Gooey Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

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The Ultimate Cozy Cinnamon Roll Dessert

When we crave something that feels like home-baked comfort, nothing satisfies quite like a Gooey Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. This indulgent creation combines the warm spice of cinnamon rolls with the sweet richness of apple pie filling, delivering a dessert that bridges breakfast and after-dinner bliss in one bubbling, golden masterpiece.

We are not simply baking a pie. We are crafting a shortcut cinnamon roll apple pie recipe that transforms pantry staples into a showstopping dessert. With its buttery cinnamon roll crust, tender apple filling, caramelized cinnamon sugar topping, and silky icing drizzle, this dessert delivers bold flavor, irresistible aroma, and perfect texture in every bite.

Let us create the most decadent, bakery-worthy version of this viral comfort dessert.

Why Gooey Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Is the Perfect Hybrid Dessert

This recipe stands out because it merges two iconic favorites:

  • Soft, buttery cinnamon rolls
  • Classic apple pie filling
  • Warm cinnamon sugar crunch
  • Sweet vanilla icing drizzle

The result is a cinnamon roll crust apple pie that is:

  • Incredibly easy to prepare
  • Rich in texture and flavor
  • Perfect for holidays, brunches, and cozy evenings
  • Visually stunning with rustic cobbler-style topping

The fragrance alone—butter, cinnamon, baked apples, and caramelized sugar—turns any kitchen into a warm sanctuary.

Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

We keep this recipe simple while maximizing indulgence.

The Dough

  • 2 cans Original Cinnamon Rolls (icing reserved)

The Filling

  • 1 can premium Apple Pie Filling

The Sparkle

  • Cinnamon Sugar (for enhanced texture and flavor depth)

Optional upgrades for a richer profile:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gooey Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.

Open the first can of cinnamon rolls. Separate each roll and flatten them gently using your hands or a rolling pin. Press the flattened rolls into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pie dish, sealing the seams completely to form a continuous cinnamon roll crust.

The key is creating a unified, buttery base that bakes evenly and supports the filling without gaps.

2. Add the Apple Pie Filling Layer

Pour the apple pie filling directly onto the cinnamon roll crust.

Spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring apples reach the edges. For added depth, sprinkle in:

  • A pinch of extra cinnamon
  • A dash of nutmeg
  • A tiny pinch of sea salt

This enhances the spiced apple flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.

3. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar for Extra Crunch

Generously dust cinnamon sugar across the apple filling.

This layer creates:

  • Light caramelization
  • Subtle crunch
  • Enhanced aroma
  • Deepened spice profile

The cinnamon sugar topping is what elevates this from simple to unforgettable.

4. Create the Rustic Cinnamon Roll Topping

Open the second can of cinnamon rolls.

Pull each roll apart into smaller chunks and scatter them evenly across the apple layer. Do not flatten them fully—leave some texture. This creates a cobbler-style cinnamon roll topping that bakes into golden, puffed perfection.

The uneven surface ensures:

  • Crisp peaks
  • Soft interiors
  • Beautiful rustic appearance

5. Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 40–45 minutes.

Look for:

  • Golden brown cinnamon roll tops
  • Bubbling apple filling
  • Slight caramelization around the edges

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before icing.

6. Finish with Warm Icing Drizzle

Microwave the reserved icing for 5–10 seconds until slightly pourable.

Drizzle generously over the warm pie, allowing it to melt into the crevices and glaze the cinnamon roll topping.

This finishing touch delivers:

  • Creamy sweetness
  • Glossy bakery-style appearance
  • Perfect flavor contrast

Serve warm for maximum gooey texture.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Achieve the Best Texture

Avoid overbaking. The center should be set but soft. Overbaking can dry the cinnamon rolls.

Enhance the Apple Flavor

Chop larger apple slices into smaller pieces before layering for better distribution and easier slicing.

Create Caramel Notes

Add a tablespoon of brown sugar on top before baking for deeper caramelization.

Make It Extra Decadent

Serve with:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Salted caramel drizzle
  • Fresh whipped cream

Flavor Variations to Elevate Your Cinnamon Roll Dessert

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Pie

Drizzle caramel sauce between layers before baking.

Apple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Pie

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the apple filling for crunch.

Cream Cheese Swirl Version

Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese over the apple layer before topping with cinnamon roll pieces.

Homemade Apple Filling Upgrade

Replace canned filling with sautéed apples cooked in butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice for a fresher flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Impact

We slice this pie while slightly warm for clean but gooey layers. Each slice reveals:

  • Cinnamon roll crust base
  • Thick apple filling center
  • Puffy cinnamon roll cobbler topping
  • Glossy icing finish

Pair it with:

  • Fresh coffee
  • Hot cider
  • Spiced chai latte

This dessert works beautifully for:

  • Holiday gatherings
  • Weekend brunch
  • Thanksgiving alternative pies
  • Fall potlucks
  • Cozy family nights

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore gooey texture.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Outshines Traditional Apple Pie

Unlike traditional pie crust, cinnamon roll dough delivers:

  • Built-in cinnamon flavor
  • Buttery, soft texture
  • Light caramelization
  • Enhanced sweetness
  • Simplified preparation

We eliminate complicated crust-making while elevating flavor.

This is not just an apple pie shortcut—it is a flavor upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Can we use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Yes. Homemade dough enhances flavor and texture, though refrigerated rolls provide convenience.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes. Bake fully, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving.

Can we reduce sweetness?

Use unsweetened apple filling or reduce icing drizzle.

What size pie dish works best?

A standard 9-inch pie dish ensures even baking.

Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie transforms simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic, crowd-pleasing dessert that merges breakfast charm with classic pie indulgence. Every layer—from the buttery cinnamon roll crust to the bubbling apple center and sweet icing glaze—creates a harmonious blend of warmth, sweetness, and comfort.

We embrace the simplicity, enhance the flavor, and deliver a dessert that looks stunning, smells heavenly, and tastes unforgettable.

Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed on a quiet evening, this cinnamon roll apple pie is the definition of cozy indulgence.

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