
This apple pie biscuit recipe transforms ordinary canned biscuits into a delectable dessert that brings apple pie flavors to your table in a fraction of the time. The warm spices and sweet apple filling create a comforting treat perfect for cool evenings or weekend brunches.
I first made these apple pie biscuits during a rainy Sunday afternoon when my kids were complaining of boredom. The smell of cinnamon and apples filled our kitchen, and now they request these sweet treats whenever the weather turns chilly.
Ingredients
- Buttermilk biscuits: From a can providing the perfect fluffy base that puffs beautifully while baking
- Apple pie filling: Offering ready to use sweetened apples that save significant prep time
- Melted butter: Creating that rich mouthfeel and helping the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere
- Brown sugar: Adding a deep caramel note that enhances the apple flavor
- Cinnamon: Delivering classic warmth that pairs perfectly with apples
- Nutmeg: Providing a subtle spice complexity that elevates the flavor profile
- Vanilla extract: Balancing the sweetness with aromatic depth
- Confectioners sugar: Creating a smooth glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch
- Milk: Thinning the glaze to the ideal drizzling consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. Use butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat the sides as well as the bottom.
- Prepare The Biscuits:
- Take each buttermilk biscuit and gently flatten it using your palm or a rolling pin until it forms a disc about 4 inches across. Be careful not to tear the dough or make it too thin. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of chopped apple pie filling into the center of each flattened biscuit.
- Seal The Biscuits:
- Carefully fold the edges of each biscuit up and over the filling, bringing them toward the center. Pinch the edges firmly to seal completely, forming a little pouch. Ensure there are no openings where filling can escape during baking.
- Create The Coating:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is well blended and the sugar begins to dissolve. The warmth of the melted butter will help the spices release their aromatic oils.
- Coat The Biscuits:
- One by one, dip each filled and sealed biscuit into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides. Place them in your prepared baking dish with a small space between each biscuit.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and ensure the biscuits are cooked through. The filling will become hot and bubbly.
- Prepare The Icing:
- While the biscuits are baking, whisk together the confectioners sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or more sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Finish And Serve:
- Allow the biscuits to cool for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This cooling period helps the filling set slightly. Drizzle the prepared icing over the warm biscuits and serve while still warm for the best taste experience.
The cinnamon and brown sugar coating is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. When I first tested these biscuits, I tried them with just a simple glaze, but adding that extra cinnamon sugar layer creates a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy biscuit and warm apple filling. My daughter now calls these her "apple pie pillows" and helps me pinch the dough closed when we make them together.
Make Ahead Options
These apple pie biscuits work wonderfully as a make ahead treat. You can prepare them up to the point of baking, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time. The icing can also be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature before drizzling.
Flavor Variations
While apple is a classic filling choice, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to other fruit fillings. Try cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for delicious alternatives. You can also experiment with the spice blend by adding cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile. For a maple twist, replace the vanilla in the coating with maple extract and add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the icing for a delightful autumn variation.
Serving Suggestions
These apple pie biscuits shine on their own, but can be elevated into a more decadent dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, pair them with a savory egg casserole to balance the sweetness. During holiday gatherings, arrange them on a platter with other mini desserts for a festive treat. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, you can substitute canned biscuits with homemade dough. Just ensure it's soft and pliable for easy wrapping around the filling.
- → What can I use instead of apple pie filling?
You can use fresh apples cooked with sugar and spices, or other pie fillings like cherry or peach for variety.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Ensure the biscuit edges are fully sealed by pinching them tightly. Flatten the dough slightly to make wrapping easier.
- → Can these biscuits be made ahead of time?
You can prepare them and refrigerate before baking, but it's best to bake them fresh to enjoy their full texture and flavor.
- → Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Reheat in the oven to maintain their texture and freshness.