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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 3-4 medium-sized fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) The core of this recipe lies in the main ingredients. All-purpose flour serves as the base for the dough. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar brings a richer flavor. Unsalted butter helps create a tender texture. Fresh apples are the star of the show, providing both sweetness and tartness. - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - 1/4 cup raisins - Powdered sugar for drizzling Adding optional ingredients can elevate your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Chopped nuts give it a crunchy texture. Raisins add a hint of natural sweetness. A drizzle of powdered sugar on top brings a beautiful finish. You can mix and match based on your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. This mix gives your dough a great flavor. Next, incorporate 1/2 cup of softened butter. You can use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend it until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, add 1 large egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. You want it smooth but not sticky. Now it’s time to create the apple filling. Take 3 to 4 medium apples and peel, core, and slice them thin. Place them in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can also add nuts or raisins if you like. Toss everything well. This step is key to flavoring the apples. To roll out the dough, lightly flour your work surface. Divide your dough in half. Roll out about two-thirds of the dough into a big circle, about 12 inches wide. This will be the base for your pie. Make sure it’s even for a nice bake. Gently transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Press it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the apple filling into the crust. Spread it evenly so every slice will be delicious. This is where the magic happens. For the topping, roll out the remaining dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over it. Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice it into 1-inch rounds. Arrange these slices on top of the apple filling to make a pretty pattern. For the final touches, beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the topping. This will give it a shiny, golden finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the topping to be golden and the filling bubbly. Enjoy the sweet aroma while it bakes! To make great dough, keep your butter cold. If the butter is too warm, your dough can turn tough. Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the butter. Cut the butter into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until it looks like crumbs. Be gentle when mixing in the egg. Too much mixing can lead to a dense dough. The best apples for baking are Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. You can also mix both for great flavor. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious. They can turn mushy in the pie. Serve this pie warm for the best taste. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it extra special. You can also drizzle some powdered sugar on top for a nice finish. For a pop of color, add a sprig of mint. This makes your dessert look fancy and fun. Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: For a flakier crust, consider using cold butter instead of softened butter when making your dough. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness. Let it Rest: Allow the assembled pie to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to help the filling set, making for cleaner slices. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional spices like ginger or cloves for a customized flavor profile that suits your taste. {{image_4}} You can add fun flavors to your pie. Try mixing in spices like ginger or allspice. These spices can enhance the apple taste. You can also use a splash of maple syrup for a sweet twist. If you want a nutty flavor, add ground almonds to the filling. These additions make your pie unique and tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. It works well in the dough. You can also swap regular sugar for coconut sugar for a healthier choice. Use dairy-free butter to make it vegan. These swaps maintain the pie's flavor while meeting dietary needs. For a fun twist, serve mini versions of this pie. Use a muffin tin to make individual pies. They are perfect for parties or family gatherings. You can also use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. This makes the pie fun and easy to eat. Try serving your pie with ice cream or whipped cream for extra delight. Each serving becomes a special treat! To keep your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep the pie moist and tasty. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When it's time to enjoy your pie again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warm. You can also microwave a slice for about 30-45 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness just like when it was fresh! To keep apples fresh, use lemon juice. After slicing, toss the apples in a bowl with lemon juice. This slows browning. You can also soak the slices in a mix of water and lemon juice for ten minutes. This method keeps the apples bright and tasty. Yes, you can make the dough early. Prepare it and wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, let it sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle. Yes, you can freeze this pie. After baking, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven. Enjoy warm! This blog post covered the key steps to make a delicious Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. We explored the ingredients, from simple all-purpose flour to fresh apples. I shared tips on perfecting the dough and choosing the best apples. You can enhance flavor with spices or even make gluten-free versions. Proper storage and reheating will keep your pie fresh. Now, grab your ingredients and bake something warm and tasty. You’ll enjoy every bite!

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A delightful twist on a classic dessert featuring a cinnamon roll topping over a spiced apple filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
  • 3-4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • to taste powdered sugar for drizzling on top

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg into the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  • Create the Apple Filling: In another bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the optional chopped nuts and raisins (if using). Toss well until the apple slices are evenly coated with the mixture, ensuring they absorb the flavors.
  • Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface, then divide the dough in half. Roll out about two-thirds of the dough into a large circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter. This dough round will serve as the base for your pie.
  • Assemble the Pie: Gently transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice will be delicious.
  • Create the Cinnamon Roll Topping: Roll out the remaining one-third of the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle a mix of 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the surface. Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange these slices on top of the apple filling, creating an inviting cinnamon roll pattern.
  • Apply Final Touches: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and use a pastry brush to apply it over the cinnamon roll pieces. This egg wash will enhance the golden color and shine of the topping once baked.
  • Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your assembled pie in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cinnamon roll topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling enticingly.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for approximately 15 minutes before slicing. Just before serving, drizzle a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and garnish with mint.
Keyword apple pie, cinnamon roll, dessert