Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups: A Quick & Delicious Dessert for Any Occasion
If you’re searching for a truly effortless way to create your favorite apple pie flavor, look no further than these incredible Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups. This recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the warm, comforting essence of classic apple pie without the tedious effort of making a traditional crust from scratch. With just simple ingredients, these bite-sized delights quickly become a beloved family favorite, perfect for busy evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time a sweet craving strikes.
Apple pie recipes are a cherished tradition on many dessert tables, especially during the holidays. However, the multi-step process involved in baking a traditional apple pie can often feel daunting and time-consuming. That’s where this ingenious recipe for apple pie cups comes in! It brilliantly sidesteps the complexities by starting with convenient canned cinnamon rolls, which form the perfect chewy crust, and then filling them with a spiced, ready-to-use apple pie filling. It’s a true shortcut to dessert heaven!
Our family can’t get enough of easy cinnamon-infused treats! Beyond these delightful apple pie cups, other favorites include our Cinnamon Roll Pie and the decadent Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls. If you appreciate the warmth and spice of cinnamon as much as we do, you’ll love exploring more of our Easy Cinnamon Dessert Recipes.
Table of contents
- Why We Love Apple Pie Cups with Cinnamon Rolls
- Ingredients
- Variation Ideas
- How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
- Recipe Tips
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Apple Desserts
Why We Love Apple Pie Cups with Cinnamon Rolls
- Simple Ingredients – You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can whip up this fantastic dessert with just four main ingredients. These are common pantry staples that are easy to find at any grocery store, saving you time and stress when planning your dessert.
- Minimal Prep Time – Say goodbye to lengthy baking sessions! If you’re craving a dessert with all the comforting flavors of apple pie but need a quick and easy prep, these apple pie cups are your perfect solution. They come together in minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous treats or last-minute entertaining.
- Amazing Texture – Each bite offers a delightful contrast. The cinnamon roll crust bakes up beautifully, becoming wonderfully soft and chewy with slightly crisped edges, perfectly cradling the warm, tender apple filling. The combination is pure textural bliss.
- Perfect Holiday Dessert – These individual apple pie cups are not just delicious but also incredibly charming and easy to serve, making them a fantastic addition to holiday dessert tables, potlucks, or even a special brunch. Kids absolutely love helping to flatten the cinnamon rolls and fill the cups, making it a fun family activity. They are truly one of the 37 Best Brunch Desserts, offering convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
- Refrigerated Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Dough with Icing: This is the hero ingredient that makes this recipe incredibly quick and simple. The pre-made dough provides a deliciously soft and flavorful crust with minimal effort, and the included icing packet offers a convenient and sweet finishing touch.
- Apple Pie Filling: Opting for canned apple pie filling ensures a consistently delicious and perfectly spiced base for your cups. While homemade filling is wonderful, a good quality canned option makes this recipe incredibly fast and convenient. Look for brands that include real apple pieces for the best texture.
- Caramel Sauce: A generous drizzle of caramel sauce elevates these apple pie cups to another level, adding a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the apples and cinnamon. Store-bought caramel works perfectly for ease, or for an extra special touch, try our Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe.
- Ground Cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice is the quintessential partner to apples, enhancing their natural sweetness and infusing the entire dessert with a cozy, inviting flavor. A small amount goes a long way in bringing out those classic apple pie notes.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find the complete, detailed ingredient list with precise quantities in the recipe card.
Delicious Variation Ideas to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Feel free to customize your apple pie cups with these tasty variations:
- Nuts: For an added layer of crunch and a rich, earthy flavor, consider sprinkling a tablespoon of finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds over the apple filling before baking. You can lightly toast the nuts beforehand to intensify their flavor even more, adding a gourmet touch to your simple dessert.
- Spices: While cinnamon is a must for classic apple pie flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other warm spices. A pinch of ground nutmeg, a dash of allspice, or a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice can introduce new dimensions of flavor to your apple filling, making these cups versatile for different seasons or personal preferences.
- Serving Apple Cups: These delightful cups are wonderful on their own, but they truly shine when served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that slowly melts into the warm apple filling. A dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate both the presentation and the taste experience.
- Melted Butter: For an even richer flavor and a slightly crisper crust, you can gently brush the flattened cinnamon rolls with a tiny bit of melted unsalted butter before pressing them into the muffin tin. This simple step adds another layer of buttery goodness to the finished product.
- Different Fruit Fillings: Beyond apple, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to other fruit fillings. Try canned peach, blueberry, or cherry pie filling for a completely different but equally delicious treat. You might want to adjust the spices slightly to complement the chosen fruit – for example, a hint of almond extract works beautifully with cherry filling.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups: Step-by-Step
Creating these scrumptious apple pie cups is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time:
Step 1. Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is perfectly heated for even baking. Next, generously spray a standard 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray; this is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal of your baked cups. Then, carefully open the can of cinnamon rolls and gently flatten each one with your hands or a small rolling pin until they are slightly larger than the muffin cup openings. This creates a good base for your pie cups.
Step 2. Form the Cups: Place each flattened cinnamon roll into an individual muffin cup. Gently press the dough down into the bottom and up the sides of the cup, molding it to form a sturdy and even crust. Ensure there are no large gaps, as this will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking and help maintain the cup shape.
Step 3. Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, add the canned apple pie filling. To ensure the apples are evenly distributed and easier to eat in a bite-sized cup, use a knife or pastry blender to gently dice any larger apple chunks into smaller, more manageable pieces directly in the bowl. This also helps to release more of their natural, delicious flavors.
Step 4. Flavor the Filling: Next, pour in the luscious caramel sauce and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon with the diced apple filling. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the apples are well coated with the spiced caramel mixture. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma as everything combines!
Step 5. Fill and Bake: Spoon a generous amount of the apple and caramel filling into each of the cinnamon roll cups in the muffin tin, aiming to fill them almost to the brim. Make sure they are pretty full for a satisfying bite. Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 14-18 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll crusts are beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
Step 6. Cool and Drizzle: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Allow the apple pie cups to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period is vital, as it allows the cups to firm up slightly, making them much easier to remove without breaking. After 10 minutes, use a small spatula or butter knife to gently loosen the edges and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are cooling, heat the frosting packet that came with your cinnamon rolls in a microwave-safe bowl for about 15 seconds, or until it’s a smooth, drizzly consistency. Drizzle this warm glaze generously over the cooled (or still slightly warm) apple pie cups, then serve and enjoy!
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cups
To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Flattening Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: Achieving the perfect cinnamon roll crust is key. Once you’ve opened the can, gently separate each roll and use the palms of your hands or a small rolling pin to flatten them evenly. When pressing them into the muffin pan, ensure you push the dough firmly against the bottom and up the sides to create a well-formed cup that can hold the filling without collapsing or leaking during baking.
- Generously Filling Apple Cups: Don’t be shy with the filling! For the most satisfying apple pie cups, make sure to generously spoon the apple-caramel mixture into each cinnamon roll cup. A full cup ensures you get a delightful burst of apple flavor with every bite, balancing perfectly with the cinnamon roll crust. Just be careful not to overfill to avoid bubbling over during baking.
- Warming the Frosting: The pre-made frosting packet included with the cinnamon rolls is your best friend for a quick and delicious finish. For a smooth, drizzly consistency that’s easy to apply, microwave it in its packet or a small bowl for about 10-15 seconds, or until it’s warm and pourable. Drizzle it over the warm apple pie cups immediately after they’ve slightly cooled for a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of sweetness.
- Prevent Sticking: To ensure your apple pie cups come out flawlessly, make sure to generously grease your muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, even if it’s a non-stick pan. This extra step provides insurance against sticking, making removal much easier.
- Serve Warm for Best Flavor: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve these cinnamon roll apple pie cups warm, perhaps with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warmth enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors and softens the cinnamon roll, making it incredibly tender and enjoyable.
Storage for Leftover Apple Pie Cups
Any leftover Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are still delicious cold, but can easily be reheated in a microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
These apple pie cups also freeze exceptionally well, making them a great make-ahead dessert. To freeze, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each individual apple cup tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will maintain their freshness and flavor in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a microwave or a low oven until warmed through. For more tips on freezing, check out our guide on Can You Freeze Apple Pie?
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Cups
We highly recommend using the regular-sized refrigerated cinnamon rolls (typically an 8-count can). This size is ideal because it perfectly lines a standard muffin cup, creating a consistent and well-proportioned pie cup. If you happen to use larger “Grand” sized cinnamon rolls, you might find they are a bit too big. In that case, you can gently trim the edges or simply press them thinner to ensure they fit neatly within the muffin cups without overflowing or becoming too thick.
Yes, absolutely! These apple pie cups are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, which adds to their convenience. You can prepare them completely, bake them, and then store the finished cups. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. They also hold up well at room temperature for up to 2 days, especially if you’re bringing them to a potluck or gathering. If serving later, a quick warm-up in the microwave (15-30 seconds per cup) or oven (a few minutes at 300°F/150°C) will bring them back to their fresh-baked glory, making them taste just as good as when they first came out of the oven.
Don’t let any leftover apple pie filling go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile and delicious. Consider warming it up and serving it as a luscious topping for vanilla ice cream, plain yogurt, or even oatmeal for a comforting breakfast. It also makes a fantastic, slightly sweet side dish to pork chops or chicken, adding a unique sweet and savory element to your meal. For a delightful breakfast treat, spoon it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. You could even use it to fill crepes or as a quick base for a small apple crumble by topping it with some oat or graham cracker mixture and baking.
More Easy Apple Desserts to Enjoy
If you’re a fan of apple desserts and love simple recipes, be sure to check out these other fantastic options:
- Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe
- Apple Fries
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
- Apple Pie Cupcakes
There you have it – a wonderfully simple, yet incredibly satisfying dessert that captures the essence of homemade apple pie with a fraction of the effort. These Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, offering a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of year. We genuinely can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe and experience the ease and deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how much you loved them!
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
Ingredients
- 1 can Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Icing 8 count
- 1 can Apple Pie Filling 20 ounces
- 2 Tablespoons Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
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Open the cinnamon rolls and flatten each of them out.
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Place them in a muffin cup and line the bottom and sides of the cups with the cinnamon rolls to form a cup.
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Place the apple pie filling in a mixing bowl. Use a knife to dice up the apples in the filling. Then stir in the caramel sauce and cinnamon.
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Place some of the filling mixture into each of the cinnamon roll cups in the muffin tin. Make sure that they are pretty full.
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Bake for 14-18 minutes until golden brown.
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Allow the cup to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then carefully remove them and cool them on a wire rack.
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Heat the frosting that came with the cinnamon rolls in a microwave safe bowl for 15 seconds. Drizzle it on top of the cups and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
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