
As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of autumn to warm the soul. These Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups capture the essence of fall in a delightful, hassle-free dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine the sweet, spiced aroma of cinnamon rolls mingling with the rich, fruity notes of apple pie filling—all baked to golden perfection in a matter of minutes. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of homemade apple pie but doesn’t have the time or patience for a traditional recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat, a last-minute dessert for guests, or a fun activity to enjoy with the family, these apple pie cups deliver on both convenience and flavor.
What sets these apple pie cups apart is their simplicity. With just two main ingredients—store-bought cinnamon rolls and canned apple pie filling—you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The cinnamon rolls provide a flaky, cinnamon-infused crust that’s already perfectly sweetened, while the apple pie filling adds a burst of tangy-sweet goodness. Topped with a drizzle of the included icing, these mini treats are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a fall staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can bring it to life in your own home.
Why This Recipe Works
These Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are a testament to the power of simplicity. Here’s why this recipe is a standout:
- Effortless Preparation: With just two main ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is foolproof. Even novice bakers can achieve delicious results with ease.
- Quick to Bake: From start to finish, you can have warm, delicious apple pie cups ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Perfect for Fall: The combination of apples and cinnamon is quintessential autumn, making these apple pie cups ideal for seasonal celebrations or cozy evenings at home.
- Individual Servings: No need to slice a whole pie! These individual cups are perfect for portion control and easy serving, making them great for parties, potlucks, or family dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these mini apple pies. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Customizable: While the base recipe is simple, there are plenty of ways to add your own personal touch (see variations below!).
A Detailed Ingredient Guide
While the ingredient list for these apple pie cups is short, each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect dessert. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Pillsbury Original Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
The cinnamon rolls are the magic behind our quick crust. The pre-made dough is already perfectly sweetened and spiced with cinnamon, saving you loads of time. The included icing is crucial for that signature cinnamon roll finish, adding an extra layer of sweetness and moisture. Make sure to get the original flavor for the best results, as other variations may not provide the same balance of sweetness and spice.
Duncan Hines Comstock Simply Pie Filling & Topping Apple
This canned apple pie filling is the other star of the show. It’s pre-cooked and ready to use, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. The filling is thick enough to hold its shape in the muffin cups but still tender and juicy. The included topping adds a delightful texture and depth of flavor, making it a perfect match for the cinnamon rolls.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Now that you understand the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making these Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups. The recipe is straightforward, but following these steps carefully will ensure the best results.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent the cinnamon roll dough from sticking.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of Pillsbury Original Cinnamon Rolls and separate the rolls. Set the icing packet aside for later use.
- Shape the Dough: Take each cinnamon roll and gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of a muffin cup, forming a cup shape. Try to make the dough as even as possible to create a sturdy base for the filling. You should be able to fit all eight cinnamon rolls into the muffin tin, with four cups remaining empty.
- Add the Apple Filling: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the Duncan Hines Comstock Simply Apple Pie Filling & Topping into each cinnamon roll cup. Fill them generously, but leave a little room at the top to prevent overflow.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbrowning, as the cinnamon roll dough can darken quickly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the apple pie cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. This step is important to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
- Drizzle with Icing: While still warm, open the reserved icing packet from the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle the icing generously over each apple pie cup. The warmth of the cups will help the icing melt slightly, creating a beautiful glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the apple pie cups warm and enjoy your delightful 2-ingredient apple pie cups!
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes
While this recipe is simple, a few practical tips and common mistakes can help you achieve the best results. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Tips for Success
- Grease the Muffin Tin Well: Make sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly to prevent the cinnamon roll dough from sticking. This will make it easier to remove the apple pie cups after baking.
- Evenly Distribute the Dough: When pressing the cinnamon roll dough into the muffin cups, try to make the dough as even as possible. This will help create a sturdy base for the filling and ensure even baking.
- Fill Generously but Leave Room: Fill each muffin cup generously with the apple pie filling, but leave a little room at the top to prevent overflow. The filling will bubble up as it bakes, so it’s important to give it some space.
- Watch for Overbrowning: Keep an eye on the apple pie cups as they bake to prevent overbrowning. The cinnamon roll dough can darken quickly, so check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Cool Slightly Before Icing: Let the apple pie cups cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help the filling set slightly and prevent it from becoming too runny when you drizzle the icing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Cinnamon Rolls: Make sure to use Pillsbury Original Cinnamon Rolls with Icing. Other brands or flavors may not provide the same balance of sweetness and spice.
- Overfilling the Muffin Cups: Be careful not to overfill the muffin cups with the apple pie filling. This can cause the filling to overflow and make a mess in the oven.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: It’s tempting to dive right into the apple pie cups as soon as they come out of the oven, but letting them cool slightly will help the filling set and make them easier to handle.
- Using Cold Icing: The icing from the cinnamon rolls is best when drizzled over the warm apple pie cups. The warmth will help the icing melt slightly, creating a beautiful glaze.
Serving Ideas
These Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Warm and Fresh: Serve the apple pie cups warm, straight from the oven, for the best flavor and texture. The warmth will enhance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and the tanginess of the apple filling.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the apple pie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm pie cups and the cold ice cream is simply divine.
- As a Dessert for a Gathering: These mini apple pies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. They’re easy to serve and always a crowd-pleaser.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Pair the apple pie cups with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack or a comforting evening treat.
- As a Breakfast Treat: While these apple pie cups are typically a dessert, they can also be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat. The cinnamon rolls add a touch of indulgence to your morning routine.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidance
While these Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prepare them ahead of time or store leftovers for later. Here’s how:
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the apple pie cups ahead of time and bake them just before serving. To do this, follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step. Instead of baking the apple pie cups, cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that the cinnamon roll dough may take a bit longer to bake if it’s cold.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover apple pie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the apple pie cups in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about these Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups:
Can I Use a Different Brand of Cinnamon Rolls?
While you can use a different brand of cinnamon rolls, the recipe is specifically designed to work with Pillsbury Original Cinnamon Rolls with Icing. Other brands may not provide the same balance of sweetness and spice, so use them at your own discretion.
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Apple Pie Filling?
Yes, you can use a different flavor of apple pie filling if you prefer. However, the recipe is specifically designed to work with Duncan Hines Comstock Simply Pie Filling & Topping Apple. Other flavors may alter the taste and texture of the apple pie cups.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Cups Gluten-Free?
To make these apple pie cups gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free brand of cinnamon rolls. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.
Can I Freeze the Apple Pie Cups?
Yes, you can freeze the apple pie cups for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the apple pie cups cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the apple pie cups in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I Use Fresh Apples Instead of Canned Filling?
While you can use fresh apples, the recipe is specifically designed to work with canned apple pie filling. Fresh apples may require additional preparation, such as peeling, coring, and cooking, which can alter the texture and flavor of the apple pie cups.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Cups Without the Icing?
Yes, you can make these apple pie cups without the icing if you prefer. However, the icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture to the apple pie cups, so it’s recommended for the best results.
These Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are a delightful and effortless way to bring the comforting flavors of autumn to your table. With just two main ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat, a last-minute dessert for guests, or a fun activity to enjoy with the family, these apple pie cups deliver on both convenience and flavor. So, embrace the cozy flavors of fall and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Recipe Card

Easy 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups: The Best Fall Dessert!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Open the can of Pillsbury Original Cinnamon Rolls. Separate the cinnamon rolls and set the icing packet aside.
- Take each cinnamon roll and gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of a muffin cup, forming a cup shape. Try to make the dough as even as possible, creating a sturdy base for the filling.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the Duncan Hines Comstock Simply Apple Pie Filling & Topping into each cinnamon roll cup. Fill them generously, but leave a little room at the top to prevent overflow.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbrowning.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the apple pie cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- While still warm, open the reserved icing packet from the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle the icing generously over each apple pie cup.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delightful 2-ingredient apple pie cups!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
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