Who doesn’t love a dessert that captures all the cozy vibes of fall? These Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars are exactly what you need when the leaves start turning and the air gets crisp. Imagine the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls combined with the warm, spiced filling of apple pie—all in a handheld bar you can enjoy anytime. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
This recipe is perfect for when you want something that feels fancy but is actually ridiculously simple to make. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these bars will definitely steal the show. Bonus: your kitchen will smell like pure autumn magic while they bake.
The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars
These bars were inspired by two of my all-time favorite desserts: cinnamon rolls and classic apple pie. Growing up, my mom would always make homemade apple pie for Thanksgiving, and the aroma of cinnamon and apples would fill the house. But let’s be honest—making pie from scratch can feel like a marathon, especially when you’re short on time.
That’s when I thought, “Why not combine the best parts of both desserts and simplify things?” Using store-bought cinnamon roll dough as the base was a game-changer. Not only does it save time, but it also adds a unique twist to the traditional pie crust.
These bars are also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for cozy fall nights, potlucks, or even as a sweet breakfast treat. Honestly, they’ve become my go-to dessert when I want something easy but impressive (and trust me, they never disappoint).
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in making these Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars shine. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for substitutions:
- Refrigerated Cinnamon Roll Dough: This is the base and the star of the recipe! Look for the kind that comes with icing—it’s a lifesaver. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use homemade cinnamon roll dough, but the store-bought version keeps it quick and easy.
- Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls perfectly. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji are great options. Just make sure to dice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combo of these two sugars gives the filling depth and a hint of caramelized flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are the heart of the recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can add extra warmth.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the apple mixture so it doesn’t turn into a runny mess. You could also use arrowroot powder if you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and makes everything taste more homemade.
- Unsalted Butter: Just a little bit adds richness to the apple filling. You can swap this out for coconut oil if needed.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bars:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for creating bars that are thick enough to hold together but still easy to bite into.
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking the apple filling to perfection. Nonstick pans work especially well for this.
- Rolling Pin: Optional, but helpful if you want to smooth out the cinnamon roll dough for the crust or lattice.
- Sharp Knife: For dicing the apples evenly.
If you don’t have a rolling pin, no worries—just use a clean wine bottle or even your hands to press the dough into shape!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Press one can of cinnamon roll dough into the bottom of the dish to form a crust. Don’t worry if it looks a little uneven—it’ll puff up as it bakes!
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Stir well and cook until the apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll crust.
- Unroll the second can of cinnamon roll dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the apple filling. (It doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is charming!)
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overcooking.
- Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll package over the bars while they’re still warm. Let them cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are some tips to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly:
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s the secret to a thick, gooey filling that holds its shape.
- Cool before cutting: Let the bars rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the granulated sugar in the filling by a tablespoon or two.
Variations & Adaptations
Want to mix things up? Try these variations:
- Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top layer of cinnamon rolls.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cinnamon roll dough and double-check all other ingredients for gluten content.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for added crunch.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These bars are best served warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat. A warm mug of apple cider or coffee makes the perfect beverage pairing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each bar is approximately 220 calories, making them a delightful indulgence. The apples provide a dose of fiber and vitamin C, while the cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Just be mindful of the sugar content if you’re watching your intake.
Conclusion
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars are guaranteed to become a fall favorite in your home. They’re simple to make, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones—or keeping to yourself (no judgment!).
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you added!
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely! It will add a little extra prep time, but the flavor will be amazing.
What apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness. However, Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great options.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat them before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.