Easy Mini Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups Recipe

Holy moly, these Cinnamon Apple Pie Cups are amazing. I say this fully knowing that I make them all the time and I STILL can’t get over how good they are. They’re more like an addiction in my house and after you make them one time, I think you’re going to agree.

Just think of the heavenly flavors of traditional apple pie, but with a twist. These cute little cups are made from canned cinnamon rolls, formed into a cup shape in a muffin pan, and filled with a luscious apple filling. The end result? Mini apple pies that are a fraction of the time and effort of a traditional apple pie, but just as tasty. It’s an easy dessert recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

1 Can Cinnamon Rolls
15oz Can Apple Pie Filling
Cupcake Liners

How Do You Make it?

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.

Place cupcake liners into a muffin pan.

Take a cinnamon roll and flatten it as much as you can. Then stick it into the cupcake liner shaping into a cup.

Bake for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven.

If any of your cups have lost their cup shape, use a shot glass to fix your cups.

Add Apple filling into each cup.

Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Remove from oven and ice using the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls.

Serve while warm & enjoy!

It’s safe to say that we try to find a healthy balance between sweets and natural in our house but these apple pie cups are my weakness. And since they take just three simple ingredients to make, I have no trouble whipping these up at the drop of a hat. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones? Absolutely! If you have a favorite recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls, feel free to use it.

Can I use a different fruit filling? Yes. Although apples are a classic choice, you can substitute other fruit fillings like cherry or peach.

Can these be made in an air fryer? Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the air fryer might cook them faster than an oven.

Tips and Tricks For These Cinnamon Apple Pie Cups

For a uniform cup shape, use a shot glass or a small bowl to press the cinnamon roll dough into the muffin cups.

Don’t overfill the cups. Leaving some space allows the dough to puff up and become golden brown.

Be sure to grease your muffin pan well with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the pie cups.

You might actually be able to help us solve a simple debate about this apple pie treats that we have going on in our house. Are they a breakfast food or a dessert or is there a way to classify them as both? I tend to think of them as a delicious breakfast recipe but the kids are adamant that they’re more like a dessert. (Honestly, I’ll eat them any time of the day but it’s just fun to see what others classify this tasty treat as!) 

Can you use real apples for this simple apple recipe?

You totally can. If you want to slice up real apples and use them instead of canned apple pie filling, go for it. I’m sure it would have an amazing taste and flavor and be a hit! 

Variations

1. Caramel Apple Pie Cups: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apple filling before baking for a caramel apple twist.
2. Cream Cheese Apple Pie Cups: Top each pie cup with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a cheesecake-like flavor.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Apple Pie Cups: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top of each cup before baking for an extra sweet and spicy crunch.

Where to Serve

These Cinnamon Apple Pie Cups are a perfect treat for a variety of occasions, including brunch, afternoon tea, and of course, as a sweet treat after any meal. They’re also fantastic for children’s parties and family gatherings. The whole family will love these bite-sized pies!

I simply use the apple pie filling because it cuts down on a lot of time and effort and really does taste amazing, too. Either way is totally a win-win. 

Storage

Store the cooled pie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Topping Options

1. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm pie cup is heavenly.
2. Icing: Drizzle icing from the canned cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls) over the top of the cooled pie cups.
3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apples.

What other toppings can you add to these cinnamon apple pie cups? 

If you’re looking for something else to add as a topping rather than the glaze from the cinnamon rolls, you can try so many other toppings. Whipped cream, cinnamon and sugar, and even a small scoop of ice cream are always a good choice! Change it up each time to change up the taste easily, too! 

Why This Recipe Works

Our Cinnamon Apple Pie Cups are a huge hit because they take the beloved flavors of apple pie and transform them into an easy, fun dessert. The cinnamon roll dough makes a fantastic, easy-to-work-with crust that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced apple filling. This simple recipe is also an easy way to involve kids in the kitchen. Plus, the fact that it’s made with just a few simple ingredients you may already have at home is a win. So why not give this amazing dessert a try? You’ll love the results!

If you’re looking for a super simple dessert (or breakfast!) that is ready in less than 15 minutes of time, get ready to fall in love with the ease of these Cinnamon Apple Pie Cups!

What are some more fun apple recipes to try?

If you are looking for more amazing dessert recipes, be sure to check out this comprehensive list! 50+ Fun and Easy Dessert Recipes For Kids