Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Pie is the best of both worlds—cinnamon rolls and pie—wrapped into one indulgent dessert. The combination of a buttery pie crust, cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting creates a perfectly balanced flavor and texture. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a special treat for yourself. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can make this irresistible pie that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a delightful alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, especially with the added touch of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 3.5 cups flour
- 2.25 teaspoons yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour and yeast. In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, sugar, and butter, then microwave for 1 minute until the butter is melted. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough ball forms. Add the egg and continue stirring until combined. If the dough is too sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons of flour. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes while you make the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. For a perfect rectangle, use kitchen shears to trim the edges if needed. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly on top.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Place a 9-inch pie crust in a pie pan and flute the edges if desired. Slice the cinnamon roll dough into 8 even strips. Roll each strip into a cinnamon roll shape and place them into the prepared pie crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Turn off the oven. Cover the pie with foil and place it in the warm oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the pie and foil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, return the pie to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the pie cools slightly, make the cream cheese frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and thick.
Step 7: Frost the Pie
Spread the frosting over the slightly cooled pie, making sure to cover it generously. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Store-Bought Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls instead of making the dough from scratch. Just follow the assembly instructions, skip the cinnamon filling, and use the cinnamon roll filling instead. Top it with the cream cheese frosting, and no one will know you took a shortcut!
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling or on top of the frosting.
- Use a Different Frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can use vanilla glaze or a simple powdered sugar icing for a lighter topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm it through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance, bake it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Simply reheat before serving.
2. Can I freeze this cinnamon roll pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of pie crust?
Yes, you can use any pie crust you prefer, such as a store-bought or homemade butter or graham cracker crust.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even chocolate ganache for a different flavor.
5. Can I add more fillings to the cinnamon roll pie?
Yes, you can add extras like raisins, chopped apples, or nuts to the filling for a personalized twist.
6. Can I use almond flour for the dough?
Almond flour may work in a gluten-free version, but the texture and taste will be different. You may need to adjust the ingredients to create a dough that holds together properly.
7. How long does this pie stay fresh?
It stays fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 1-2 days for optimal texture.
8. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
9. Can I add frosting before baking?
It’s best to add the frosting after baking to maintain its creamy texture. Adding it before baking may cause it to melt and lose its structure.
10. What can I serve this pie with?
This pie is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s Cinnamon Roll Pie Copycat recipe is the perfect dessert to enjoy with family and friends. With its warm, cinnamon-filled interior and sweet cream cheese frosting topping, this pie brings the best of a cinnamon roll into a pie format. Whether you make it from scratch or use a shortcut, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Give this delicious recipe a try, and treat yourself to an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress!
Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipe
Cracker Barrel’s Cinnamon Roll Pie Copycat recipe combines the best of both worlds—cinnamon rolls and pie. With layers of cinnamon sugar filling, a buttery crust, and creamy cream cheese frosting, this easy-to-make dessert will be a hit at any gathering or special occasion. Perfect for serving warm, it’s the ultimate comfort treat in just 1 hour 25 minutes!
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Comfort Food, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3.5 cups flour
2.25 teaspoons yeast
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter (softened)
1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup butter (softened)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1.5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). In a large bowl, combine flour and yeast. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, mix milk, sugar, and butter, microwaving for 1 minute until the butter is melted. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stir until a dough ball forms, and then add the egg, mixing until combined. If the dough is sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons of flour. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
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Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Set aside.
-
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon filling on top.
-
Assemble the Pie: Place a 9-inch pie crust in a pie pan, fluting the edges if desired. Slice the cinnamon roll dough into 8 even strips. Roll each strip into a cinnamon roll shape and place them into the prepared pie crust.
-
Bake the Pie: Turn off the oven, place the pie in the warm oven, and cover with foil. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
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Prepare the Frosting: While the pie cools, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Frost the Pie: Once the pie has cooled slightly, spread the frosting generously on top. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
Shortcut Option: For a quicker version, use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough instead of making the dough from scratch. Just skip the cinnamon filling and use the cinnamon roll filling, topping with the cream cheese frosting.
Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling or sprinkle on top of the frosting.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if frozen.
Customize the Frosting: If you prefer a lighter glaze, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze. Just mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
Leftovers: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy warm!
