Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both familiar and exciting? Then look no further! This recipe takes the classic apple pie and elevates it with the irresistible swirls of homemade cinnamon rolls baked right into the filling. It's the perfect blend of sweet, spiced apple and gooey cinnamon goodness – a truly delightful experience for your taste buds! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique and easy-to-make dessert. This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts seeking delicious dishes and best recipes.
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Rolls:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the log into 1-inch thick slices.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie:
- Unroll one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Arrange half of the apple filling evenly in the crust.
- Top with the cinnamon roll slices.
- Add the remaining apple filling.
- Dot with butter pieces.
- Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Pie:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of apple varieties.
- Don't overfill the pie, as it can cause the filling to overflow.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing for the best texture. This allows the filling to set properly.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra crunch.
- Use a different type of pie crust, such as a lattice top or a crumble topping.
- Substitute maple syrup for some of the granulated sugar in the apple filling for a unique flavor.
- For a quicker option, use store-bought cinnamon rolls instead of making your own.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities used in your recipe. However, you can expect this dessert to be relatively high in carbohydrates and sugars, due to the nature of the ingredients. Consider it an occasional treat!
This Apple Pie with Cinnamon Roll Twist is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe delivers a delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-spiced bite!