Apple Pie Rolls (Easy Cinnamon Apple Roll-Ups Dessert)
These Apple Pie Rolls are a fun, handheld twist on classic apple pie—crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and sliced bread instead of pastry, this recipe is perfect for quick desserts, parties, or cozy family treats.
They taste just like apple pie but are much faster and easier to make, with no dough chilling or rolling required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tastes like classic apple pie in roll form
Made with simple, affordable ingredients
No pastry dough required
Perfect for kids, parties, and holidays
Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
For the Rolls
6 slices white or whole wheat bread (crusts trimmed)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
Powdered sugar
Caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream
Equipment Needed
Medium saucepan
Peeler and knife
Cutting board
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and cut the apples into small, evenly sized cubes.
Immediately toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness to the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter.
Add the chopped apples and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until they begin to soften.
Stir in:
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Vanilla extract
Mix well so the apples are evenly coated.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour it into the pan and stir continuously. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
(This step is important—hot filling can make the bread soggy.)
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Trim the crusts from each slice of bread.
Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice into a thin rectangle. Press gently but firmly to avoid tearing.
Flattening helps the bread roll easily and hold the filling securely.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Pie Rolls
Spoon a line of the apple filling along one edge of each flattened bread slice.
Avoid overfilling.
Carefully roll the bread tightly around the filling, seam-side down.
Step 5: Brush with Butter
Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Brush each roll generously with melted butter on all sides.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Roll or sprinkle the buttered bread rolls in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 375°F
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway
Step 8: Serve
Remove from oven or air fryer and let cool slightly.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Serve warm on their own or with vanilla ice cream for a full apple pie experience.
Variations & Tips
Extra Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling
No Cornstarch: Simmer apples a bit longer until naturally thick
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bread and reduce sugar slightly
Make Ahead: Prepare apple filling up to 2 days in advance
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm in oven at 325°F or air fryer for 2–3 minutes
Freezing: Not recommended (bread may become soggy)
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Rolls are everything you love about apple pie—sweet, spiced, buttery—wrapped into a quick, no-fuss dessert. Perfect for holidays, after-dinner treats, or when you want apple pie flavor without the work.