Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie

folks, let’s talk dessert. Picture this: the warm, gooey comfort of cinnamon buns paired with the sweet, tangy joy of apple pie. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, buckle up, because cinnamon bun apple pie is the dessert mash-up that’s about to steal your heart—and maybe your waistline (no judgment).

This dessert is the ultimate holiday showstopper, but honestly, it works any time of the year. Whether you’re cozying up in the winter, hosting a summer BBQ, or just craving something ridiculously good, this is the dessert you need to try. And trust me, it’s easier to make than you think. Let’s break it down.

Why Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie is a Big Deal

Let’s start with the obvious—why combine cinnamon buns and apple pie? Simple: they’re both classics, and together, they’re unstoppable. You get the fluffy, cinnamon-swirled goodness of a bun and the warm, caramel-y apple filling of a pie. It’s like eating dessert for breakfast or breakfast for dessert. Either way, it’s a win.

Plus, this pie feels fancy, but it’s totally approachable. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull it off. Honestly, I’ve seen my “kitchen-challenged” friends nail this one.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Weird, I Promise)

Here’s the best part: the ingredients are super basic. You might already have most of these in your kitchen.

For the Cinnamon Bun Crust:

• 1 tube of pre-made cinnamon roll dough (Yep, the kind from the can. No shame here.)
• Flour (for rolling out the dough)

For the Apple Filling:

• 4-5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for that perfect thick filling)
• Juice of half a lemon
• A pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• A drizzle of cream cheese glaze (from the cinnamon roll tube—don’t waste it!)
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream (because, why not?)

How to Make Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie (Step-by-Step)

Let’s keep it simple. This is your no-fuss guide to dessert greatness.

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the apples can soak up all that flavor. Trust me, this makes a difference.

Step 2: Roll Out Your Cinnamon Rolls

Take the cinnamon roll dough out of the tube and separate each roll. Lightly flour your surface and roll out each roll into a flat disc, about 1/4 inch thick. You’ll use these as your “pie crust.”

Step 3: Build the Crust

Lay your flattened cinnamon rolls in a pie pan, starting from the center and working your way out. Press them together to create a seamless crust. Make sure there are no gaps!

Step 4: Add the Filling

Pour your apple mixture into the cinnamon bun crust. Spread it out evenly. It should look like a mountain of deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil (to prevent the crust from browning too fast) and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are soft and bubbly and the crust is golden.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Here’s the fun part. While the pie is still warm, drizzle that cream cheese glaze from the cinnamon roll package all over the top. Don’t skimp—it’s the cherry on top of this masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Let the pie cool slightly before cutting into it. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. And there you go—dessert perfection.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie

1. Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples give the best texture. Avoid mushy varieties like Red Delicious.
2. Keep the Crust Cold: Work quickly with the cinnamon roll dough so it stays firm. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
3. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the apple filling for extra depth.
4. Don’t Overfill: Too many apples can cause the pie to bubble over. Stick to about 4-5 medium-sized apples.

Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser

Let me just say, this pie gets people talking. It’s unique enough to stand out at a party but familiar enough that everyone loves it. Kids, grandparents, picky eaters—everyone goes back for seconds. Plus, the smell? Oh, it’s out of this world. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

FAQs About Cinnamon Bun Apple Pie

Final Thoughts: Time to Treat Yourself

So, are you drooling yet? Cinnamon bun apple pie is the kind of dessert that makes you want to throw on your stretchy pants and savor every bite. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely worth the extra few minutes in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving this for a big holiday dinner or just because it’s Tuesday, it’s going to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you—and so will your friends and family (if you decide to share, that is).