up the sides. Overlap the edges slightly and press to seal any gaps. This creates your crust and locks in all the juicy goodness.
4. Fill It Up
Pour the apple mixture into your crust, piling it high. Apples shrink as they bake, so don’t be shy—this is your moment to go big!
If you have extra cinnamon roll dough, roll it out and cut it into strips. Lay the strips over the top of the pie in a lattice pattern for that classic look.
5. Bake It to Perfection
Cover the pie loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This keeps the cinnamon roll crust from browning too quickly. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Pro tip: If your kitchen smells like a cinnamon wonderland, you’re on the right track.
6. Drizzle That Glaze
Once your pie is out of the oven, let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Then, mix the cinnamon roll icing with powdered sugar and a splash of milk to create a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the pie.
Trust me, this step is a game-changer. It takes the pie from “delicious” to “I’m going back for seconds.”
Make It Your Own
Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for a bit of crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the glaze, go for caramel sauce. (You can even do both if you’re feeling wild.)
- Raisins or Cranberries: Mix these into the apple filling for an extra pop of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add ginger or allspice to the filling for a different twist.
If you love exploring traditions and classic combinations, you might be inspired by the sweet scoop on Amish peanut butter, which is another sticky and delightful treat worth trying.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is absolutely delicious on its own, but let’s be honest—desserts are always better with a little extra flair. If you want to take things to the next level and leave your guests speechless, serving it warm with the right toppings is the way to go.
The Ice Cream Pairing: Pure Dessert Magic 🍦
Warm up a slice of your cinnamon bun apple pie (just pop it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds if it’s cooled), and then add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. The contrast between the warm, gooey cinnamon roll crust and the cold, creamy ice cream is an experience in itself. As the ice cream starts to melt, it seeps into the spiced apple filling, creating a luscious, sweet sauce that’s downright irresistible.
For an extra indulgence, you could try different ice cream flavors, like caramel swirl, butter pecan, or even cinnamon ice cream, to enhance the warm, cozy vibe of the pie.
Whipped Cream for a Holiday Twist 🎄
If you’re serving this during the holidays—or just want to give it a festive touch—pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light, airy texture of the cream balances the richness of the pie perfectly. Want to step it up a notch? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. It’s a simple addition, but it instantly makes the pie feel more elegant and special.
Pro Tip: Serve It Family-Style
Place the whole pie on the table with an array of toppings, like ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and even chopped nuts. Let everyone customize their slice the way they like—it’s interactive and guaranteed to be a hit!
Whether you’re going for comforting simplicity or an all-out dessert spread, these serving ideas will elevate your cinnamon bun apple pie from delicious to unforgettable. And don’t forget—leftovers (if there are any) taste just as amazing the next day!
FAQ Section
In England, cinnamon rolls are often called “cinnamon swirls” or “cinnamon buns.” They’re essentially the same treat—soft, sweet dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling—but the terminology varies. You might also find them labeled as “Chelsea buns” in some cases, although Chelsea buns traditionally include dried fruit and are glazed with syrup. Cinnamon swirls are a popular item in bakeries and coffee shops across the UK.
Costco apple pies are legendary for a few reasons:
Generous Size: These pies are massive, easily feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Quality Ingredients: Costco uses fresh apples and a buttery, flaky crust that tastes homemade.
Flavor Balance: The filling isn’t overly sweet, and the apples are perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Consistency: Whether you buy one in Maine or California, you know you’re getting the same high-quality pie.
Their pies are a perfect mix of convenience, taste, and affordability, making them a go-to dessert for family dinners and parties.
The tradition of pairing apple pie with cheese—often a sharp cheddar—comes from English settlers who brought the idea to the United States. The combination works surprisingly well because:
Sweet and Savory Contrast: The rich, tangy flavor of the cheese balances the sweetness of the apples and crust.
Texture: Melted cheese adds a creamy element that complements the flaky crust and tender apples.
This practice is most common in the Midwest and New England regions. While not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a unique twist that many people swear by!
In the United States, cinnamon buns are most commonly called “cinnamon rolls.” The terms are interchangeable, but “cinnamon roll” is by far the more popular name. These soft, spiraled treats are often enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, and they’re typically served with a drizzle of icing on top. You’ll find them at bakeries, coffee shops, and even in homemade versions across the country.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie
This cinnamon bun apple pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family (and maybe even keep a slice for yourself).
What makes it so special is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated techniques. Just a few ingredients, a little love, and you’ve got something truly unforgettable.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those cans of cinnamon rolls and start baking. Your kitchen is about to smell like heaven, and your taste buds are in for the ride of their lives.
