Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling (Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake)

These cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling are soft, fluffy, and loaded with cozy apple pie flavor in every bite. The tender cinnamon rolls soak up a gooey spiced apple filling, then get finished with a drizzle of sweet vanilla icing that makes them absolutely irresistible. Best of all, this recipe is quick, easy, and just as perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast as it is for a crowd-pleasing fall dessert.

Why I Love This 2 Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

I’ll be honest—I love a good from-scratch cinnamon roll, but sometimes you just need something quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress without spending half the day in the kitchen. That’s why this apple cinnamon rolls recipe uses canned cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling, making it a game-changer.

The idea actually came on a busy Sunday morning when my wife and I wanted a cozy fall treat but didn’t have the time to make dough from scratch. She had just picked up a tube of cinnamon rolls, and we had stocked up on apple pie filling the week before. I grabbed the cinnamon rolls from the fridge, spooned some apple pie filling on top, and baked them together. The result? Ooey-gooey cinnamon roll apple pie that tasted like I’d spent hours baking! We devoured the entire pan, and now it’s one of our go-to shortcuts whenever we want something sweet and comforting with all the flavors of fall.

What I love most is how versatile these rolls are. They’re just as perfect for a quick weekend breakfast as they are for a last-minute dessert or even a holiday brunch dish. You get all the warm, spiced apple pie flavors layered with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and topped with creamy icing—without the hassle of starting from scratch!

Ingredients

There are only two ingredients needed to make this apple cinnamon roll bake. Both are canned, so you can stock up on them and make this recipe all season. Here's what you need to make this apple pie cinnamon roll recipe:

• 12oz. refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls & icing
• 12oz. canned apple pie filling 

This recipe is kind of like a cinnamon roll casserole, and if you like that, you have to try my classic cinnamon roll casserole or the viral cinnamon rolls with heavy cream next! Oh, and if you have extra apple pie filling, you have to try making these apple pie baked beans.

How To Make Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1:  Prep Work

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking dish or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Take the cinnamon roll dough out of the can and cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. 

Step 2: Combine the Cinnamon Rolls and Apple Filling

Add the cut cinnamon rolls to a large bowl, along with the apple pie filling. Stir gently until the cinnamon roll pieces are fully coated in the apple filling. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish. 

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Bake the cinnamon rolls for 45 minutes or until the center is cooked and golden brown. Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use the right pan size: A round 9-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use an 8x8 square pan or even a cast-iron skillet. The key is not to overcrowd the rolls so they bake evenly and get that golden-brown crust.
• Cut rolls evenly for even baking: When cutting the canned cinnamon rolls into quarters, try to keep the pieces the same size. Uniform pieces bake at the same speed, preventing some rolls from being undercooked in the center while others crisp too much on the edges.
• Drain excess liquid from the pie filling: If your canned apple pie filling looks extra saucy, scoop out the apples and leave behind some of the liquid before mixing with the rolls. This prevents the bottom layer from getting soggy and helps the rolls stay fluffy.
• Add extra cinnamon spice for depth: For a stronger fall flavor, sprinkle ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon—or even a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice—into the mix before baking. It enhances the apple pie filling and makes the cinnamon rolls taste homemade.
• Test doneness in the center: Cinnamon rolls bake from the outside in, so always check the middle of the dish before pulling it out. The tops should be golden brown, and the center should no longer look doughy. If needed, cover loosely with foil and bake for 5–10 extra minutes.
• Warm the icing before drizzling: Microwave the icing packet for 5–10 seconds before drizzling. It becomes easier to pour, spreads more evenly, and gives that classic bakery-style glaze that looks as good as it tastes.
• Customize your topping: While the vanilla icing is delicious, you can take it up a notch by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Best served warm: These apple cinnamon rolls taste best fresh from the oven, when the icing melts into the warm rolls. So serve them warm from the oven and dig in immediately!

FAQS About This Cinnamon Roll with Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes! While canned apple pie filling keeps this recipe quick and easy, you can absolutely use homemade. Just make sure your filling is fully cooked and thickened before adding it to the cinnamon rolls so it doesn’t release too much liquid while baking.

Do I need to cut the cinnamon rolls before baking?

Yes, cutting the canned cinnamon rolls into quarters helps them bake more evenly and allows the apple pie filling to coat each piece. This gives you that gooey, pull-apart texture that makes these cinnamon rolls so good.

How do I keep the center from being undercooked?

The center of the dish tends to bake more slowly than the edges. Always check the middle before removing from the oven—if it looks doughy, cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for an extra 5–10 minutes.

Can I make these apple cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, just mix the cinnamon rolls with the apple pie filling and store them in a baking dish covered with plastic wrap or a lid. Keep in the fridge overnight or refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Then just a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to store and reheat apple cinnamon rolls?

Store leftover rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 325°F oven uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, which keeps the topping gooey and the rolls soft. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the texture rubbery.

More Apple Recipes To Try

• Crescent roll apple turnovers
• Cream cheese caramel apple dip
• Crescent roll apple dumplings
• Caramel apple dump cake
• Fried apple pies