Caramel Apple Pie with Cinnamon Roll Crust is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a unique crust made from cinnamon rolls. The sweet and spiced cinnamon roll crust pairs perfectly with the caramel-infused apple filling, creating a warm and comforting dessert that’s ideal for any gathering. This pie is easy to make and offers a beautiful presentation, making it a showstopper at your holiday table or family dinner.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for rolling out the cinnamon rolls)
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
For the Topping
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the Crust: Open the cans of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each cinnamon roll into a disc, about 1/4 inch thick. Press the flattened cinnamon rolls evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish to form the crust. Pinch the seams together to ensure there are no gaps.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the apple mixture into the cinnamon roll crust and spread it out evenly.
- Add the Caramel: Drizzle the 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cinnamon roll crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Add the Topping: Once the pie is done baking, brush the melted butter over the top of the apples and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Let the pie cool for about 15 minutes before drizzling with additional caramel sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie
- Use Firm Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape well during baking.
- Prevent Overbaking: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans over the apple filling before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Apple Cranberry Pie: Add 1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart contrast.
- Pecan Caramel Apple Pie: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the apple mixture for a nutty flavor.
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice for additional warm spices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for the crust?
A: Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon roll dough. Just make sure to roll them out to about 1/4 inch thickness before pressing them into the pie dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- With Hot Caramel Drizzle: Warm some caramel sauce and drizzle over each slice for added sweetness.
Caramel Apple Pie with Cinnamon Roll Crust is a delicious and creative twist on the traditional apple pie. With its sweet, spiced crust and caramel-drizzled apple filling, this pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of caramel, cinnamon, and apples in every bite!
