Looking for the easiest fall dessert or brunch idea? Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls are a shortcut recipe made with just four ingredients: refrigerated cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, melted butter, and chopped nuts.
Baked golden and drizzled with icing, they're warm, gooey, and ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy apple dessert.
“I've baked more cinnamon rolls than I can count, and these apple pie cinnamon rolls are one of those recipes I reach for when I want something easy but still special enough to serve company.” Sharon
A quick look at the recipe
- Number of Ingredients: 4
- Servings: 5
- Total Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Primary Cooking Method: Oven
- Key Flavors: sweet, warm, and buttery
- Skill Level: beginner
Jump to:
- A quick look at the recipe
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Recipe variations
- How to make Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls
- Serving suggestions
- How to store and reheat
- Recipe FAQs:
- Expert tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
- More delicious apple recipes you’ll love
- From my Southern kitchen to yours
- Recipe:
Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and easy: No yeast, no rising, and no fuss.
- 4 simple ingredients: Pantry-friendly and budget-friendly.
- Versatile: Serve for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Crowd-pleasing: A fall favorite that tastes like homemade but uses a few smart shortcuts.
- Perfect for apple season: Pairs beautifully with coffee or even a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Let's talk ingredients: what you need, what you can swap, and how to make it work with what's in your pantry. These are the ingredients; the complete list of measurements is waiting down in the recipe card.
You only need 4 ingredients (plus the icing that comes in the cinnamon roll tube)
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: I use Pillsbury Grands, but any brand works.
- Apple pie filling: Use canned for convenience or make a quick homemade version (see FAQ).
- Butter: Brushed in the pan for flavor and to keep rolls from sticking.
- Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. Optional but recommended.
Recipe variations
- Caramel apple cinnamon rolls: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Apple pecan version: Swap walnuts for toasted pecans.
- No-nut option: Skip nuts for a softer roll.
- Fruit swaps: Try cherry, strawberry, or blueberry pie filling.
How to make Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls
This is a summary of the steps; the complete directions are in the recipe card below.
- Prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush melted butter into a 9-inch baking dish.
- Arrange rolls: Place cinnamon rolls in the dish, spacing slightly apart.
- First bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Add filling: Remove pan, spoon about 1 cup chopped apple pie filling over rolls, and sprinkle with nuts.
- Finish baking: Return to oven for 7 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Ice the rolls: Warm the icing in the microwave for 5-10 seconds until pourable. Drizzle over rolls.
- Serve warm: They're best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Tip: Don't overload with pie filling or the rolls can turn soggy. A cup is the sweet spot.
Serving suggestions
- Holiday buffet: Add to a brunch spread with spinach and bacon quiche or cast iron breakfast skillet.
- Breakfast or brunch: Pair with Southern cheese grits casserole or sausage cheese bread.
- Dessert twist: Top with a scoop of vanilla or bourbon ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
How to store and reheat
- Freeze: Wrap baked, cooled rolls in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm before serving.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave a roll for 10-15 seconds until warm and gooey.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes! Cook 1 cup chopped apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoon butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until tender and syrupy. Let cool before using.
Yes, bake as directed, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, and add the icing drizzle right before.
Definitely! Place one roll in each greased muffin cup, top with a spoonful of filling, and bake 15-18 minutes. Perfect for single servings.
Expert tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
- Preheat fully: Make sure the oven is hot before baking so the rolls cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Don't overload with apples: Stick to about 1 cup of pie filling to prevent soggy rolls.
- Warm the icing: Microwave for 5-10 seconds to make it easier to drizzle over the baked rolls.
- Serve warm: These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven.
- Add extra flair: Top with caramel sauce or toasted nuts for extra fall flavor.
- Single-serve option: Bake in a muffin tin for individual portions that are easy to serve.
More delicious apple recipes you’ll love
From my Southern kitchen to yours
If you try these apple pie filled cinnamon rolls, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below. I'd love to hear how they turned out for you, and don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family!
Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones; I hope you come back soon.
Recipe:
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Grits and Pinecones.
Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking dish
- pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 17.5 oz can refrigerated cinnamon rolls I used Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 cup chopped apples from the pie filling
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a pastry brush and coat a 9-inch square baking dish with the melted butter. Add the cinnamon rolls to the baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, spoon the chopped apples over the cinnamon rolls, and sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
- Bake for an additional 7 minutes. Remove from the oven. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, microwave the reserved icing uncovered on high for 5 to 10 seconds, stirring until thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle the icing over the top of the baked rolls.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Preheat fully: Make sure the oven is hot before baking so the rolls cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Don't overload with apples: Stick to about 1 cup of pie filling to prevent soggy rolls.
- Warm the icing: Microwave for 5-10 seconds to make it easier to drizzle over the baked rolls.
- Serve warm: These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven.
- Add extra flair: Top with caramel sauce or toasted nuts for extra fall flavor.
- Single-serve option: Bake in a muffin tin for individual portions that are easy to serve.
Nutrition
Grits and Pinecones has been serving up delicious recipes with a Southern flair for nearly a decade. From tried-and-true classics to easy modern favorites, every dish is made with simple ingredients and plenty of love.
Whether you're planning a holiday feast, a Sunday supper, or a quick weeknight meal, you'll find recipes here that are quick, easy, and perfect to share with family and friends.
Cynthia
Absolutely delicious and so easy.
Sharon Rigsby
Hi Cynthia,
I’m so glad you liked it. Thank you, too, for taking the time to let me know!
All the best,
Sharon