Apple Pie Cruffins Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Apple Pie Cruffins—a recipe that’s as playful and irresistible as its name. These treats are a brilliant mashup of flaky crescent roll dough, spiced apple pie filling, and a luscious, buttery swirl, all finished with a sparkling coat of cinnamon sugar. Baked in a muffin tin to create tall, beautiful layers, each bite delivers the warm familiarity of apple pie and the delicate flakiness of a croissant. If you’ve ever wanted a bakery-style pastry at home without fuss, this is your golden ticket.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Apple Pie Cruffins plays a starring role—bringing sweetness, texture, and vibrant flavor to every layer. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Crescent Roll Sheets: The key to that gorgeous, flaky texture, these sheets provide a fuss-free shortcut to pastry perfection.
• Apple Pie Filling (¾ cup, chopped): The heart of the cruffin, sweetly spiced apples add depth, moisture, and the spirit of classic apple pie. Opt for homemade or your favorite canned version, just be sure to chop the apples finely for easy rolling.
• Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, softened): Swirled generously between layers, this creates richness and helps the cruffins bake up perfectly golden and moist.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): The main player in that signature cruffin sparkle, lending a sweet crunch to the finishing touch.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Provides a warm, cozy aroma and flavor, pulling together the apple and pastry in perfect harmony.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Just a light mist keeps cruffins from sticking and ensures easy release from the pan.

How to Make Apple Pie Cruffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures even baking right from the start. Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray so your Apple Pie Cruffins will slide right out, showing off every flaky layer instead of sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Shape and Layer the Dough

Work on a lightly floured surface to keep things manageable. Roll out each tube of crescent dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If you’re using traditional crescent dough sheets with perforations, take an extra moment to pinch the seams closed—this trick creates seamless, bakery-style layers.

Step 3: Add Butter and Apple Pie Filling

Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over every sheet of dough, edge to edge. This gives the pastry its soft, buttery bite. Next, spoon about ¼ cup of the finely chopped apple pie filling over each sheet and spread it out. The trick here is to distribute the apple pieces evenly for perfect fruitiness in every swirl.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Cut

Starting at the long edge, gently but tightly roll each dough rectangle into a log. Slice the log in half to create two smaller logs, then cut each of those in half lengthwise. You’ll be left with four beautiful, layered strips per sheet. Repeat with all dough sheets, and you’ll have twelve pieces ready to transform into cruffins.

Step 5: Shape and Arrange

Pick up one section at a time, letting the layers face upwards. Roll it up like a cinnamon roll, keeping it snug, and tuck the end underneath to seal. Place each shaped cruffin right into a muffin cup. This orientation helps the layers bake tall and creates those irresistible, torn edges.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 22 to 24 minutes. The Apple Pie Cruffins should puff and turn gorgeously golden brown, sending sweet, spiced aromas through your kitchen. Keep an eye on them near the end—their tops should look caramelized but not overbrowned.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While your cruffins are still warm and fragrant, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Carefully remove the cruffins from the pan, then roll each generous swirl in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This final step creates that classic crackly shell, making every bite sparkle!

How to Serve Apple Pie Cruffins

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel can take your Apple Pie Cruffins over the top. For a festive brunch, try adding a few thin apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream on each one for both flavor and eye-catching presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve your cruffins with crispy bacon, soft scrambled eggs, or a vibrant fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. A cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet, spiced layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, try stacking cruffins on a tiered cake stand or lining them up in parchment tulip wrappers for a bakery-style look. Apple Pie Cruffins also make fantastic edible gifts; tuck a few in a basket with a jar of homemade jam or personalized note and watch them disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Pie Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cinnamon sugar will keep its crunch, and the cruffins stay delightfully soft. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to five days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cruffins cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll maintain their fabulous texture for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.

Reheating

Pop your cruffins in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their warmth and crisp edges. If you’re short on time, a quick microwave zap for about 15 seconds works, but the oven method keeps the outer layers flakier.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Homemade filling often brings even more flavor, and you can control how spiced or sweet it is. Just chop the apples finely so they roll easily into the layers.

What if I only have regular crescent rolls with perforations?

No problem at all. Simply pinch the seams well after rolling the dough out. This little bit of extra work ensures your Apple Pie Cruffins bake up in picture-perfect swirls.

Can I make Apple Pie Cruffins in advance?

Definitely. They’re easy to make a day ahead. Store as directed, and reheat just before serving so you can serve them warm and fresh.

Can I use a different filling or flavor?

Yes! Swap the apple pie filling for cherry or blueberry, or even a cinnamon sugar butter for a more traditional cruffin. The dough technique stays the same, so feel free to play around.

My cruffins stuck to the pan. How can I prevent this?

Be generous with your nonstick cooking spray, and consider lining the bottoms of your muffin tin with parchment paper circles. This helps ensure every Apple Pie Cruffins will come out cleanly and beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about pulling a warm, cinnamon-dusted Apple Pie Cruffin apart and seeing those gorgeous layers. Whether you’re a weekend baker or just craving a cozy treat, these cruffins are so much fun to make and even better to eat. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked!

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