Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up Recipe

Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (such as Grands! cinnamon rolls)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup apple pie filling
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup quick oats
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
  2. Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and place them in a pie dish.
  3. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
  4. Top the cinnamon rolls with the apple pie filling, spreading it out to cover the rolls.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly.
  6. Sprinkle the crumbled topping evenly over the apple pie filling.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, puffed, and bubbly.
  8. Once out of the oven, drizzle the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 522
Total Fat 20g (26% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 9g (43% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 25mg (8% Daily Value)
Sodium 1126mg (49% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate 77g (28% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 9g (17% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium 85mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron 4mg (21% Daily Value)
Potassium 212mg (5% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up

The Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the comforting flavors of two iconic American treats: apple pie and cinnamon rolls. Its origin is rooted in the trend of bubble up casseroles that became popular in the United States in the late 20th century. These dishes are designed for simplicity and convenience, often using canned or pre-made ingredients to create a dessert or breakfast bake that bubbles up as it cooks. The idea of pairing cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling brings together the sweet, spiced richness of cinnamon with the tender, fruity sweetness of baked apples, making it a cozy dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday mornings.

Regional Variations and Preferences

While this dessert is popular across the United States, it has particular resonance in the Midwest, where apple orchards are abundant and cinnamon-flavored baked goods are staples of the local cuisine. In other regions, adaptations may include adding pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a layer of cream cheese frosting to enhance richness. Some Southern variations may use more brown sugar in the crumble topping, while Western adaptations sometimes incorporate tart green apples for a slightly tangier flavor that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional apple pie, which has a structured crust and a carefully layered filling, the Bubble Up version is casual and rustic. Cinnamon rolls serve as the base instead of pastry dough, giving it a soft, pillowy texture. Compared to a standard cinnamon roll bake, this dessert introduces apple pie filling and a crumbly streusel topping, creating multiple layers of flavor and texture. The combination of pre-made elements and a baked, bubbly presentation makes it both visually appealing and easy to prepare, setting it apart from more formal pies or roll casseroles.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is most commonly served as a breakfast or brunch treat, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It also appears at family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend breakfasts where convenience and flavor are equally valued. While some may enjoy it warm straight from the oven, others may serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. Its versatility allows it to bridge the gap between breakfast and dessert seamlessly.

Interesting Facts About the Dish

  • The term bubble up refers to the way the dish puffs and bubbles as it bakes, due to the combination of dough and filling expanding in the heat.
  • This recipe often uses canned cinnamon rolls and pie filling, a nod to mid-20th century convenience cooking in America.
  • The dish can be customized with seasonal fruitspeaches or cherries can replace apples for a summer version, while adding pumpkin puree offers a fall twist.
  • Despite its simplicity, the dessert offers multiple textures: soft cinnamon rolls, juicy apple filling, and a crisp, crumbly topping.
  • Its become a popular recipe for food bloggers and home bakers because it combines familiar flavors in a creative, visually appealing way without requiring advanced baking skills.

FAQ about Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up Recipe

Leftovers of the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to restore the texture.

Yes, you can freeze the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up. After baking and cooling, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Yes, you can use other pie fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or peach, depending on your preference. The recipe is versatile, and any fruit filling will complement the cinnamon roll base well.

Yes, you can prepare the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up in advance. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning or when ready to serve. This saves time, especially if you're making it for a holiday or brunch.

While the recipe calls for Grands cinnamon rolls, you can substitute with any brand or variety of cinnamon rolls, including reduced-fat or gluten-free versions. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if using smaller or larger rolls.

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor. Just mix them in with the butter, flour, brown sugar, and oats before sprinkling it over the apple pie filling.

If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. The texture may change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

To make the dish less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the crumble topping or use unsweetened apple pie filling. You can also omit the icing drizzle from the cinnamon rolls before serving.