Ingredient Apple Pie Cups

2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups

These 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are the easiest way to enjoy the cozy flavors of homemade apple pie without making pastry from scratch! Made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls and ready-to-use apple pie filling, these little desserts feature soft, cinnamon-swirled pastry wrapped around sweet, tender apples.

They bake into adorable individual cups with golden edges, warm apple centers, and plenty of comforting cinnamon flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, fall gatherings, holiday desserts, or whenever you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part? You only need two ingredients to make the cups, and the included cinnamon roll frosting makes finishing them even easier.

Why You'll Love These Apple Pie Cups

• Only two ingredients: Refrigerated cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling make the recipe wonderfully simple.
• Quick preparation: No homemade dough, peeling apples, or complicated pastry techniques required.
• Individual portions: Each muffin cup becomes a cute, easy-to-serve mini dessert.
• Warm cinnamon flavor: Cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with sweet apple pie filling.
• Perfect for sharing: Serve them at family gatherings, brunches, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting

Amount: 1 standard can containing 8 cinnamon rolls

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough creates the pastry cups without the need to prepare dough from scratch. The cinnamon swirl adds warm spice and sweetness, while the dough bakes into a soft, golden crust around the apple filling.

Choose a standard can with eight rolls that fits your muffin pan. Keep the included frosting for drizzling over the finished cups.

2. Apple Pie Filling

Amount: 1 can (approximately 20–21 ounces or 565–595 g)

Ready-made apple pie filling provides sweet apples and a thick, spiced sauce in one convenient ingredient. It saves time and gives each cup the familiar flavor of classic apple pie.

If the apple pieces are very large, chop them into smaller pieces before filling the cups. This makes the dessert easier to eat and helps distribute the apples evenly.

How to Make 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), or follow the baking temperature specified on your cinnamon roll package if it differs. Lightly grease eight cups of a standard muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Shape the Cinnamon Roll Cups

Open the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them. Place one cinnamon roll into each greased muffin cup.

Using your fingers, gently press each roll down into the bottom of the cup and up the sides to create a small well. Try to make the dough evenly thick so it bakes consistently.

Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Spoon the apple pie filling into each cinnamon roll cup, dividing it evenly among the eight wells.

Fill each cup generously, but avoid overfilling. Leaving a little space at the top helps prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12–18 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll dough is golden and cooked through.

Baking time depends on the brand of cinnamon rolls, the thickness of the dough, and your oven. Check the package directions and make sure the pastry in the center and along the sides is fully baked.

Step 5: Cool and Remove

Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the apple pie cups cool for about 5–10 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges with a small silicone spatula or butter knife, then lift the cups out of the pan.

Allow them to cool slightly before adding the frosting. The apple filling will be very hot immediately after baking.

Step 6: Add the

Cinnamon Roll Frosting

Drizzle the included cinnamon roll frosting over the warm apple pie cups. For easier drizzling, you can place the frosting in a small microwave-safe bowl and warm it briefly according to its consistency, taking care not to overheat it.

Serve warm for a soft, gooey apple pie experience with sweet cinnamon pastry in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cups

• Grease the muffin pan well: This helps the sticky apple filling and cinnamon roll dough release more easily.
• Press the dough evenly: Keep the bottom and sides at a similar thickness so the cups bake consistently.
• Don't overfill: Too much apple filling can spill over the edges and make removal difficult.
• Chop large apple pieces: Smaller pieces fit neatly inside the cups and make each bite easier to enjoy.
• Check for doneness: The outside may brown before the thickest part of the dough is fully cooked, so check the center before removing the pan.
• Cool before removing: A short resting period helps the cups hold their shape.
• Use the included frosting: It adds a sweet finish without requiring another ingredient.

Easy Ways to Customize Your Apple Pie Cups

The classic recipe requires just two ingredients, but you can add extra touches if you want to make the dessert your own.

• Extra cinnamon: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the apple filling before baking.
• Chopped pecans: Add a few chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Caramel drizzle: Finish the baked cups with caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent dessert.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve each warm cup with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Apple crumble topping: Sprinkle a little prepared crumble topping over the filling before baking, although this adds more ingredients.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cups

These mini desserts taste best while still slightly warm, when the cinnamon roll pastry is soft and the apple filling is fragrant.

• As an easy dessert: Serve after dinner with coffee or tea.
• For brunch: Add them to a sweet breakfast or brunch spread.
• At holiday gatherings: Arrange them on a platter for a simple autumn or Christmas dessert.
• As an extra-special treat: Add vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Because the apple filling is moist, refrigerate leftover cups in a covered container within two hours of baking. Enjoy within 3–4 days for the best quality.

Reheating

Warm individual cups in the microwave for approximately 10–20 seconds, checking and adding more time if needed. For a slightly firmer pastry, reheat them in an oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but the pastry may soften after thawing. For the best texture, enjoy these cups fresh or refrigerated. If freezing, cool them completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Yes. Use a thick, cooled apple pie filling in place of the canned version. Avoid filling that is overly watery, because excess liquid can make the cinnamon roll pastry soggy.

Can I use a different flavor of refrigerated rolls?

Cinnamon rolls are ideal because their flavor naturally complements apples. Other refrigerated sweet roll doughs may work, but the texture and baking time can vary.

Why are my apple pie cups soggy?

Too much filling, watery apple sauce, or underbaked dough can cause sogginess. Use a thick filling, avoid overfilling the cups, and make sure the dough is cooked through before removing the pan.

How do I keep the cups from sticking to the muffin pan?

Grease the muffin cups thoroughly and let the baked cups rest for 5–10 minutes before removing them. Gently loosen the edges with a small spatula if necessary.

Can I make these ahead of time?

They're best served fresh, but you can bake them ahead, refrigerate them once cooled, and reheat them before serving. Add the frosting after reheating for the freshest appearance.

2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5–10 minutes

Cook Time: 12–18 minutes

Cooling Time: 5–10 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 25–35 minutes

Yield: 8 apple pie cups

Category: Dessert

Method: Baking

Flavor: Sweet apple and cinnamon

Ingredients

• 1 standard can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting, containing 8 rolls
• 1 can (approximately 20–21 ounces or 565–595 g) apple pie filling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), or follow the cinnamon roll package directions. Grease eight muffin cups.
2. Place one cinnamon roll into each muffin cup.
3. Press each roll down and up the sides to form a well.
4. Divide the apple pie filling evenly among the cups without overfilling.
5. Bake for approximately 12–18 minutes, until the dough is golden and cooked through.
6. Cool for 5–10 minutes, then carefully remove the cups from the pan.
7. Drizzle with the included cinnamon roll frosting and serve warm.

A Sweet Shortcut to Homemade Apple Pie

These 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups deliver all the cozy flavors of apple pie with a fraction of the effort. Refrigerated cinnamon rolls create a sweet, cinnamon-swirled crust, while ready-made apple pie filling provides a tender, fruity center.

Make them for a quick family dessert, a holiday gathering, or whenever you want something warm and comforting without making pastry from scratch. With just two main ingredients, this easy recipe proves that delicious homemade treats don't have to be complicated.