Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

At first glance, this dessert looks like a pan of neatly swirled cinnamon rolls—but there’s a surprise hiding underneath. The cinnamon rolls are actually a pie crust, and sandwiched between the top and bottom layers are slices of sweet-tart Granny Smith apples tossed with sugar, pie spice, and flour, then baked to tender perfection.

The pie crust is formed by thinly slicing refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls and rolling them together. Nothing goes to waste here, including the icing that comes with the rolls. Drizzled over the pie while it’s still warm, the icing melts into the layers and finishes everything with just the right amount of sweetness. Unexpected but familiar, this is a holiday-worthy pie that no one will expect and everyone will love—especially the cook, since it’s made with just six ingredients.

If there are leftovers, enjoy a slice for a sweet breakfast!

Do you have to slice the cinnamon rolls?

Yes. While the cinnamon rolls do come pre-sliced, they’re still too thick for a pie crust. They need to be sliced into ¼-inch-thick pieces and rolled out so that they cook all the way through. Simply use a serrated knife to cut each cinnamon roll into thirds crosswise. Then you'll have plenty to form the bottom and top crusts.

What's in apple pie spice?

Apple pie spice usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but you can also mix up your own spice blend and add additional warm spices, such as cardamom. If you’re having trouble finding apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice makes a great substitute, though there are differences. Pumpkin pie spice contains the same ingredients as apple pie spice, with the addition of ginger and cloves.

Do you need to grease the pie plate for cinnamon roll apple pie?

Nope! Using easy-release refrigerated cinnamon roll dough means you don't need any baking spray. The pie slides right out of the pie plate when sliced and served.

Can you make cinnamon roll apple pie ahead of time?

Yes! Once the pie has fully cooled, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. Bring the pie to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the pie: Wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic, then wrap it in a layer of foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Let the pie thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Warm frozen slices in a 325-degree-Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes.

How should you store leftover cinnamon roll apple pie?

Cover it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days.

What kind of apples work best in cinnamon roll apple pie?

Granny Smith apples are preferred in this pie because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cinnamon roll crust. You can also use crunchy Honeycrisp or Gala apples. They’re two popular types of apples to use for apple pie because they’re both crisp and firm enough to hold their shape while baking and have a touch more sweetness than Granny Smiths.