Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods filling your kitchen. Now picture a dish of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling, so enticing that it vanishes almost as soon as it hits the table. This incredible creation, reminiscent of a comforting monkey bread, combines soft, sweet cinnamon rolls with tender, spiced apple fruit, all crowned with a luscious, sweet icing. The best part? This irresistible treat requires just two simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it the ultimate stress-free dessert or a fantastic breakfast casserole for any occasion. Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for more!
Table of Contents
Video Tutorial
Why We Love This Recipe: Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
This monkey bread-style cinnamon roll apple bake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hack that brings joy to any gathering with minimal effort. Here’s why this dish quickly becomes a household favorite:
- Effortless Transport and Serving: This apple pie cinnamon roll casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and transport, making it perfect for any event. Whether you’re heading to a church potluck, a festive Christmas brunch with family, or simply sharing a thoughtful treat with a neighbor or delivery driver, this dish travels beautifully. Just wrap it up, and it’s ready for its journey, arriving warm and inviting. Its convenient “pull-apart” nature also means no complicated slicing and serving – guests can simply grab a piece and enjoy!
- A True Dump-and-Bake Wonder: Life gets busy, and sometimes you need a recipe that delivers big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. This easy apple cinnamon roll recipe is the answer. With just two main ingredients, it truly lives up to its “dump-and-bake” reputation. You won’t need multiple prep bowls or a mountain of dishes. Everything comes together in a single skillet or casserole dish, simplifying both the cooking process and cleanup. It’s the perfect solution for those moments when you crave something homemade and comforting but are short on time. Many variations of store-bought cinnamon roll recipes, especially those using brands like Pillsbury, are beloved for their convenience and delicious results, and this one is no exception.
- Ideal for Special Occasions and Everyday Treats: Looking for a fantastic birthday breakfast idea that will delight everyone? Or perhaps a cozy dessert for a chilly evening? This cinnamon roll apple bake fits the bill perfectly. Kids absolutely adore the sweet, gooey combination of cinnamon and apple, making it an instant hit for celebrations. But it’s equally wonderful as a spontaneous weekend brunch or a simple sweet treat after dinner. Its comforting flavors make it suitable for any season, but it shines particularly bright during the autumn and winter months.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
Creating this delicious apple pie cinnamon roll casserole is incredibly straightforward, thanks to its minimal ingredient list. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can customize it:
- Canned, Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: The star of our show! For this recipe, we typically use two tubes of the regular-sized Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. These are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores and come with their own icing, which is perfect for drizzling on top after baking. While Pillsbury is a popular choice, feel free to use any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls you prefer; they all work wonderfully. If you opt for the larger “Grands!” variety, which are thicker and fluffier, you might only need one tube to achieve the desired layers in your dish. Adjust the quantity based on the size of your baking dish and your preference for dough-to-filling ratio.
- Apple Pie Filling: The second essential ingredient. Canned apple pie filling can be found in the baking aisle of your local supermarket. It comes pre-sweetened and spiced, making it an incredibly convenient choice for this recipe. However, the beauty of this ingredient lies in its versatility. If apples aren’t your favorite, or you simply want to experiment, you can easily substitute with other fruit pie fillings. Imagine a peach, blueberry, or cherry cinnamon roll bake – each offering its own unique flavor profile! For those mindful of sugar intake, many brands also offer low-sugar or no-sugar-added pie filling options, which work just as well. For an extra special touch, if you have the time and desire, using homemade apple pie filling will elevate this dish to an even more gourmet level, adding a fresh, robust apple flavor that is truly unbeatable.
Need a few more easy apple desserts?
When you have a fridge full of crisp Galas or Granny Smiths, you can use them to make this amazing sourdough apple cake! Another super simple recipe that captures the essence of apple comfort is our quick apple cobbler Bisquick recipe. Both are fantastic ways to enjoy the bounty of apple season!
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Achieving perfectly gooey, flavorful apple pie cinnamon rolls is incredibly simple with these helpful tips:
- Generously Grease Your Baking Dish: Before you even unroll your cinnamon dough, ensure your casserole dish or oven-safe skillet is thoroughly greased. Use non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of butter. This crucial step prevents the sticky, sweet mixture from adhering to the pan, ensuring easy serving and cleanup. There’s nothing worse than losing precious bits of deliciousness to a stuck-on pan!
- Cut the Rolls into Small, Manageable Pieces: The magic of these apple pie cinnamon rolls lies in their pull-apart texture, much like a classic pull-apart bread. Instead of baking the whole cinnamon roll rounds, cut each piece of dough into 4-6 smaller sections. This increases the surface area for the apple pie filling to cling to and creates more tender, bite-sized morsels that are easier to scoop and enjoy. It also helps the dish bake more evenly, allowing the warm apple filling to permeate every bite.
- Adjust the Size of the Fruit Pieces: While canned apple pie filling is convenient, the size of the apple chunks can vary between brands. If you encounter any particularly large pieces of apple, take a moment to cut them into more bite-sized portions. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the dish and prevents any single piece from dominating a bite. A pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife works perfectly for this task. Smaller fruit pieces also help distribute the delicious apple flavor more evenly.
- Create a Delightful Double Layer: For a truly decadent and satisfying experience, don’t just stop at one layer! After arranging the first half of your cut cinnamon roll pieces and covering them with the rich apple pie filling, add a second layer of dough. Use the remaining pieces from your second tube of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls to completely cover the apple filling. This technique effectively “buries” the warm, spiced apples between two fluffy, sweet layers of dough, creating a more substantial and incredibly moist casserole. The result is a heavenly texture where every forkful offers a perfect balance of soft cinnamon roll and tender apple.
Once baked to golden perfection, the final touch is to liberally drizzle or pour the included frosting evenly over the top. Serve this warm dish immediately to savor its optimal gooey texture and comforting warmth!
If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, you absolutely must try our delightful sourdough discard cinnamon bread. It’s another fantastic way to enjoy that beloved spice!
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
These apple pie cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, transforming from a hearty breakfast to an indulgent dessert. For a satisfying breakfast or brunch, pair them with savory dishes to create a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy strips of turkey bacon, or a savory sausage patty. The sweetness of the rolls beautifully complements the salty notes of the breakfast meats.
If you’re looking to elevate them into a truly decadent dessert, the possibilities are endless. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm rolls is an absolute classic. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving. They would also go beautifully with a refreshing fruit salad or a simple bowl of mixed berries. And for a more casual indulgence, they make a perfect snack accompanied by a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Feeling creative? Experiment with these delicious variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple pie filling before baking for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warmth by sprinkling an extra pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a hint of apple pie spice over the filling before the second layer of dough.
- Dried Fruit Boost: Mix in 1/4 cup of golden raisins or dried cranberries with the apple pie filling for added chewiness and a burst of flavor.
- Caramel Apple Delight: Before baking, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the apple pie filling layer. This creates a richer, more indulgent flavor reminiscent of caramel apples.
No matter how you choose to serve them or what delicious additions you make, these delightful cinnamon rolls are sure to bring smiles to everyone around your table!
Recipe FAQs: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Dry cinnamon rolls are usually a sign of overbaking. When baked for too long, the moisture is drawn out of the dough, resulting in a drier texture. To avoid this, be sure to remove your cinnamon roll apple bake from the oven as soon as the tops are a light golden brown and the apples appear bubbly. The rolls will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven, so it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
Canned cinnamon rolls are a fantastic base for creativity! Using a pre-made pie filling, like we do in this apple pie cinnamon roll recipe, is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to elevate them. The sweet and tangy flavor of apple pie filling perfectly complements the cinnamon dough. You could also experiment with other fruit fillings, adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dash of extra spices, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
Yes, absolutely! Leftover cinnamon roll apple bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and restore their delicious texture, cover the leftovers with foil and warm them gently in the oven. This method helps prevent them from drying out, ensuring they stay soft and gooey.
🎯 Pro Tip
If you’re planning ahead and want to make this comforting casserole in advance, you can prepare and freeze the cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling *before* adding the icing. The un-iced apple cinnamon roll bake freezes beautifully, allowing you to have a delicious treat ready to go whenever a craving strikes. Simply thaw, bake, and then drizzle with icing just before serving. However, it’s important to note that once the dish has been covered in icing, the apple cinnamon roll bake unfortunately does not freeze well, as the icing can become sticky and less appealing upon thawing.
More Easy Bake Recipes To Love…
- Bisquick Peach Cobbler Recipe: A simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for summer.
- Quick and Easy Burger Buns Recipe: Elevate your burger nights with these homemade buns.
- Buffalo Bombs with Chicken: Spicy, cheesy, and utterly addictive appetizers or a fun meal.
If you tried this delightful cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling recipe or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means a lot! Thanks for visiting!
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
By Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- 2-quart casserole dish – or 9″-10″ oven safe skillet
- Oven-safe skillet
- Non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 14.6 ounces Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (or other brand) – use two 7.3 ounce regular variety, or one 17.5 ounce package of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls.
- 21 ounces apple pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9-10 inch oven-safe skillet with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of cooking oil. This step is essential to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Open your cans of cinnamon rolls and separate the dough rounds. Take each cinnamon roll and cut it into 4 to 6 smaller, bite-sized sections. This creates more surface area for the delicious apple filling. Arrange about half of these cut dough pieces in a single, even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish or skillet.
Next, spoon the entire can of apple pie filling over the layer of cinnamon roll dough. If you notice any particularly large chunks of apple, use a knife or kitchen shears to cut them into smaller, more manageable, bite-sized pieces for a better texture throughout the dish. Spread the filling evenly.
Finally, arrange the remaining cut cinnamon roll dough pieces in a second, single layer over the apple pie filling, effectively sandwiching the apples between two layers of dough.
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. The apple cinnamon rolls are ready when they are lightly browned and puffy on top, and the apple pie filling is warm and bubbly around the edges.
- Once out of the oven, immediately take the icing packets that came with your cinnamon rolls and drizzle or spread the sweet frosting evenly over the warm, baked rolls. The heat from the casserole will help melt the icing slightly, allowing it to sink into every delicious crevice. Let the apple cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly, but enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Video
Notes
- Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions: If you wish to prepare this casserole ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling *before* baking and *without* the icing. Once covered in icing, the apple cinnamon roll bake does not freeze well, as the icing’s texture can be compromised upon thawing. To freeze, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Recipe Variations:
- For a heartier breakfast, serve these sweet rolls alongside savory dishes such as scrambled eggs or crispy turkey bacon.
- To transform them into an unforgettable dessert, enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- They also pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or simply as a comforting snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Consider adding 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor before baking.
Storing Instructions:
- Store any leftover cinnamon roll apple bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven to help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.