2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups – Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Dessert

2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups combine the warm, comforting flavor of homemade apple pie with the convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. These adorable little desserts feature soft, golden cinnamon roll crusts filled with sweet, tender apples and finished with a delicious drizzle of icing.

The best part? You only need two ingredients and about 25 minutes to prepare a batch.

Instead of making traditional pie dough, you simply press refrigerated cinnamon rolls into muffin cups, add canned apple pie filling, and bake until golden brown.

These 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups make a wonderful dessert for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, weekend breakfasts, and afternoon snacks. They’re simple enough for beginners, yet they look and taste like a special homemade treat.

I first made these little apple pie cups when I wanted something warm and sweet but didn’t have time to prepare a traditional apple pie. I found a can of cinnamon rolls in the refrigerator and some apple pie filling in the pantry. Instead of baking the cinnamon rolls normally, I pressed them into a muffin tin and filled each one with apples. The kitchen quickly filled with the smell of cinnamon and warm fruit. Once I added the icing, everyone wanted to try one. Since then, I’ve loved making these whenever I need a quick dessert that feels homemade without requiring much effort.

Whether you’re baking for your family or preparing a last-minute treat for guests, this easy recipe delivers wonderful flavor with almost no fuss.

Why You’ll Love These 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups

All the Flavor of Apple Pie Without the Extra Work

Traditional apple pie tastes wonderful, but preparing it from scratch can require considerable time.

You usually need to make or prepare a crust, peel and slice apples, mix the filling, assemble the pie, and bake it until the pastry turns golden.

Fortunately, 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups simplify nearly every step.

Refrigerated cinnamon rolls replace traditional pie crust, while canned apple pie filling eliminates the need to peel, slice, and cook fresh apples.

The cinnamon roll dough provides a soft, buttery texture with warm cinnamon flavor.

Meanwhile, the apple filling adds sweetness, tender fruit, and familiar pie spices.

As the cups bake, the dough rises slightly around the filling and develops golden edges.

The result tastes like a delicious combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie.

Another advantage comes from the included icing.

Most refrigerated cinnamon roll packages contain a small container of sweet icing, which makes an easy finishing touch.

Simply drizzle the icing over the warm apple pie cups before serving.

Additionally, the recipe requires no special baking skills.

If you can open a can of cinnamon rolls and spoon filling into a muffin tin, you can make these delicious treats.

Perfect for Breakfast, Dessert, and Special Occasions

One of the best things about 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups is their versatility.

You can serve them as a sweet weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or an easy dessert after dinner.

They also work beautifully for holiday brunches, family gatherings, birthday parties, and casual celebrations.

Because each cup forms an individual portion, you don’t need to slice a large pie or worry about messy serving.

Simply arrange the finished cups on a platter and let everyone enjoy their own little dessert.

For breakfast, serve them warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.

The contrast between warm cinnamon apples and cold ice cream creates a particularly delicious combination.

These apple pie cups also make a convenient treat when unexpected guests arrive.

With only two main ingredients, you can keep everything on hand for an easy last-minute baking project.

Furthermore, the recipe produces eight individual servings, making it ideal for small families or gatherings.

You can also double the ingredients when you need a larger batch.

With their simple preparation, comforting flavor, and attractive presentation, these little apple desserts are easy to enjoy any time of year.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Apple Pie Cups

Choosing the Right Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls

The first ingredient in 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups is one can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough.

Choose a package containing eight individual cinnamon rolls.

These rolls form the base and sides of each apple pie cup.

As they bake, the dough creates a soft, golden crust with a delicious cinnamon flavor.

Regular-size cinnamon rolls work particularly well because they fit into standard muffin cups.

However, oversized cinnamon rolls may require a larger muffin pan or adjustments to the baking time.

Before starting, check the package instructions and note the recommended baking temperature.

This recipe uses 375°F (190°C), but different brands may vary slightly.

Also, look for a package that includes icing.

The icing adds sweetness and creates a beautiful finishing drizzle without requiring another ingredient.

When preparing the dough, separate the cinnamon rolls carefully.

Press each roll gently into a greased muffin cup.

Use your fingers to flatten the center and push the dough slightly up the sides.

Avoid stretching the dough too thin because the filling can leak through weak spots.

You want enough dough at the bottom to support the apples while creating a small rim around the edges.

For the best results, work with chilled dough because it generally holds its shape more easily.

Selecting Apple Pie Filling for a Sweet, Tender Center

The second ingredient in 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups is one 21-ounce can of apple pie filling.

Canned apple pie filling makes this recipe especially convenient.

It already contains cooked or softened apples, sweetener, and thickened sauce.

Therefore, you don’t need to prepare a separate filling.

Choose your favorite brand of apple pie filling.

Some varieties contain more cinnamon, while others have a milder apple flavor.

Either option works well with the cinnamon roll dough.

Before filling the cups, check the size of the apple pieces.

If the filling contains large slices, chop them into smaller pieces.

Smaller apple pieces fit more easily inside the cinnamon roll cups and help distribute the filling evenly.

Next, spoon the filling into each prepared dough cup.

Use enough filling to create a generous center, but avoid overfilling.

The cinnamon roll dough expands as it bakes, so excessive filling may spill over the edges.

Additionally, too much filling can prevent the bottom dough from baking properly.

You may have a little apple pie filling left over, depending on the size of your muffin cups and cinnamon rolls.

That’s perfectly fine.

Save the extra filling for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or another dessert.

Keeping the filling balanced helps the cups bake evenly and makes them easier to remove from the pan.

How to Make 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Perfectly

Preparing the Muffin Tin and Cinnamon Roll Crusts

Making 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups starts with a few simple preparation steps.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease eight cups of a standard muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of butter.

Even if your muffin pan has a nonstick coating, greasing helps prevent the sticky apple filling from attaching to the sides.

Next, open the refrigerated cinnamon roll package.

Set the included icing aside for later.

Separate the eight cinnamon rolls and place one roll into each prepared muffin cup.

Use your fingers to gently press the center of each roll downward.

Then, press the dough outward and slightly up the sides of the muffin cup.

Your goal is to create a shallow dough bowl that can hold the apple filling.

Keep the dough thick enough at the bottom to bake into a sturdy base.

If the cinnamon swirl begins to separate, gently press the dough back together.

Next, open the can of apple pie filling.

Transfer the filling to a cutting board or bowl if you need to chop large apple slices.

Cut the apples into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Then, spoon the filling evenly into the prepared cinnamon roll cups.

Leave a little space near the top so the filling doesn’t overflow as the dough rises.

At this point, your apple pie cups are ready for the oven.

Baking Golden Cups and Adding the Sweet Icing

The baking process transforms these simple ingredients into warm, delicious 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups.

Place the muffin pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 12–18 minutes.

During baking, the cinnamon roll dough should rise around the apple filling and develop golden brown edges.

Because ovens and cinnamon roll brands vary, begin checking the cups around the 12-minute mark.

Look for golden tops and firm dough around the edges.

However, don’t judge doneness by color alone.

The bottoms must also cook completely.

If the tops look golden but the centers remain doughy, continue baking for a few additional minutes.

You can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil if the tops brown too quickly.

Once the cups finish baking, remove the muffin pan from the oven.

Allow the desserts to cool for approximately five minutes.

This short resting period helps the dough firm up and makes the cups easier to remove.

Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to loosen the edges gently.

Then, transfer the cups to a serving plate or cooling rack.

Finally, drizzle the included cinnamon roll icing over the warm cups.

If the icing feels too thick, warm the unopened icing container according to the package directions or briefly stir the icing until smooth.

Serve the cups while they’re warm for the best combination of soft cinnamon dough, tender apples, and sweet icing.

Delicious Variations, Serving Ideas, and Storage Tips

Creative Ways to Customize Your Apple Pie Cups

Although the original recipe uses only two ingredients, you can customize 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups with a few simple additions.

For a classic dessert presentation, serve the warm cups with vanilla ice cream.

The cold ice cream melts slightly against the warm cinnamon roll crust and apple filling.

You can also add whipped cream for a lighter topping.

If you enjoy caramel apples, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the finished cups.

The caramel complements the cinnamon and creates a richer dessert.

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the icing.

These additions provide a pleasant contrast to the soft apples and tender dough.

You can also add a small pinch of extra cinnamon to the apple filling if you prefer a stronger spice flavor.

For a festive fall variation, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice over the apples before baking.

If you enjoy tart flavors, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to the filling.

However, avoid adding too much extra liquid because it may soften the dough.

For a different fruit flavor, try using canned cherry or peach pie filling.

Although these variations change the original apple recipe, they follow the same easy preparation method.

You can also experiment with cream cheese icing or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Still, the original two-ingredient version offers plenty of flavor without any additional ingredients.

How to Store, Reheat, and Prepare Ahead

2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups taste best shortly after baking, when the cinnamon roll dough is warm and tender.

However, you can store leftovers and enjoy them later.

First, allow the cups to cool completely.

Then, transfer them to an airtight container.

Because the filling contains moisture and the icing may soften during storage, refrigerate the cups for the best quality.

Enjoy refrigerated leftovers within approximately 3–4 days.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat individual cups in the microwave for about 10–20 seconds, or until warm.

You can also reheat them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for approximately 5–8 minutes.

The oven helps maintain a slightly firmer exterior.

If possible, add the icing after reheating rather than before storage.

This approach keeps the finished cups looking fresher.

You can also prepare some components ahead of time.

For example, chop the canned apple filling and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator.

However, wait until shortly before baking to press the cinnamon rolls into the muffin tin and add the filling.

Assembling too early may allow moisture from the apples to soften the raw dough.

Freezing fully baked apple pie cups is possible, although the texture may change after thawing.

For the best results, freeze them without icing and add the icing after reheating.

Ingredients

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 12–18 minutes | Cooling Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 27–33 minutes | Servings: 8

• 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls, with included icing)
• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease eight cups of a standard muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the cinnamon rolls. Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll package and set the included icing aside. Separate the eight cinnamon rolls.

3. Shape the dough cups. Place one cinnamon roll into each prepared muffin cup. Gently press the center down and push the dough slightly up the sides to form a small crust.

4. Prepare the apple filling. Open the canned apple pie filling. If the apple slices are large, chop them into smaller pieces.

5. Fill the cups. Spoon the apple pie filling evenly into the cinnamon roll cups. Avoid overfilling because the dough will expand during baking.

6. Bake until golden. Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 12–18 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll dough turns golden brown and cooks completely through. Check the bottoms for doneness.

7. Cool briefly. Remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the apple pie cups to cool for approximately five minutes. Carefully loosen and remove them.

8. Add icing and serve. Drizzle the included cinnamon roll icing over the warm apple pie cups. Serve immediately or allow them to cool slightly.

Helpful tip: Don’t overfill the cinnamon roll cups. Leave enough space for the dough to rise, and make sure the bottoms bake completely before removing the desserts from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the apple pie cups ahead of time and refrigerate them in an airtight container.

For the best texture, wait to add the icing until you’re ready to serve.

Reheat the cups briefly in the microwave or oven, then drizzle with icing.

However, freshly baked cups generally offer the softest, most enjoyable texture.

2. Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned filling?

Absolutely. Homemade apple pie filling works well in this recipe.

Cook peeled, diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of thickener until tender.

Allow the filling to cool before spooning it into the cinnamon roll cups.

Keep in mind that using homemade filling requires additional ingredients and preparation time.

3. Why are my cinnamon roll apple pie cups doughy on the bottom?

Doughy bottoms usually result from too much filling or insufficient baking time.

Because apple pie filling contains moisture, overfilling can prevent the dough from baking evenly.

To avoid this problem, use a moderate amount of filling and bake until the bottoms feel firm.

If necessary, continue baking for a few extra minutes while monitoring the tops.

4. Can I use a mini muffin pan for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to divide the cinnamon roll dough into smaller portions.

Cut each cinnamon roll into two or more pieces, depending on the size of your mini muffin cups.

Press the dough into the cups and add a small spoonful of apple filling.

Reduce the baking time and begin checking for doneness earlier.

The exact time depends on the size of your muffin pan and dough portions.

5. Can I freeze 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups?

Yes. Allow the baked cups to cool completely before freezing.

For the best results, freeze them without icing.

Place the cups in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

Use within approximately 1–2 months for the best quality.

Thaw in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and add the icing before serving.

Conclusion

2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups prove that delicious homemade-style desserts don’t need complicated ingredients or lengthy preparation.

With just refrigerated cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling, you can create warm, golden treats filled with sweet cinnamon-apple flavor.

The simple muffin tin method makes preparation easy, while the included icing adds the perfect finishing touch.

These individual desserts work beautifully for weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners.

You can enjoy them exactly as written or add vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts for an extra-special treat.

Best of all, the recipe requires only a few minutes of hands-on work and less than 20 minutes of baking.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or simply need a quick dessert, 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups offer an easy, comforting way to satisfy your sweet cravings.