Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups

Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls and a traditional apple pie. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples and the comforting warmth of cinnamon, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy cinnamon roll dough cup.

Imagine a cinnamon roll but with a well in the center that's filled to the brim with a delectable apple pie filling. Each cup starts with a circle of cinnamon roll dough, pressed into a muffin tin to form a cup-like shape. Then, a generous spoonful of apple pie filling, made from fresh apples and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of caramel, is nestled into the dough.

As these apple pie cinnamon roll cups bake, the dough puffs up around the filling, creating a golden-brown, flaky exterior that encases the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. The aroma that fills the air is a tantalizing mix of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and apple pie, making these cups a perfect treat for any time of day.

To take these treats to the next level, the apple pie cinnamon rolls are topped with caramel sauce and icing that drips down the sides, adding an extra layer of sweetness. The contrast between the warm, gooey apple pie filling and the sugary glaze is simply irresistible.

I baked these apple pie cinnamon roll cups using my Pit Boss Navigator Series Pellet Grill from Home Hardware. With incredible 8-in-1 cooking versatility, the Pit Boss Navigator allows you to bake, smoke, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and sear. The Navigator comes with a Flame Broiler Lever, so you can achieve instant direct or indirect heat in a temperature range of 180º to 500ºF. Most importantly, you’ll always get an even cook with fan-forced convection cooking and consistent indirect heat even in the winter months. The digital control board and stainless-steel meat probes allow you to track temperatures, so you don’t have to hover over your grill. The Navigator will do (almost!) all the work for you.

My top tip for winter grilling is to plan ahead. Get everything you need ready and on a tray in the kitchen before you head outside. During the winter months, move your grill to an area that is out of the wind and direct cold. Try and move it closer to your back door, but make sure to first check your local bylaws regarding the rules on a grill’s proximity to your home and other structures. Allow for about 20 to 30 minutes for your grill to fully heat up during the cold months before putting your food on. Cold weather can slow down cooking times, so plan ahead and allow extra time for your food to cook. This will help ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and to the desired temperature.

Directions

1. In a large skillet on medium heat, melt the butter and add diced apples, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the apples are soft, stirring occasionally.

2. In a medium bowl combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

3. Preheat your grill to 350ºF (177ºC). Grease 8 cups in a muffin tin with cooking spray.

4. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the can and set the icing aside for later. Place the cinnamon rolls into a muffin tin and press down and up the sides of the muffin cups with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to form a “cup” for the filling.