Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These apple pie cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are so easy to make. They are filled with delicious apple pie filling, perfect for a quick dessert!

Have you ever craved a classic flavor but felt bored with the same old taste?

Strange, but it happens, right?! In that case, here’s something I know you’ll love. These apple pie cinnamon rolls offer a new twist while keeping the classic cinnamon roll appeal.

What Are Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

Apple pie cinnamon rolls offer a seasonal spin on the classic cinnamon roll recipe.

It features a soft dough filled with apple pie filling and cinnamon, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

It may seem complicated to make, but using canned apple pie filling can make the process more convenient. And trust me, it won’t compromise the deliciousness or visual appeal of your treats.

It’s time for you to experience the flavors of two beloved desserts in one: the timeless appeal of cinnamon rolls with the comforting essence of apple pie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet twist on a classic: The addition of apple pie filling takes classic cinnamon rolls to the next level. Sweet apples and cinnamon?! It’s not always that we get to enjoy fruits with the warm, spicy kick of cinnamon.
• Customizable: I know cream cheese frosting is delicious and seems irreplaceable, but there are other great options! Try different gooey sauces, or even top them with vanilla ice cream if you like. Ice cream topping plus your favorite nuts for some crunchy texture? That’s perfection!
• Simple and easy: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you – these gooey cinnamon rolls are so easy to make. You won’t struggle making apple pie filling from scratch (but you can still go DIY if you want to!). This recipe uses a canned filling yet still results in a heavenly dessert.

What Do Cinnamon Rolls Using Apple Pie Filling Taste Like?

Apple pie cinnamon rolls are fluffy and sweet, just like traditional cinnamon rolls! The apple pie filling just adds a satisfying flavor twist.

You get the comforting warmth and spice of cinnamon and slightly tart taste of cooked apples. It tastes similar to the classic apple pie, but in a smaller, easier-to-bake form!

These apple cinnamon rolls are delicious all on their own. But this recipe makes them even more special by pairing them with rich cream cheese frosting.

The frosting is creamy and slightly tangy, which nicely balances the warm spices and sweetness of the apple filling.

No worries if you’re not a fan of overly sweet desserts. Like with our TikTok cinnamon rolls, you can go easy on the frosting and just add a little!

Tasty Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

Dough:

• Egg – Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
• All-purpose flour – The main ingredient for structure and texture. Without this, your dough would become flat and dense.
• Warm milk – Softens the dough, making it easy to work with and shape. Whole milk is always a better choice – it has more fat which contributes to a richer, more tender dough.
• Melted butter – Adds flavor, moisture, and tenderness.
• Yeast – It helps the dough rise quickly and evenly.
• Granulated sugar – We love apple pie cinnamon rolls for their sweetness, and we have sugar to thank for it.
• Salt – Improves the overall flavor. A hint of saltiness amplifies the sweetness in your dessert.
• Cooking oil – To make sure your dough doesn’t stick to the bowl during rising or to the dish during baking. A non-stick cooking spray is a more convenient choice, though. No need to use a pastry brush!

Apple Pie Filling:

• Canned apple pie filling – If you can, make your own filling. But if you’re short on time, go for canned options. It’s quick, convenient, and still tastes great.
• Melted butter – It gives the apple filling a velvety texture, making it taste even better.
• Brown sugar – Should you go for dark or light brown sugar? The former offers a stronger molasses flavor, while the latter brings mild caramel sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – Just a little adds a warm, spicy note that really stands out.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese – It’s the “cherry” on top of your apple pie cinnamon rolls! It’s creamy and dreamy and brings the perfect sweet-tangy balance!
• Milk – It thins the cream cheese frosting for easy spreading.
• Melted butter – More butter means extra creaminess, the secret to the frosting’s melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Powdered sugar – Unlike its granulated cousin, this one dissolves easily, making a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Vanilla extract – There’s nothing like the aromatic sweetness vanilla extract brings.

Tools Needed To Prepare This Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Mixing bowls to prepare and mix the ingredients
• Whisk or electric mixer to smoothly blend the dough and the frosting
• Kitchen towel to cover the dough while it rises
• Rolling pin to evenly roll out the dough into a rectangle
• Pastry brush for greasing the bowl and baking dish with cooking oil
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and blending the filling ingredients while cooking
• Cutting board for kneading and rolling out dough (or just prepare a clean surface!)
• Knife for chopping the apples and trimming the dough
• 9×13-inch baking dish to bake your apple pie cinnamon rolls to perfection
• Cooling rack for cooling the rolls

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Nutmeg

Some people might opt for more cinnamon, but aren’t adding more warm spices like nutmeg (or allspice!) even more exciting?

They make these apple pie cinnamon rolls even more aromatic and irresistible! Try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg to the dough or cream cheese frosting.

But remember, nutmeg has a strong flavor. Don’t use too much or else the taste might overwhelm you.

Fresh Apples

The best way to incorporate apples in your apple cinnamon rolls is to use homemade apple pie filling.

But if you only have a few slices left, let’s say some leftover from an earlier snack, you can still include those in this dish.

After baking, top the rolls with apple slices for extra texture and freshness.

Dried Cranberries

Stock up on dried cranberries for those moments when you want to add a fruity note but have no fresh fruits on hand.

They won’t feel dry and boring in desserts at all! Soak them in warm water or apple juice for about 10 to 15 minutes before using to rehydrate them.

Wait a few minutes to make them plumper and juicier. Then, sprinkle the dried cranberries on top of the rolls just before baking.

Chopped Pecans

When it comes to homemade cinnamon rolls, the crunchier, the better. If the recipe doesn’t include nuts, just add your favorite ones!

Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds? All these nuts work great with this dessert.

Mix them into the frosting, sprinkle on the filling before rolling, or add on top just before or after baking.

Maple Syrup

These apple pie cinnamon rolls will taste even more delicious with a light coating of maple syrup!

Just brush the top of the rolls after baking, or add a few tablespoons to your cream cheese frosting for a subtle maple twist.

You can also drizzle some on the apple pie filling before putting it on the dough for extra sweetness and sheen.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 2 ½ teaspoons yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Cooking oil, for greasing

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools you need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Kitchen towel
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cooling rack

Instructions:

Dough:

STEP 1: Gather all the ingredients for your apple pie cinnamon rolls.

STEP 2: Preheat the oven to 200°F for warming.

STEP 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk and yeast.

STEP 4: Next, whisk the egg. Add it to the mixture together with melted butter and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

STEP 5: Mix in the flour, remaining sugar, and salt until you have a soft, sticky dough.

STEP 6: Lightly flour a cutting board or clean surface (about ¼ cup of flour will do). Then, knead the dough for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

STEP 7: Grease a large bowl with cooking oil and put the dough in it. Make sure the dough is lightly coated oil, then cover it with a damp cloth.

STEP 8: Turn off the oven after preheating and put the bowl inside. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes. To test if it’s ready, press two fingers into the dough. If the indentation stays, give it more time to rise.

STEP 9: After the dough has risen the first time, punch it down (literally press down on the dough with your fist!). Then cover it. Let it rest for another 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size again.

Apple Pie Filling:

STEP 1: Cut the apples from the canned apple pie filling into around ½ -inch pieces.

STEP 2: Mix the canned apple filling with brown sugar, melted butter and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.

Assembling the Rolls:

STEP 1: Roll out the dough into a 21×14-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

STEP 2: Spread the apple pie mixture evenly over the dough.

STEP 3: Roll the dough tightly from one long side and press the edge to seal.

STEP 4: Cut off the ends to even them out and then slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.

STEP 5: Put the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rise for 30 minutes or until they double in size.

Baking the Rolls:

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP 2: Uncover the rolls and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until they turn lightly golden.

STEP 3: After baking, take the rolls out of the oven and let them sit in the dish for 5 minutes.

STEP 4: Then, move them to a wire rack to cool down completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

STEP 1: Whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

STEP 2: Stir in the milk. Mix until the frosting is smooth and without lumps.

STEP 3: Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy your homemade apple pie cinnamon rolls!

What To Serve With Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

• Apple butter: Craving for a stronger, yummier apple flavor? Mix a small amount of apple butter into your cream cheese frosting before spreading it on the rolls. But take it easy – add it gradually! Starting with one tablespoon is a great idea. You don’t want to overdo it and end up with a frosting that’s too runny for those perfect rolls.
• Caramel sauce: Brown sugar for a subtle caramel note is simply not enough for me (and I know for you, too!). After you’ve frosted the baked cinnamon rolls with the cream cheese frosting, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Our caramel dip isn’t just for apples – it also works well with these rolls. Looks good and tastes great!
• With other cinnamon rolls and desserts: Mix things up by making different cinnamon roll flavors along with these apple pie ones. Everyone gets to pick their favorite! Put these treats together with our strawberry cinnamon rolls and candy apple slices for a wonderful spread.

Tips About Making Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

• The right yeast: Choosing the right yeast is important. Quick-rise or instant yeast is ideal for these rolls as it works quickly, cutting down on waiting time. However, if you only have active dry yeast in your pantry, that works, too. Just remember to dissolve it in warm milk first and allow extra time for it to rise.
• Warm milk and room temperature ingredients: Warm milk, about 110°F, is perfect for activating the yeast. Moreover, room temperature eggs, butter and cream cheese are important for smooth mixing. Remove them from the fridge and let them sit for 2 hours before you start.
• Cutting the rolls: Dental floss is your most unlikely best friend when it comes to cutting rolls, even better than a knife for some! It cuts through the dough easily and doesn’t squash it. The result? Neat, even rolls. Just remember to use unflavored floss – mint or waxed ones might affect the taste. 😅

How To Store Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls

• Room temperature: These apple pie cinnamon rolls can stay fresh on the kitchen counter for a whole day. Place them in a clear airtight container, so you can easily keep an eye on your treats without opening it. But be warned: they’re so tempting, anyone in the kitchen might just grab one!
• Fridge: Got leftovers that you want to save for longer? Just store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic. But please, don’t wait too long. The frosting can become less smooth and creamy over time. And the rolls themselves can become soggy and less fluffy.
• Freezer: Ah, the long-term solution for busy bakers. Flash freeze them in a tray until they’re frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for more, just thaw them (in the fridge or simply place them on a plate in the counter with a cover!) and make fresh frosting. 

Why Put Heavy Cream in the Bottom of Cinnamon Rolls?

Putting heavy cream in the bottom of cinnamon rolls is like a secret hack for extra richness.

They soak up the cream as they bake, making them more flavorful.

This technique results in rolls that are soft and rich in texture! And yes, you can also do this when baking your apple pie cinnamon rolls.

Just pour heavy cream in the baking dish, then put your apple pie stuffed cinnamon rolls on top. The richer, the better? It’s all up to you. No need to change the recipe – it’s really that simple.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Filling?

You’ll be surprised by how easy this is. Start by peeling and slicing your favorite apples – Granny Smiths are apple pie filling favorites for their tartness and firmness.

In a large pan, mix the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. If you think it needs to thicken a bit, just add cornstarch mixed with water.

Let it simmer and stir every now and then for 4 to 6 minutes. Wait for the apples to soften and after that, all done. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become mushy.

You only need around 15 minutes to make this. Once done, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to make your apple pie cinnamon rolls.

 FAQ About Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Conclusion

The swirls and fancy look of these apple pie cinnamon rolls might seem intimidating, but they’re actually quite doable at home.

You can definitely make them yourself. It’s really just about finding the right recipe that works for you.

Well, today’s your lucky day. You just found the perfect one! I’m sure of it – the recipe I just shared above works for everyone.

Once you make these, everyone’s going to want to try them. They’ll probably be gone before you even think about storing them. 😂

Looking for more beginner-friendly sweet treats? Sometimes, apple pie cinnamon rolls just aren’t enough! Here are other desserts so easy that you can whip them up in no time:

• No Bake Mini Peanut Butter Pies
• Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
• Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• Best Pumpkin Roll Recipe
• Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole