Easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert – Skillet Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and instantly makes you think of fall gatherings and holidays at Grandma’s house. But here’s the best part: you don’t need to spend hours making pie crust from scratch to enjoy that same comforting flavor. This easy apple cinnamon roll dessert is made with just two main ingredients – canned apple pie filling and refrigerated cinnamon rolls – and baked up in a trusty cast iron skillet. Simple, rustic, and oh-so-delicious!

This was one of those “aha!” kitchen experiments that turned out better than expected. The cinnamon rolls bake up into a soft, chewy crust while the apple filling bubbles in the middle. Add the cream cheese icing drizzle on top, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery – with only a few minutes of prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just 2 ingredients – perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Rustic skillet style – looks homemade without the fuss.
Family-friendly – kids and adults both love it.
Customizable – add raisins, nuts, or a streusel topping.
Ready in under 30 minutes – from fridge to table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count, with icing) – I used Pillsbury, but any brand works.
1 can apple pie filling (about 21 oz.) – store-brand or name-brand both work fine.

Optional add-ins:

Raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Homemade or store-bought streusel topping for a bakery finish.

💡 Tip: If your apple filling looks too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water or apple juice before adding it to the skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a cast iron skillet (8-10 inches works well).
Make the crust. Separate the cinnamon rolls. Flatten each roll slightly with your hand and press them together in the bottom of the skillet, forming a crust that covers the base and sides.

Pre-bake crust. Bake the crust alone for 7–10 minutes until slightly set. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
Add filling. Spoon the apple pie filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Bake again. Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbly.
Drizzle icing. Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with the cream cheese icing that came with the cinnamon rolls.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Undercooked crust? Make sure to pre-bake before adding filling.
Want a crispier crust? Brush the rolls with melted butter before baking.
Too sweet? Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple filling before baking.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Apple Crisp Style: Add a quick streusel topping of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter before baking.
Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce along with the icing.
Holiday Twist: Stir in dried cranberries and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
Nutty Apple Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave.
Freezer: Not recommended – the texture of the cinnamon rolls doesn’t hold up well.
Make-Ahead: Assemble and pre-bake crust, then add filling and bake just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Yes! If you have extra dough, roll it out and use it in place of canned rolls.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Definitely. Slice 3–4 apples, cook them with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender, then use in place of canned filling.

Do I need a cast iron skillet?
No – any oven-safe pie dish or baking pan works. Cast iron just gives it that rustic, golden finish.

What if I don’t like icing?
Skip it, or swap for caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Conclusion

This easy apple cinnamon roll dessert is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special. With just two simple ingredients, you get all the cozy flavors of apple pie and cinnamon rolls combined in one skillet. It’s the perfect quick dessert for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just when you need a little comfort food.

Did your family ever make shortcut desserts like this? 🍏🍴 Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this recipe or 📌 save it to Pinterest for later!