Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies: The Ultimate 2-Ingredient Fall Dessert Hack
Get ready for the simplest, most delicious fall dessert you’ve ever made! This recipe for **cinnamon roll apple pies** uses just two main ingredients: refrigerated cinnamon rolls and a can of apple pie filling. It’s a game-changing Pillsbury cinnamon roll apple pie hack that delivers warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat, an easy baking project with kids, or a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, these muffin tin apple pies are guaranteed to be a hit. And for an extra touch of indulgence, we’ll even explore how to make your cinnamon roll apple pie cups with a delightful streusel topping!
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If you’re a fan of this incredible cinnamon roll apple pie recipe, you’ll also adore my White Forest Cake, my Protein Mug Cake, and my Cheesecake Mousse Cups! For now, let’s dive into making these irresistible apple cinnamon treats.
Why You’ll Love This Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Recipe
Life gets busy, and sometimes, you just need a dessert recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious. This is that recipe! These individual muffin tin cinnamon roll apple pies are arguably the easiest dessert you’ll ever whip up, calling for incredibly basic ingredients you likely already have or can easily grab from the store. It’s a true kitchen hack, utilizing refrigerated cinnamon rolls and a can of apple pie filling, and that’s literally all you need for the base!
This recipe offers the charming simplicity of my Halloween Chocolate Covered Strawberries or my M&M Rice Krispie Treats, yet it delivers all the comforting, warm fall spices and gooey apple pie goodness that everyone loves. If you’ve enjoyed my Oreo Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll appreciate the similar concept here: taking a store-bought staple like Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and transforming them into something even more magical with just one extra step.
Making Muffin Tin Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies Effortlessly
These easy cinnamon roll apple pies come together incredibly quickly in a standard muffin pan, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. Their inherent simplicity also makes them perfect for a fun and engaging fall family baking project, even for novice bakers or kids. It’s a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the joy of baking without the stress of complex steps.
I personally love keeping both canned cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling on hand. This ensures I’m always ready for unexpected guests, or simply as an easy way to satisfy a sudden sweet tooth craving. Imagine the delight of having warm, homemade-tasting apple pies ready in under 30 minutes! These cinnamon roll apple pie bites are also superb as a super easy dessert for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any festive fall gathering. For even more of the *best* fall goodies, don’t forget to check out my comprehensive list of the 36 Best Fall Desserts for your Seasonal Celebrations!
What Ingredients Do You Need for Cinnamon Roll Pie?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach. You truly only need two core ingredients for these delightful Pillsbury cinnamon roll apple pies:
- Canned Cinnamon Rolls: These convenient rolls will form the delightful crust for our mini apple pies. I typically opt for Pillsbury classic cinnamon rolls (the 8-count can) because of their consistent quality and delicious icing. However, feel free to use your favorite brand or even a grocery store’s generic version. Just ensure your chosen cinnamon buns come with their own icing packet – we’ll use that for drizzling later! Avoid the “Grands” or extra-large varieties, as they might not fit as well into a standard muffin tin.
- Apple Pie Filling: Any canned apple pie filling you enjoy will work perfectly here. The pre-cooked, spiced apples are key to the recipe’s speed and ease. If you’re feeling a bit ambitious and prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly use the delicious apple pie filling recipe from my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls to elevate your pies even further.
And that’s all there is to it for these cinnamon roll pie recipe ingredients! They truly make for a huge hit as a quick fall dessert and are SO incredibly easy to assemble. Keep reading below for some fantastic variations you can use to customize this 2-ingredient apple pie cups recipe and make it truly your own!
Essential Equipment for Your Mini Apple Pies
The main tool you’ll need for this incredibly simple muffin tin cinnamon roll apple pies recipe is, as the name suggests, a muffin tin! Any 12-cup standard size muffin pan will work perfectly. If your cinnamon roll package contains 8 rolls, you’ll simply leave four muffin cups empty. If you only have a 6-cup muffin pan, you’ll have two extra cinnamon rolls left over. Don’t worry, you can easily save them for another batch, or bake them separately in small ramekins for a delicious bonus treat.
Additionally, you may find it helpful to have a wire rack on hand. This allows your mini cinnamon roll apple pies to cool more quickly and evenly, preventing the bottoms from getting soggy. A wire rack also ensures that any excess glaze or icing can drip off cleanly, leaving you with perfectly presented individual pies.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies
While the detailed recipe card below will provide comprehensive step-by-step instructions, ingredient substitutions, and even a helpful recipe video, here’s a quick overview to show you just how easy it is to make this delightful cinnamon roll apple pie recipe! With just a few simple actions, you’ll have warm, fragrant mini pies ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling. Spoon the canned apple pie filling into a large bowl or onto a plate. Using a knife, carefully cut the larger apple pieces into smaller, more manageable chunks (about ½ inch each). This ensures a better texture and even distribution in your mini pies.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Roll Crust. Take each individual cinnamon roll and gently flatten it into a disk shape. You can use a rolling pin if you have one, but I find that simply using your hands works just as well to achieve a round, flattened dough. Press each flattened cinnamon roll firmly into the bottom of a muffin cup, forming a sturdy base that mimics the bottom crust of a traditional pie.
Step 3: Fill and Bake. Spoon the chopped apple pie filling generously into each cinnamon roll crust. Be mindful not to overfill the cups; leave a small amount of space at the top as the cinnamon roll dough will puff up slightly during baking. Once filled, bake your delightful creations in the preheated oven according to the recipe card’s instructions.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once your cinnamon roll apple pie bites are baked to a beautiful golden brown and have cooled slightly, it’s time for the final touch. Warm the reserved cinnamon roll icing for a few seconds in the microwave to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this sweet icing generously over the top of each mini pie. Serve warm for the best experience!
Pro Tip: It’s crucial not to overfill the cinnamon roll cups! The cinnamon roll dough will expand and puff up as it bakes, and you want to avoid any messy overflows. A little space at the top ensures a perfect, contained mini apple pie every time.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups with Streusel Topping: An Elevated Twist
If you’re looking to take this already fantastic two-ingredient cinnamon roll apple pies recipe to the next level, adding a streusel topping is my absolute favorite way to do it! This simple addition instantly transforms them into charming mini Dutch apple pies, adding a delightful crumbly texture and extra layer of flavor. You can easily use the delicious crumb topping recipe from my Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust. Just prepare the streusel, sprinkle it generously over the apple filling before baking, and add a few extra minutes to your bake time. Your pies will be perfectly done when the crumb topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling invitingly.
More Delicious Variations for Your Mini Apple Pies
One of the joys of this easy recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create a personalized dessert that perfectly suits your taste:
- Pie Filling Flavor Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to just apple! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap the apple pie filling for any other canned fruit pie filling you enjoy. Imagine luscious peach pie filling for a summery treat, or perhaps a sweet cherry pie filling for a burst of vibrant flavor. Blueberry or mixed berry fillings would also be absolutely delightful.
- Creative Toppings Beyond Icing: While the classic cinnamon roll icing is perfect, consider other toppings to enhance your mini pies.
- Caramel Apple Pies: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked pies instead of the icing for a rich, indulgent caramel apple pie experience. A sprinkle of sea salt can further elevate this!
- Cinnamon Sugar Crunch: For a simple yet effective alternative, mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with two tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple filling before baking for an extra cinnamon kick and a slightly crispy top.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve your warm cinnamon roll apple pies with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. The contrast of warm pie and cold ice cream is always a winner.
- Utilize Extra Apple Pie Filling: If you happen to have leftover apple pie filling from your can, don’t let it go to waste! It’s fantastic mixed into your morning oatmeal, spooned over yogurt, or warmed up and used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even plain vanilla ice cream. You can also save it to make another batch of these mini pies!
Storage Tips for Your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies
These delightful Pillsbury cinnamon roll apple pie cups are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they also store well for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying later:
You can store these mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
For even longer storage, these cinnamon roll apple pies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap each individual pie tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies
Absolutely! Almost all American-style traditional apple pie recipes inherently include cinnamon to beautifully complement and enhance the flavor of the apple filling. In fact, these easy cinnamon roll apple pies offer a delightful double boost of cinnamon: you get the classic spice in the apple pie filling itself, and of course, a generous amount of cinnamon baked right into the fluffy cinnamon roll shell. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
While the magic of this amazing dessert lies in its incredible ease and speed using store-bought ingredients, if you happen to have more time on your hands and a passion for baking from scratch, you can certainly use homemade cinnamon rolls! For a truly exceptional homemade experience, I highly recommend checking out my dedicated recipes for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls or my cozy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls. Just ensure they are flattened and pressed into the muffin tin like a crust.
Achieving a truly great apple pie often comes down to a few key tricks. My personal favorite is ensuring you never end up with a soggy bottom crust, which can happen if there’s too much liquid in your pie filling. To prevent this, make sure your pie is adequately vented so that steam and excess liquid can evaporate as it bakes. Another bonus tip for *any* great apple pie, including these mini versions, is to serve it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm-cold contrast and melting ice cream create an unparalleled experience!
If you absolutely loved making and enjoying these muffin tin cinnamon roll apple pies, you’re in luck! I have a host of other simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that are just as easy to whip up. Be sure to try my effortless Cake Mix Apple Cobbler and my fun Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Donuts! For a more whimsical project, you might also get a kick out of my creative Pop Tart Gingerbread House!
Top Tip for Perfect Glaze
Don’t forget to save the icing that comes with your canned cinnamon rolls – it’s the perfect finishing touch! If you prefer, you can also make your own simple glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of milk. For an extra special treat, consider topping your mini pies with a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce instead of the traditional icing!
Related Easy & Delicious Recipes
Looking for other quick, satisfying recipes that are as simple as this 2-ingredient cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling recipe? Explore these fantastic options from my collection:
- Halloween Candy Bark with Oreo Cookies
- Cinnamon Chip Scones with Spiced Orange Glaze
- Biscoff Blondies with White Chocolate
- Christmas Oreos
Perfect Pairings for Your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies
These warm, spiced apple pies are wonderful on their own, but they also make a delightful complement to a variety of other dishes and beverages. Here are some of my favorite pairings to elevate your dessert experience:
- Peppermint Espresso Martini
- Baked Goat Cheese Pasta
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
- Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
If you try this incredibly easy cinnamon roll apple pie recipe, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a star review rating and a comment below. Your feedback is so wonderful and helps me continue to share free and delicious recipes with everyone! And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies – Easy 2-Ingredient Recipe
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Equipment you may need
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12-cup muffin pan
Ingredients
- 1 8-count can cinnamon rolls – reserve icing
- 1 can apple pie filling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375℉.
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Chop apple pie filling into smaller chunks (about ½ inch each).
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Flatten each cinnamon roll into disks and press into muffin cups.
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Spoon apple pie filling into cinnamon roll cups (do not overfill).
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Bake in preheated oven for 12-17 minutes or until cinnamon roll crust is a deep golden brown.
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Let cinnamon roll apple pies cool, then top with cinnamon roll icing (heat for a few seconds in the microwave to reach a pourable consistency).
Video
Notes
You can also freeze them, well wrapped, for up to two months.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups with Streusel Topping: If you want to take this two ingredient cinnamon roll apple pies recipe up a notch, this is my favorite way! Top your cinnamon roll apple pie cups with streusel topping! You can use the crumb topping from my Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust recipe! Just add a few minutes to the bake time — your pies are done with the crumb topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
Nutrition
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