apple pie cinnamon roll on white plate with flowers in background
| |

Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!

Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

If you love cinnamon rolls and apple pies, this is the recipe you’ve been looking for. Fluffy, creamy, and cinnamony – this Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls recipe will make your family drool. The tangy apple pie filling on the inside and the cinnamony, cheesy goodness on the outside will surely make people rave about your baking skills.

This spin on traditional apple pie or homemade cinnamon rolls is the perfect fall treat or Christmas morning. These cinnamon rolls filled with apple pie filling are so delicious and addictive. That’s why I always make a large batch to share with my friends and family.

apple pie filling cinnamon roll on white plate with flowers in background

These apple pie cinnamon rolls melt in your mouth and are so flavorful that they will make you forget Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. You can enjoy this cinnamon roll apple bake, as a delicious breakfast, an easy snack, or as a dessert with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

By following this recipe, you can make the perfect apple pie filling cinnamon rolls. If your cinnamon rolls do not rise well, I have a secret that will make your cinnamon rolls fluffy and moist. 

Hang on, and I’ll share my tip with you!

close up of apple pie filling cinnamon roll

Why We Love Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls

Who doesn’t love cinnamon rolls? The warm and gooey inside is stuffed with apple pie filling and topped with delicious cream cheese frosting – it’s a treat for any dessert lover.

The combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie together is a such a great way to start or end any day!

These apple pie filling cinnamon rolls are perfect for every occasion. You can make them at parties, gatherings, or even on Christmas and Easter.

It’s my family’s favorite treat and whenever I make these apple pie cinnamon rolls, they disappear in minutes. 

These cinnamon rolls filled with apple pie filling are so delicious and addictive. That’s why I always make a large batch to share with my friends and family. 

Ready for the recipe? Here we go!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Rolls 

  • 1 cup warm milk (should be warm to the touch not hot)
  • 1 packet of instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature *see notes on egg safety
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserved)

For Fresh Apple Pie Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 (1.25 oz) packet freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices crushed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (reserved for after 2nd rising)
  • frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

For Topping

  • 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Add yeast and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer.
  2. Now add the eggs, melted butter (make sure it’s not HOT), and sugar to the bowl.
  3. Whisk together or use the paddle attachment to combine.
  4. Dump in the salt and 4 cups of flour.
  5. Using the paddle attachment, mix until just incorporated.
  6. Let sit for five minutes so the flour can absorb the liquid.
  7. Change the handle from the paddle to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
  8. The soft dough will still stick to the sides of the bowl but should still hold its shape; if it does not, add in the reserved 1/2 cup of flour.
  9. Spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray, add the dough to it, and then cover it with a cloth.
  10. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 35-40 mins (or until it doubles in size)

Filing Instructions for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

  1. While the dough is rising, make the filling.
  2. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix well together. (I crush the freeze-dried fruit in a food processor)

Baking Instructions for this Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Roll Bake

  1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  2. Roll the dough to a 24” x 15″ rectangle.
  3. Drop dollops of the filling all over the dough, then spread it evenly over the top surface of the dough.
  4. (if it cools off too much, you can make it soft by warming it in the microwave for 15 seconds)
  5. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up, tightly, jelly-roll style.
  6. Cut into 12 slices and place into prepared pan or casserole dish.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375° degrees.
  8. Cover the pan and allow the apple pie cinnamon rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly double.
  9. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
  10. Bake for 20-25 mins until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through.

Frosting Instructions for Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls

  1. While baking, prepare frosting and or apple pie topping
  2. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla.
  4. Beat until combined.

Topping Instructions for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

  1. In a small saucepan, make the apple filling by adding butter, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. 
  2. Once all the sugar is completely melted, pour it into a bowl and let it cool.
  3. Remove the rolls from the oven. Top with cream cheese, allowing it to melt over the top. 
  4. Add apple pie filling, serve it, and enjoy it while it is still warm!

Secret Tips and Tricks for Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls

  1. If the dough does not double in size by the 40 min mark, place it in a warmer space for ten additional min. 
  2. If it is still not rising, your yeast has not activated, and the dough should be discarded.
  3. I typically turn on the oven and place the bowl on the back burner to allow the dough to rise.
  4. Never rush the rising time. Let the dough rise sufficiently so you can have soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
  5. Always use non-stick cooking spray on your baking dish so your cinnamon rolls do not stick to the dish.
  6. Room temperature ingredients are highly recommended to make perfect apple pie cinnamon rolls. Allow the chilled ingredients to rest for half an hour at room temperature before getting started.
  7. A sharp knife is a must to cut beautiful and equally cinnamon rolls. 
  8. To roll out the dough smoothly, be generous with the flour. Dust your workspace with enough flour to make the rolling process easier.
apple pie cinnamon roll on white plate with flowers in background

FAQs for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

How can I store the leftover Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe?

Yes, you can store the leftover apple pie cinnamon rolls easily. That’s what I do, I make a large batch and then store the leftovers in an airtight container so we can enjoy them every day. 

Simply put some aluminum foil or plastic wrap over the dish and let it rest at room temperature. But if you are living in a hot and humid area, it’s best to refrigerate apple pie cinnamon rolls to retain their freshness. I usually store these rolls for 2-3 days only.

close up of apple pie cinnamon roll with silver spoon

What Can I Serve With Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

I love these delicious rolls for breakfast because I prefer them with coffee. These apple pie filling cinnamon rolls are such a treat with your morning cup.

You can also enjoy them with orange juice or simply add some fruit.

Also, I sometimes pair them with smoothies, especially if I am enjoying them as an afternoon snack.

apple pie cinnamon roll on white plate with flowers in background

Apple Pie Filling Cinnamon Rolls

Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls

If you love cinnamon rolls and apple pies, this is the recipe you’ve been looking for. Fluffy, creamy, and cinnamony - this apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe will make your family drool. The tangy apple pie filling on the inside and the cinnamony, cheesy goodness on the outside will surely make people rave about your baking skills. These apple pie cinnamon rolls melt in your mouth and are so flavorful that they will make you forget Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk (should be warm to the touch not hot)
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature *see notes on egg safety 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserved)
  • Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 (1.25 oz) packet freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices crushed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (reserved for after 2nd rising)
  • Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Topping:
  • 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

    1. Add yeast and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer.
    2. Add the eggs, melted butter (make sure its not HOT) and sugar to the bowl.
    3. Whisk together or use the paddle attachment to combine.
    4. Add in the salt and four cups of flour.
    5. Using the paddle attachment, mix until just incorporated.
    6. Let sit for five mins so the flour can absorb the liquid.
    7. Change the handle from the paddle to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-7 mins.
    8. The dough will still stick to the sides of the bowl, but should still hold shape. If it does not add in the reserved 1/2 cup of flour.
    9. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, add the dough to it and cover with a cloth.
    10. Allow to rise in a warm place for 35-40 mins (or until doubled in size)
      While the dough is rising, make the filling.
    11. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix well together.
      (I crushed the freeze-dried fruit in a food processor)
    12. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface.
    13. Roll the dough to a 24*15" rectangle.
    14. Drop dollops of the filling all over the dough, then spread it evenly over the top surface of the dough.
      (if it cools off too much you can make it soft by warming it in the microwave for 15 seconds)
    15. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly jelly-roll style.
    16. Cut into 12 slices and place into prepared pan
    17. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
    18. Cover the pan and allow the apple pie cinnamon rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly double.
    19. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
    20. Bake for 20-25 mins until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through.
    21. While baking prepare frosting and or apple pie topping.

    Frosting

    1. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined.

    Topping

    1. In a small saucepan add butter, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once all the sugar is completely melted, pour it into a bowl and let cool.

    Remove the rolls from the oven. Top with cream cheese allowing it to melt over the top. Add apple pie filling, serve and enjoy warm!

Notes

If the dough does not double in size by the 40 min mark, place it in a warmer space for 10 additional min. If it is still not rising your yeast is not activated and the dough should be discarded.


I typically turn on the oven and place the bowl on the back burner to allow the dough to rise.

Apple Desserts You'll Love

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *