Name: Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 2 Eggs; 1/2 Cup Milk of Choice; 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract; 2 Tablespoons Flour; 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon; 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg; 2 (17.5 Ounce) Packages Cinnamon Roll Dough (Pillsbury’s or Annie’s recommended); 1 Large Granny Smith Apple, chopped and cubed into small pieces; 3/4 Cup Raw Pecans, finely chopped; Icing Packets (included with cinnamon rolls) for topping

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you are craving something incredibly comforting and bursting with warm, cozy flavors, the Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish combines the sweet, buttery goodness of cinnamon rolls with the tart freshness of Granny Smith apples and the satisfying crunch of pecans all baked to perfection in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe brings the spirit of apple pie into a simple, irresistible casserole that’s guaranteed to gather everyone around the table for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. On the board, there is a whole green apple, half of the apple with the inside showing, and small diced pieces of the green apple scattered near the center. Around the cutting board, there are several small white bowls and a larger light brown bowl. The larger bowl on the right side is filled with light beige chunks of bread with brown toasted spots. A smaller bowl below the cutting board contains chopped pecans, showing a mix of dark brown and cream colors. Another white bowl on the left has melted butter with a brush resting inside it. Above the cutting board, there is a white bowl with white flour, a brown bowl holding two brown eggs, a white pitcher filled with milk, and a small white bowl of ground cinnamon. A clear glass jar containing a small amount of amber syrup is placed near the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe features a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a layered symphony of flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender dough to the spice mix that adds warmth, and the crunchy pecans that provide a delightful contrast.

Unsalted Butter (2 Tablespoons): Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring easy release and adding a subtle buttery richness.
Eggs (2): Help bind the dish and add fluffiness to the bake.
Milk of Choice (1/2 Cup): Moisturizes the egg mixture, creating a custardy texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 Tablespoon): Adds a sweet, fragrant warmth that enhances the apple and cinnamon notes.
Flour (2 Tablespoons): Provides structure to the custard to prevent it from becoming too runny.
Cinnamon (1 Tablespoon): Brings that quintessential warming spice essential for this apple pie-inspired bake.
Nutmeg (1/2 Teaspoon): Offers a subtle depth of nutty spice that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Cinnamon Roll Dough (2 packages, 17.5 ounces each): The shortcut base, delivering soft, sweet, cinnamon-spiced layers without any fuss.
Granny Smith Apple (1 large, chopped): Fresh, tart pieces that cut through the sweetness for balanced flavor.
Raw Pecans (3/4 Cup, finely chopped): Adds crunch and a hint of earthiness.
Icing Packets: The sweet drizzle that finishes each slice with an irresistible glaze.

How to Make Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by turning your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures the bake will cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Grease Your Baking Dish

Generously rub 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. This step keeps your bake from sticking and adds a layer of buttery flavor to the crust edges.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This creamy blend brings a custard-like richness to the cinnamon rolls, infusing them with classic apple pie spice.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Unroll your pre-made cinnamon roll dough and slice each roll into six even pieces. Add all the cut pieces into the greased baking dish, creating a soft, cinnamon-packed base layer for your bake.

Step 5: Combine with the Egg Mixture

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Gently stir with a spoon just enough to coat the dough in the custard while keeping the pieces distinct — you want them moist, not soggy.

Step 6: Add Apples and Pecans

Next, add the finely chopped Granny Smith apple and pecans to the dish. Stir again to distribute these fresh and crunchy ingredients throughout the cinnamon roll mixture, adding extra texture and that unmistakable apple pie charm.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the dough to puff up, the center to set, and the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Ice

Once baked, let the dish cool for about 10 minutes—this helps it set perfectly. Then drizzle the icing packets over the top, adding the final sweet touch that transforms it into the ultimate apple pie cinnamon roll bake.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut into 12 generous squares, serve warm, and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures that made the Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe so beloved.

How to Serve Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe

A square beige baking dish holds a layered mixture starting with a base of light brown, sauce-covered egg pieces evenly spread out. On top, there is a layer of bright green apple chunks scattered mostly in the center, and over them is a generous sprinkle of small, chopped pecan nuts with a rich brown color. A woman’s hand with red nail polish is shown adding more nuts to the center. Surrounding the dish, there are bowls with additional apple chunks and pecans placed on a white marbled surface, with a soft pink cloth partly visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon over the iced bake. Adding a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on each serving wonderfully complements the warm spices and tender texture.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with fresh seasonal fruits, a crunchy green salad to offset the sweetness, or a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to round out the comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by serving the bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and apple slices as a show-stopping dessert. This versatility makes the Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the bake moist and delicious without drying out the cinnamon rolls.

Freezing

You can freeze this bake either unbaked or after baking. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover portions in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that wonderful baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast that balances the sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples to suit your taste preferences.

Do I have to use store-bought cinnamon roll dough?

Using pre-made cinnamon roll dough is what makes this a true shortcut recipe. However, if you prefer homemade dough, just be aware it will extend the preparation time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the milk for any plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free butter to grease the dish. The flavors will still shine beautifully.

Is this dish suitable for breakfast as well as dessert?

For sure! The combination of cinnamon rolls and apples makes it a perfect comfort breakfast or brunch option, but the sweet icing also allows it to work wonderfully as a dessert.

How crunchy will the pecans be after baking?

The pecans soften slightly when baked but still retain some of their crunch, providing a lovely contrast against the soft cinnamon roll pieces and tender apples.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress with a warm, cozy dish that screams comfort but requires minimal effort, give the Shortcut Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe a try soon. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that blends the best parts of apple pie and cinnamon rolls in a fun, easy-to-make bake. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy mornings and sweet gatherings alike.