Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re ready to take your cinnamon roll game to a whole new level, these Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls are here to steal the spotlight at your breakfast or brunch table. Imagine the soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls transformed by a generous, warm apple pie filling nestled inside, topped with a crumbly streusel and drizzled with a luscious cinnamon buttery icing. This recipe brings together the best of two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat that’s perfect for cozy mornings, special occasions, or whenever you want to spoil yourself with a little sweet indulgence. Baking these is as rewarding as eating them, promising a mouthwatering aroma and layers of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls come to life with simple, trusty ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each element plays a crucial role, from the soft cinnamon rolls that hold everything together to the fresh apples that provide juicy sweetness and a refreshing tang. The streusel topping adds the perfect crumbly finish, while the cinnamon buttery icing brings a smooth, spiced glaze that elevates the entire experience.

• 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls: Using the large 5-count rolls gives you a thick base, perfect for stuffing without getting overwhelmed by too much dough.
• Butter for greasing muffin tin: Ensures your rolls come out cleanly and add a bit of rich flavor to the edges.
• 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp, 2 Granny Smith): A balanced mix of sweet and tart apples creates a complex, fresh filling.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the apple filling with a warm, molasses undertone.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs perfectly with both apples and cinnamon rolls.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness to keep the apples from browning and enhances their natural flavor.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness to the apple filling and helps everything meld together.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp water: Thickens the apple filling so it’s not runny inside the rolls.
• 5 tbsp butter (partially melted) for streusel: Gives the streusel a tender, crumbly texture.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for streusel: The base for that crisp topping.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar for streusel: Provides sweetness and a bit of chew to the topping.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for streusel: Adds warmth and spice to the crispy crumbs.
• 1/4 cup melted butter for icing: Creates a silky base for the cinnamon buttery icing.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
• 2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the icing’s consistency for perfect drizzling.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla: Adds depth and a comforting aroma to the icing.
• 1/2–1 tsp cinnamon for icing: Customize your cinnamon kick to finish the rolls with flair.

How to Make Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, generously butter each muffin cup. This will not only prevent sticking but add a delightful buttery edge to your rolls. Press each cinnamon roll gently into the cups, making sure to spread the dough up the sides to create a little bowl for the apple filling. Be mindful to keep the base thin enough so you have room for the juicy filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

Peel and slice your apples thin, then dice them into roughly 1-inch pieces so every bite is full of tender fruit. In a mixing bowl, combine the apple pieces with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, melted butter, and your dissolved cornstarch mixture. Heat this in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the syrup thickens. You can also simmer this gently in a saucepan. The goal is a luscious, thick, and warmly spiced filling that won’t be too runny.

Step 3: Fill the Cinnamon Rolls

Using a slotted spoon, carefully fill each cinnamon roll cavity with the apple mixture, letting excess syrup drip away to avoid soggy rolls. Fill to the top of each muffin cup so you get a generous mound of sweet, tender apples in every roll.

Step 4: Add the Streusel Topping and Bake

Mix together the streusel ingredients—partially melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon—until you get those lovely big crumbs. Top each filled roll with a generous handful, covering the apples for that irresistible crumbly crunch. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, loosely covering the pan with foil for the first 5 minutes to prevent the topping from browning too fast. Don’t forget to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Whisk the Icing and Drizzle

While your rolls are baking, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon for the icing until smooth and creamy. After the rolls cool for 5 to 10 minutes, drizzle this cinnamon buttery icing generously over the warm Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls. This final touch adds creamy sweetness and a perfect cinnamon hug to each bite.

How to Serve Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

To make these apple pie stuffed cinnamon rolls even more stunning, consider topping them with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar brightens their look and gently enhances the sweetness. For a fresh twist, a few thin apple slices or a sprig of mint on top add gorgeous color and freshness that invite your guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a simple cup of robust coffee or a creamy chai latte to complement the warm spices. For brunch, pair with a fresh fruit salad or crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Even a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns these cinnamon rolls into an indulgent dessert worthy of celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a gathering, serve these Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls on a large wooden platter stacked in a beautiful spiral or layered on a tiered cake stand. Individual servings in small dessert bowls with a drizzle of extra icing and a sprinkle of streusel crumbs serve both as presentation and practicality. For an elegant touch, warm the rolls and present them with tiny jars of cinnamon honey or apple butter on the side so everyone can customize to their heart’s desire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them chilled, refrigeration can extend their freshness for up to 4 days, just be sure to warm them slightly before serving to revive that soft texture.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To enjoy warm Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls after storage, pop them in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes or microwave briefly on medium power. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw first for best texture, then warm as usual. Finish with a light drizzle more of your cinnamon buttery icing and enjoy just as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of Pillsbury Grands?

Absolutely! If you prefer making your own dough, just make sure it’s soft and pliable enough to form the cavities for the filling. Homemade dough may require slight adjustments in baking time, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

What kinds of apples work best for the filling?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their texture well and offer a balanced flavor profile. If you only have one type, Granny Smiths provide the tartness, while Fuji or Gala add sweetness.

Is this recipe very sweet? Can I adjust the sugar levels?

This recipe strikes a balance between sweet and tart, but you can easily tweak it to your liking. Reducing brown sugar slightly in the filling or streusel is fine, and adjusting powdered sugar in the icing lets you control how sweet and thick that finishing glaze becomes.

Can I make these Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, use a plant-based milk for the icing, and opt for a dairy-free cinnamon roll dough if available. The flavors will still shine bright with these tweaks.

How do I prevent the bottom of the rolls from getting soggy?

Press the cinnamon roll dough gently but thinly at the bottom of each muffin cup to leave more space for filling. Also, be sure to drain excess syrup from the apple filling before adding it to the rolls. Baking times and the initial butter greasing also help keep the bottom crispy yet tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting joy of homemade Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls to brighten your day or impress your friends and family. The layers of soft cinnamon dough, sweet-tart apple filling, buttery streusel, and creamy cinnamon icing combine into a heavenly breakfast or dessert that’s truly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that warm, cozy feeling baked right into every bite. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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