If you love the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie combined with the soft, sweet swirl of cinnamon rolls, then you are absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on two classic favorites that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. Whether it’s a family gathering, a weekend brunch, or just a comforting treat to brighten your day, this skillet recipe brings together gooey cinnamon rolls and luscious apple pie filling in a way that feels both familiar and wildly exciting. The best part? It’s unbelievably easy to make but tastes like you’ve been baking all day long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a vital role, from the pillowy cinnamon rolls that form an irresistible crust to the cinnamon-spiced apple filling that bursts with sweetness and warmth.
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls each): These form the soft, swirled crust that makes this skillet recipe both unique and wonderfully tender.
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling: Sweet, juicy, and perfectly spiced, this filling brings classic apple pie flavors with zero hassle.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adding this boosts the warm spice notes and deepens the apple’s flavor.
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch of nutmeg adds a lovely, subtle complexity to the pie filling.
- Icing from cinnamon roll package: This sweet glaze is the final touch that creates a glossy, irresistible finish to your skillet pie.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish assembling the skillet. Meanwhile, grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet thoroughly; this helps prevent sticking and ensures the crust crisps up beautifully along the edges.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Take the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and press them flat with your hands or a rolling pin. Then carefully place and press them into the skillet, covering the bottom and sides. This soft crust will bubble and turn delightfully golden during baking, giving your pie that heavenly cinnamon roll crumb.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the apple pie filling with ground cinnamon and nutmeg if you’re using them. Stir gently to blend all the flavors. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll crust, making sure it fills every nook so each bite delivers a juicy surprise.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden crust and bubbling filling. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel absolutely wonderful and celebrate the perfect marriage of cinnamon and apple.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the warm pie. The icing melts slightly, creating a luscious, glossy finish that invites you to dig in eagerly. This recipe is delightful straight from the skillet, adding to its cozy appeal.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While the Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a creamy contrast to the warm spices and tender apples. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds a nice touch of texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This skillet dessert shines perfectly after a comforting meal, but if you’re planning a brunch, serve it alongside hot coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate to complement the sweet cinnamon and apple notes. Fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can make a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions scooped directly from the skillet into small dessert bowls, letting each person add their preferred toppings. You can also transform it into mini pies by cutting and baking in smaller skillets or oven-safe ramekins. Wrapping a fork in a festive napkin makes it perfect for holiday parties or brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this delightful dish ahead for future enjoyment, you can freeze the unbaked pie in the skillet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, let it thaw slightly, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the pie in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but the oven better preserves that crispy cinnamon roll crust while keeping the filling bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a personal touch and extra flavor, though make sure they are slightly cooled and firm enough to press into the skillet without breaking apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cinnamon rolls and substitute the icing with a non-dairy glaze like a simple powdered sugar and plant-based milk mixture for a delicious dairy-free version.
What kind of apples work best for the filling?
Using pre-made apple pie filling is convenient for this recipe, but if you make your own, tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart apples give the best balance of flavor and texture.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to this skillet pie?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries can add wonderful texture and contrast. Just sprinkle them within the filling before baking to incorporate the extra ingredients beautifully.
How do I keep the cinnamon roll crust from getting soggy?
Pressing the cinnamon rolls firmly and spreading the filling evenly helps, plus baking it long enough lets the crust crisp just right. A quick pre-bake of the crust before adding filling can also prevent sogginess if you want extra assurance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the nostalgia of apple pie, this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe is a winner you will make again and again. It’s fun, simple, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating sweet memories around the table. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Skillet is a delightful twist on two classic favorites — cinnamon rolls and apple pie. Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls as the crust, it’s easy to assemble and bake into a warm, sweet dessert perfect for sharing. The apple pie filling is enhanced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, comforting flavor, finished with a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls each)
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Topping
- Icing from cinnamon roll package
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the skillet dessert, ensuring the right temperature for a golden crust and bubbling filling.
- Prepare the skillet crust. Grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking. Press each cinnamon roll flat and arrange them in the skillet, covering the bottom and sides completely to form the pie crust.
- Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine the apple pie filling with ground cinnamon and nutmeg if you like extra spice. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Assemble and bake. Pour the apple pie mixture into the cinnamon roll crust in the skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Add the icing and serve. Once baked, drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll package over the top while it’s still warm. Serve directly from the skillet for a cozy, rustic presentation.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cinnamon rolls for a quick and easy crust alternative to traditional pie dough.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- If you do not have a 10-inch skillet, a similarly sized oven-safe baking dish can work.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
