Effortless Two-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups: Your Go-To Sweet Treat
Discover the ultimate indulgence that’s both incredibly simple and unbelievably delicious: our Easy 2-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups. Whether you’re searching for a quick, comforting breakfast treat to brighten your morning or a delightful dessert to impress without the stress, these mini apple pies, made from ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling, are an absolute game-changer. They come together in minutes, bake to golden perfection, and promise a burst of warm, spiced apple flavor with every bite, all topped with a sweet, creamy glaze.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups: A Bite-Sized Delight
Our kitchen has always been a hub for creating beloved, easy-to-make treats. One of our most cherished recipes is the comforting Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cobbler, a fantastic dish perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or any time you crave a truly sweet and satisfying indulgence. Building on that success, we embarked on a mission to adapt this fan-favorite into a more convenient, on-the-go format. We know that life can be busy, and sometimes you need a quick pick-me-up that you can enjoy right at your desk or while dashing out the door.
And so, these epic Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups were born! They truly are that good. We’ve taste-tested them countless times (purely for quality control, of course!) to ensure every single cup delivers the perfect balance of tender cinnamon roll, sweet apple filling, and decadent cream cheese frosting. The delicate drizzle of cream cheese frosting melting over the warm, spiced apples is, without a doubt, one of our favorite elements. This bite-sized easy apple dessert recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any day of the week, whether it’s a weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch.
These individual apple pie cups capture all the nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pie but with a fraction of the effort. They eliminate the need for making pie crust from scratch, thanks to the ingenious use of store-bought cinnamon roll dough. This simplifies the process dramatically, allowing you to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in under 30 minutes, from prep to table. Their individual serving size makes them ideal for portion control, easy sharing, or simply enjoying a delightful moment all to yourself.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredibly short ingredient list. You only need two main components to create these fantastic apple pie cups! Below is a quick overview of the simple ingredients. For specific measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Refrigerator Cinnamon Rolls: We typically use standard-sized cans of 8 cinnamon rolls that come with pre-made icing. Brands like Pillsbury work perfectly, but any brand of refrigerator cinnamon rolls will do. If you opt for larger “Grands” style cinnamon rolls, you might need to flatten them a bit more or trim the edges slightly to fit into standard muffin tins. The pre-packaged icing is a fantastic shortcut, providing that essential sweet, creamy finish without any extra effort.
- Apple Pie Filling: For ultimate convenience, we use pre-made, canned apple pie filling. This takes away the time and effort of peeling, coring, and cooking apples. However, if you prefer, you can certainly use homemade apple pie filling or even a batch of delicious fried apples for an extra touch of homemade goodness.
Recipe Adaptations & Flavor Variations
While classic apple pie filling is a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to experiment with other fruit pie fillings to create new flavor profiles:
- Cherry Pie Filling: For a vibrant, tangy-sweet twist, try cherry pie filling. The bright red cherries offer a beautiful contrast to the golden cinnamon roll.
- Blueberry Pie Filling: Sweet and slightly tart blueberries would create a delicious summer-inspired version.
- Peach Pie Filling: Enjoy the taste of sunny peaches, perfect for a warmer weather treat.
- Homemade Fillings: If you have extra time, homemade apple pie filling or even homemade cinnamon apples can be used for an elevated taste. Just ensure your homemade filling isn’t too liquidy before adding it to the cinnamon roll cups.
For an even more decadent experience, consider these optional additions: serve your warm apple pie cups with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzle them with rich caramel sauce, or sprinkle a dash of extra cinnamon on top before serving. A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts can also add a delightful crunch.
Essential Equipment for Your Apple Pie Cups
You won’t need a lot of specialized equipment to make these delightful treats. Here’s what you’ll find helpful:
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Absolutely essential for ensuring your cinnamon roll cups slide out of the muffin pan easily and perfectly intact. A light coating goes a long way.
- Rolling Pin: Used to flatten the cinnamon roll dough into a circular crust. If you don’t have a rolling pin readily available, a sturdy drinking glass or a clean, empty wine bottle can work just as well in a pinch. The goal is to get the dough thin enough to fit comfortably into the muffin tin.
- Regular Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin pan is perfect for this recipe. A nonstick muffin pan is highly recommended for easy removal and minimal cleanup.
- Spoon: Ideal for gently spooning the apple pie filling into each cinnamon roll cup and for drizzling that glorious cream cheese frosting over the baked treats.
- Cooling Rack: While not strictly necessary, a wire rack allows air to circulate around the baked cups, helping them cool evenly and preventing the bottoms from getting soggy. It’s a great tool if you plan to serve them slightly cooled.
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gathering all your ingredients. Lightly spray your muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the baked cups.
- Flatten the Cinnamon Rolls: Gently unroll each individual cinnamon roll. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin (or a glass) to flatten the dough into thin, even circles, creating the perfect base for your cinnamon roll crusts. Aim for a diameter large enough to line the muffin tin cups. Dusting your rolling pin with a little flour can prevent sticking and make this step even easier.
- Form the Cups: Carefully place each flattened cinnamon roll circle into the prepared muffin tin cups. Gently press the dough down into the bottom and up the sides of each cup, creating a snug, pastry-like shell ready to hold its delicious filling.
- Add the Apple Pie Filling: Spoon a generous amount of apple pie filling into each cinnamon roll cup. Don’t overfill, as the dough will puff up slightly during baking. If the apple chunks in your filling are particularly large, you might want to cut them into smaller pieces for a more even distribution and easier eating.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll crusts are beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly and warm. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Frost and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cups from the oven. While they are still warm, drizzle generously with the cream cheese icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the cups will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to coat the apples and cinnamon roll perfectly. Serve immediately and savor every glorious bite!
- Make Ahead: We generally don’t recommend making these too far in advance. For the best taste and texture, these cups are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. The cinnamon roll pastry can become a bit crunchy if left to sit for too long, losing some of its tender appeal.
- Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
- Freezer/How to Freeze: While Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can technically be frozen, the texture of the baked and then frozen/thawed cups might be impacted. The pastry may become softer or slightly chewier than when freshly baked. If you do choose to freeze them, wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month.
- How to Reheat: For refrigerated leftovers, a quick warm-up in the microwave is usually sufficient. Heat them for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through, being careful not to overheat, which can make them tough. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw slightly first, then microwave or pop them into a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes until warm.
- Icing Additions: The included cream cheese icing is usually plenty, especially with the added sweetness from the apple pie filling. However, if you’re an icing enthusiast, you can always prepare additional cream cheese frosting from scratch or use a different store-bought glaze. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon can also add a nice touch.
- Crunchy Toppings: For added texture, consider sprinkling toasted pecans, walnuts, or even a streusel topping over the apple filling before baking.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is inherently vegetarian, making it a great option for those who follow a meat-free diet.
- Vegan: To make these vegan-friendly, you would need to source vegan-certified cinnamon rolls (some brands offer them) and ensure your apple pie filling does not contain any animal-derived ingredients (most canned fillings are vegan, but always double-check the label).
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free refrigerator cinnamon rolls. Additionally, confirm that your chosen apple pie filling does not contain any gluten-containing binders or thickeners. Many gluten-free pie fillings are available, or you can make your own.
- Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overload the cinnamon roll cups with apple pie filling. Leave a little room at the top, as the dough will expand during baking, and the filling will bubble. Overfilling can lead to spills in your muffin tin.
- Even Flattening: Aim for an even thickness when flattening your cinnamon rolls. This ensures uniform baking and a consistent “crust” for each cup. If one side is too thick, it might be undercooked, while a too-thin side could become overly crisp.
- Cool Slightly Before Handling: While they are delicious warm, giving them a few minutes to cool on a wire rack after baking allows them to set slightly, making them easier to remove from the muffin tin and preventing them from falling apart.
- Adjust Apples if Needed: As mentioned, if the apple chunks in your pie filling are very large, a quick chop can make them fit better into the smaller cinnamon roll cups and make for easier eating.
- Baking Time Variability: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your cups during the last few minutes of baking. They are done when the cinnamon roll dough is golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbly.
- Sweet Snack: A delightful pick-me-up anytime you need a sweet bite.
- Christmas Morning: A festive and easy treat for a special holiday breakfast, saving you time for other traditions.
- Fall Harvest Parties: Embrace the flavors of autumn with these seasonal delights.
- Breakfast/Brunch: A fantastic addition to any breakfast spread, providing a sweet counterpoint to savory dishes.
- Easy Fall Dessert: A quick and comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall without the fuss.
- Thanksgiving Morning: A simple yet delicious option to start your Thanksgiving festivities.
- Cozy Evenings: Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting evening treat.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: Their individual portions make them ideal for sharing at parties and events.
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- 2 packages Refrigerator Cinnamon Rolls 16-18oz packages
- 21 oz Apple Pie Filling
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, flatten each individual cinnamon roll with a rolling pin until it forms a large, thin circle. Carefully place each flattened cinnamon roll into the prepared muffin tin, gently pressing it down into the bottom and up the sides to form a cup.
- Spoon apple pie filling into each cinnamon roll cup, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the cream cheese icing provided in the cinnamon roll package. Serve warm.
- Muffin Pan
- Rolling Pin
With these basic tools, you’re all set to create a batch of these delightful 2-ingredient cinnamon roll apple pie cups.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups: A Simple Guide
Making these apple pie cups is surprisingly straightforward, proving that you don’t need complex techniques or endless hours to create something truly special. The full, detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this article, but here’s a quick, easy-to-follow rundown to get you started:
Preparation and Storage Tips
To ensure you get the most out of your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups, consider these preparation and storage guidelines:
Recipe Variations and Dietary Notes
These Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups are not just easy; they’re also quite flexible when it comes to customization:
Expert Recipe Tips for Success
While the recipe is simple, a few extra tips can elevate your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups from great to absolutely exceptional:
Nutrition information, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, and other values, will vary depending on the specific brands and products you choose for your ingredients. Always refer to the nutritional labels of your selected cinnamon rolls and pie filling for the most accurate data.
When to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
These versatile treats are perfect for a multitude of occasions throughout the year:
What to Serve with Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups
We absolutely love enjoying these delicious apple pie cups at breakfast, during brunch, as a satisfying snack, or while relaxing and watching TV. Their warm, comforting flavors pair wonderfully with both savory and sweet accompaniments.
Breakfast Pairings:
Elevate your breakfast or brunch spread by serving these sweet cups alongside some savory favorites:
Beverage Suggestions:
Complement the sweetness of the apple pie cups with a comforting or refreshing drink:
Explore More Great Recipe Collections
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic recipe collections:
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our copycat recipes, a vast selection of dessert recipes, and our incredibly popular Crock Pot Recipes for even more culinary inspiration.
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Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
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Calories from Fat 81