If you’re craving a dessert that’s both effortless and absolutely delicious, the 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. These little cups bring together the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the classic sweetness of apple pie filling, creating a dessert that tastes like it took hours but actually comes together in no time. Perfect for a last-minute gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe combines simplicity and scrumptiousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only two core ingredients make up this recipe, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfectly balanced sweetness and tender texture that you’ll love. The combination is simple but magical.
- Pillsbury refrigerated cinnamon rolls with frosting: These provide the soft, fluffy, and cinnamon-spiced base that cups the fruit filling beautifully, bringing a familiar bakery flavor to your kitchen.
- Apple pie filling: Sweet, tender apple chunks soaked in cinnamon and sugar add that classic apple pie taste, giving each cup its juicy and flavorful heart.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and giving your muffin pan a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that your apple pie cups will pop right out of the pan without sticking or breaking—making your cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Form the Cinnamon Roll Cups
Take each cinnamon roll and press it firmly into the muffin wells, extending the dough all the way up the sides. This not only shapes the base for your apple filling but also creates those irresistible cinnamon-edged cups that get nicely golden and slightly crispy when baked.
Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling
Scoop about 1 1/3 cups total of apple pie filling evenly into the prepared cinnamon roll cups. This juicy, sweet filling contrasts beautifully with the soft dough, and it’s what makes these little cups taste like a miniature apple pie in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your filled muffin pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cinnamon rolls are fully cooked. You’ll want to see a golden touch on the edges and a bubbly filling to know it’s ready. Once done, let the cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they set up just right before removing.
Step 5: Frost with Love
The final step is the best part—drizzling the included cinnamon roll frosting over each warm apple pie cup. This glaze melts slightly over the cups, adding an extra layer of sweetness and that classic sticky shine that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
While the frosting adds plenty of sweetness, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top can enhance the texture and deepen the flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar is another lovely option to elevate the presentation and add a delicate touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These apple pie cups pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. For a brunch twist, serve them alongside crispy bacon or a warm chai latte to balance the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing each apple pie cup in a decorative cupcake liner for an easy grab-and-go snack or serve them on a pretty platter surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. For a festive look, add a small dollop of caramel sauce drizzled artistically around the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, making sure to keep the frosting uncovered if you want it to stay soft and fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save some for later, wrap each cup tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the apple pie cups in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps the dough stay soft and the filling bubbly, bringing back that freshly-baked feel with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Fresh apples can work, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and cinnamon first to soften and sweeten them since the canned filling is already perfectly prepared for this recipe.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the cinnamon rolls for a gluten-free cinnamon roll dough, and make sure to use gluten-free apple pie filling. You’ll still get that wonderful flavor with a simple ingredient switch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up. Just use more muffin pans or bake in batches, making sure to adjust baking times slightly if your pans are stacked or crowded in the oven.
What if I want less sweetness?
You can reduce the sweetness by using plain cinnamon rolls without the frosting or drizzling the frosting lightly instead of generously. Another trick is to use apple pie filling with less added sugar.
Can I make these vegan?
To make the 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Recipe vegan, use a plant-based cinnamon roll dough and a vegan-friendly apple pie filling, then skip or substitute the frosting with a vegan glaze or icing.
Final Thoughts
This 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups Recipe is such a fun and easy way to get all the cozy, cinnamon-sweet goodness of apple pie without any fuss. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, these cups are sure to bring smiles and happy sighs with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
