Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars
Indulge in a delectable treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the classic apple pie. These Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 2 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Separate the cinnamon rolls and press them into the bottom of the pan to create a crust.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Spread the apple mixture over the cinnamon roll crust.
- Take the remaining cinnamon roll dough and press it into thin strips. Place the strips over the apple mixture in a lattice pattern.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy these Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars warm or cold!
Popular questions:
- Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls? – Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones. Just make sure they are rolled out and ready to use in the recipe.
- Can I substitute the apples with another fruit? – You can try using pears or peaches as a substitute for apples in this recipe.
- Can I add nuts to this recipe? – Feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for some added crunch.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? – You can prepare the bars ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.
- Can I add a glaze to the bars? – Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
- How should I store leftovers? – Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze these bars? – Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with these bars? – These bars are delicious on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Can I use a different type of cinnamon in this recipe? – You can use ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I add raisins to the apple mixture? – Adding raisins to the apple mixture can add a chewy texture and extra sweetness to the bars.
Helpful tips:
- For a gooey center, slightly underbake the bars and let them cool before slicing.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the lattice crust for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for unique flavor profiles.
- Try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for a spicy kick.
- To make the bars even more indulgent, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- For a quicker version, use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making your own apple mixture.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the lattice crust well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- For a healthier option, use a whole wheat or gluten-free cinnamon roll dough for the crust.
- Get creative with toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to personalize your bars.
Expert Secrets:
- Precook the apples with a bit of butter and sugar to soften them before adding them to the crust for a more flavorful filling.
- Brush the lattice crust with a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar before baking for a glossy finish.
- For a more rustic look, tear the cinnamon roll dough into pieces and scatter them over the apple mixture instead of creating a lattice top.
- Experiment with spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice in the apple mixture for a unique twist on the classic flavors.
- Top the bars with a streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter for added texture and sweetness.
- Serve the bars warm with a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
- To enhance the cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the apple filling before adding the lattice crust on top.
- For a shortcut, use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples to save time in the preparation process.
- Add a splash of apple cider or lemon juice to the apple mixture for a tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon roll crust.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the bars with colored sugar or drizzle with a glaze made with powdered sugar and apple juice before serving.
