The moment you slice into these golden, cinnamon-swirled rolls and warm apple filling spills out, you’ll know this isn’t just breakfast; it’s comfort baked into every bite. This apple pie filled cinnamon rolls recipe is one of my favorite ways to serve a cozy breakfast that feels like dessert without the fuss.
It’s my go-to when I want something indulgent but simple, whether for holiday mornings, church brunches, or just blessing my family on a chilly weekend.
Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe is all about warm cinnamon-spice flavor, gooey apple filling, and simple ingredients that come together quickly and disappear even faster once it hits the table. With just 5 minutes of prep and no kneading required, it’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch guests. It uses budget-friendly shortcuts, such as canned rolls and pie filling, but still feels homemade and special. You can even prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. Want to switch it up? Try different fillings to suit the season or your crowd.
What You’ll Need To Make This Recipe
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cinnamon Rolls: I like using the 17.5-ounce tube of Pillsbury Grands! because the rolls are extra fluffy and they come with icing, which you’ll drizzle after baking. Any brand will work, just make sure the rolls include icing and aren’t too small or dry so they bake up soft and gooey.
- Apple Pie Filling: A 21-ounce can works great, but you can use homemade filling as long as it’s thick, not runny.
- Apple Pie Spice: This is usually a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. If you don’t have a premade mix, you can easily make your own or substitute ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Sugar: Just a touch (½ teaspoon) added to the spice to balance the tart apples and warm spice. If your apple pie filling is already very sugary, you can skip it.
How To Make Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls
Prep, Make Spice Mixture, & Cut Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I like to do this first so everything is ready once the dough hits the pan.
In a small bowl, stir together the apple pie spice and sugar. This little mix adds an extra boost of flavor you’ll taste in every bite.
Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside. Then slice each roll into four pieces. I space them evenly across the pan so they don’t stick together too much as they rise.
Add Spice & Filling and Bake
Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture all over the cinnamon roll pieces. Then, spoon the apple pie filling evenly across the top. I try to tuck some between the dough pieces so every bite has that sweet, tender apple flavor.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is golden brown and not doughy. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like an autumn bakery.
Drizzle the reserved icing over the top while the casserole is still warm. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set just slightly.
Yes! Assemble the bake completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as usual the next morning, adding 5 minutes to the cook time.
Spread the dough pieces evenly and bake until the center is fully set. You can loosely cover with foil at the 25-minute mark if the top is browning too fast.
I like to pair it with fresh fruit salad, egg bites, and coffee. It also works well on a holiday breakfast buffet.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Fruit Swaps: You can use cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling instead of apple. Just be sure the filling is thick so it doesn’t make the casserole soggy.
Dairy-Free: Look for vegan cinnamon rolls and check that your pie filling has no added butter.
Add Texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even granola over the apple pie filling before baking.
Extra Spice: Add a dash of cinnamon to the icing or add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom or nutmeg to the apple pie filling.
Hospitality Challange
Choose one morning this week to intentionally bridge the generational gap in your church or neighborhood by inviting someone of a different age and life stage to your home for breakfast. It could be an older widow who might miss conversation over coffee, or a younger single adult who’s far from home and rarely experiences the warmth of a homemade meal.
Serve your warm cinnamon rolls with coffee or tea, alongside something savory like Easy Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole, a fresh-from-the-oven Fluffy 7-Up Biscuits (Only 4 Ingredients!), or even these protein-packed Easy Copycat Recipe for Egg Bites at Starbucks, and let the focus be on genuine conversation and connection. Ask about their story, share a bit of yours, and listen deeply. This kind of hospitality offers both comfort and spiritual nourishment over a table of sweetness and presence.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Bakery-Style Orange Cranberry Muffins with Crumb Topping
- Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits: Flaky and Buttery
- The Foolproof Way to Bake 2 Ingredient Biscuits
- Baked Applesauce Fritters: Easy Bakery-Style Recipe
- Cheddar and Rosemary Savory Zucchini Bread
This apple pie filled cinnamon rolls recipe is the kind of sweet, simple treat that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Cozy Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Bake (5-Minute Prep)
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Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 17.5 ounces Cinnamon Rolls, Pillsbury Grands, one tube
- 21 ounces Apple Pie Filling, one can
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Make the Apple Spice Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the apple pie spice and sugar together.½ teaspoon apple pie spice, ½ teaspoon sugar
Assemble the Bake
- Open the cinnamon roll tube and set aside the icing for later.17.5 ounces Cinnamon Rolls
- Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces and place them evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll dough.
- Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the top.21 ounces Apple Pie Filling
Bake
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked and no longer doughy.
Drizzle & Serve
- Remove from the oven and drizzle the reserved icing over the top.
- Serve warm
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Refrigerator: Let the bake cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. The oven will give you that slightly crisp top again.
