If you love the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls and the classic comfort of apple pie, then you are in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie (Vegan) Recipe. It takes the heartwarming essence of cinnamon roll sweetness and swirls it right into the juicy, spiced apple filling of a traditional pie, all wrapped in a delicate vegan shortcrust pastry. Whether you are vegan or simply craving a delightful dessert that everyone can enjoy, this pie offers a perfect balance of soft, fruity filling and spiraled cinnamon roll topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two square sheets of pale shortcrust pastry lie slightly overlapped on a white marbled surface. To the left, three whole fresh apples sit close together, two red and one green, showing smooth shiny skins. Below the apples, small white bowls with decorative edges hold white cornstarch and white sugar. A round bowl with a light brown block of vegan butter rests near the center. A smaller bowl with light yellow lemon juice is next, followed by a bowl of loose brown sugar. At the bottom left, a small white plate holds ground cinnamon and nutmeg powders in different shades of warm brown. The whole setup is neat and well-lit, simple and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in layering the flavors and textures that make this pie so special. From the tangy crispness of apples to the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the aromatic kick of cinnamon, every element complements the others beautifully.

Medium-size apples (~720g): The star of your pie, peeled and cored to create the perfect tender filling.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds the right level of sweetness to the apple mixture.
Cornstarch (2½ tbsp): Thickens the juicy filling so it’s not runny.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.
Ground cinnamon (1½ tsp): Warms up the filling with that signature spice.
Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): A subtle layering of spice for depth.
Shortcrust pastry (3 sheets): The tender base and cinnamon roll topping all rolled into one luscious crust.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds caramel notes to the cinnamon rolls on top.
Vegan butter (3 tbsp): Creates a soft, spreadable cinnamon roll mixture.
Maple syrup (1 tbsp): A glossy, natural sweetener for brushing the top rolls.
Demerara sugar: For that signature crunchy, golden finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie (Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Par-cook the apples

Start by slicing the apples into thin ½ cm rounds to ensure even cooking. Combine them with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Cook everything gently until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape – about 7 minutes. This step infuses the fruit with spices and thickens the juices, setting a flavorful foundation for the pie.

Step 2: Prepare the pie shell

Line your pie dish with a sheet of thawed shortcrust pastry, making sure to cover the base and sides completely. If needed, don’t hesitate to patch with a bit of extra pastry to avoid gaps. For a charming touch, leave some pastry overhanging the dish edges to fold under and crimp for a beautiful, finished edge. Chill the crust in the fridge to keep it firm.

Step 3: Make the cinnamon roll topping

Mix softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you get a spreadable paste bursting with cinnamon warmth. Spread this evenly over the remaining pastry sheets, then roll them up tightly into a long log. Slice the log into thin rounds—these will become the spiraled cinnamon rolls that top your pie. If it’s too soft to slice cleanly, a quick chill in the fridge makes all the difference.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Fill your chilled pie shell with the tender apple mixture, packing the slices snugly to prevent air pockets. Pour in any leftover juices for maximum flavor. Arrange the cinnamon roll rounds in concentric circles or your favorite pattern over the apples. Chill the assembled pie while you preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Before baking, brush the rolls with maple syrup and sprinkle demerara sugar on top for a delightful crunch and shine.

Step 5: Baking to perfection

Bake the pie on the lower rack for 20 minutes to start browning the rolls, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes until the filling bubbles and the rolls turn golden brown. Keep an eye on the top—if it darkens too quickly before the apple filling softens fully, tent with foil to protect that gorgeous crust. Once finished, cool the pie for at least 3 hours so the filling can set beautifully.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie (Vegan) Recipe

A close-up of a cut apple pie in a clear glass pie dish showing three visible layers, the bottom layer is a golden, flaky crust with a crimped edge, the middle layer is soft, cooked apple slices coated with a shiny cinnamon sauce, and the top layer is made up of small cinnamon roll-like spirals with a golden brown baked surface arranged tightly together, with a blurred white marbled surface under the dish and colorful apples blurred in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve your Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie (Vegan) Recipe with a drizzle of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream, elevating the rich textures and adding a cool creaminess to balance the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a bright, refreshing salad of arugula, walnuts, and apples for a complete dessert experience that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the pie into small portions and serve on individual plates with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a caramel sauce drizzle, making each serving feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pie covered loosely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so the next day’s slice tastes even better!

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pie after assembly for up to a month. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before popping it into the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices gently in a 175°C oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This helps re-soften the cinnamon rolls and keeps the apple filling bubbly and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji creates a nice balance, but you can use whatever apples you love or have on hand.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the shortcrust pastry with your favorite gluten-free pastry dough. The filling and cinnamon roll topping mixture works perfectly the same.

How far in advance can I prepare this pie?

You can assemble the pie up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it chilled in the fridge and bake fresh when ready for the best texture.

Can I make the cinnamon roll topping without vegan butter?

If you don’t have vegan butter, coconut oil works as a great substitute, lending a subtle coconut flavor that pairs nicely with the cinnamon and apples.

What’s the best way to get neat cinnamon roll slices?

Chilling the rolled pastry log until firm makes cutting neat slices much easier. If it feels too soft, a quick freeze for 10-15 minutes helps keep the rolls intact.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie (Vegan) Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a comforting slice of sweet, spiced joy. Dive in and experience the magic of cinnamon rolls and apple pie combined—trust me, once you try it, this will become a favorite comfort classic in your kitchen!