When the leaves just start turning and football season rolls around, this is the sort of easy treat that disappears faster than you can set it on the table. These 3-ingredient apple pie cinnamon rolls lean on a tube of cinnamon rolls and a can of apple pie filling to make something that tastes homey and special with almost no fuss at all. It is the kind of shortcut baking Midwestern cooks have always known how to appreciate: simple pantry staples, a warm oven, and a sweet pan of pastry fit for sharing.
Serve these warm as a breakfast bake, a snack for game day, or a simple dessert after chili, soup, or sandwiches. They go especially well with hot coffee, cold milk, or a mug of apple cider. If you want to make the platter feel a little more complete, set out extra napkins and a bowl of fresh apple slices or a handful of toasted pecans alongside.
3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
1 can apple pie filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat the oven according to the cinnamon roll package directions and lightly grease a pie plate or small baking dish.
2. Open the cinnamon rolls and place them in the prepared dish, spacing them evenly. Spoon the apple pie filling over and around the rolls, then sprinkle the cinnamon on top. If the apple slices are large, chop them into smaller bite-size pieces first so they tuck nicely between the rolls.
3. Bake until the cinnamon rolls are puffed and golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling, following the package time as a guide, usually about 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle the included icing over the warm top so it melts into the apples and swirls. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add nuts: A small handful of chopped pecans or walnuts scattered over the apple filling before baking gives these rolls a little crunch and makes them taste even more like an old-fashioned apple dessert.
Use a different pan: A round cake pan, square baking dish, or deep pie plate all work just fine. Just keep the rolls close enough together that they bake up soft and cozy instead of spreading too far apart.
Make it extra spiced: If your family likes a stronger fall flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice along with the cinnamon. It is a small touch, but it makes the kitchen smell wonderful.
Serve for dessert: For a sweeter finish, put each warm roll in a bowl with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream against the warm apples and icing is mighty hard to beat.
Keep the apples bite-size: Some canned apple pie fillings have large slices, and giving them a quick chop helps the rolls bake more evenly and makes serving much neater, especially for a party table.