Apple Pie Biscuits: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Apple Pie Biscuits: the very words conjure up images of cozy autumn days, the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air, and the comforting warmth of a homemade treat. But what if I told you that you could experience all of that in a fraction of the time, with a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious? Forget spending hours crafting a traditional apple pie; these delightful biscuits offer all the flavor of your favorite fall dessert in a convenient, hand-held package.

While the exact origins of combining apple pie filling with biscuit dough are somewhat shrouded in mystery, the concept draws upon the rich history of both components. Apple pie, a symbol of American comfort food, has evolved over centuries, adapting to available ingredients and culinary trends. Biscuits, on the other hand, boast a similarly long and varied past, with roots in European hardtack and evolving into the soft, fluffy delights we know and love today. Marrying these two classics creates a modern twist on tradition, a celebration of familiar flavors in an exciting new form.

People adore these Apple Pie Biscuits for so many reasons! The flaky, buttery biscuit provides the perfect canvas for the sweet and tangy apple filling. The combination of textures – the crisp exterior of the biscuit and the soft, yielding apples – is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful dessert, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of apple pie in every single bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Biscuits:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• For the Apple Pie Filling:
• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

Preparing the Apple Pie Filling:

Okay, let’s start with the heart of these biscuits – the apple pie filling! This is where all that delicious apple pie flavor comes from, and trust me, it’s worth the effort.

1. Prep the Apples: First things first, peel, core, and dice your apples. I like to use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor, but you can definitely stick to your favorite. Aim for small, even dice so they cook evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
3. Toss with Apples: Add the diced apples to the bowl with the sugar mixture and toss gently to coat. Make sure all the apple pieces are nicely covered. This helps the apples release their juices and thicken the filling as it cooks.
4. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor of the apples but also helps to prevent them from browning.
5. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the apples to be soft but still hold their shape a little. If the filling seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of water. If it’s too wet, continue cooking until it thickens.
6. Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apple pie filling cool slightly while you prepare the biscuit dough. This prevents the hot filling from melting the butter in the dough, which is crucial for flaky biscuits.

Making the Biscuit Dough:

Now for the biscuits! Don’t be intimidated – biscuit dough is actually quite simple to make. The key is to keep everything cold and not overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will result in tough biscuits, and we definitely don’t want that!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is essential for light and fluffy biscuits.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This is what creates those flaky layers in the biscuits. If you’re using your fingertips, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until it comes together.
4. Turn Out and Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough 5-6 times, just until it comes together into a cohesive mass. Again, be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.

Assembling the Apple Pie Biscuits:

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to layer that delicious apple pie filling into the biscuit dough and create those beautiful, flaky biscuits.

1. Spread the Filling: Spread the cooled apple pie filling evenly over the rolled-out biscuit dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
2. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, gently roll up the dough into a log. Be careful not to roll it too tightly, as this can prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
3. Cut into Biscuits: Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 10-12 biscuits.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the biscuits, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents the biscuits from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

Baking and Finishing Touches:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties and add that final touch of cinnamon sugar goodness.

1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
2. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives the biscuits a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered biscuits.
4. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Keep everything cold: This is the most important tip for making flaky biscuits. Cold butter and buttermilk will create steam as they bake, resulting in those beautiful layers.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Use a sharp knife or bench scraper: This will help you cut the biscuits cleanly without squishing them.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the biscuits enough space to expand as they bake.
• Enjoy them warm: These biscuits are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Variations:

• Add nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple pie filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different spices: Experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or ginger, in the apple pie filling.
• Add a glaze: Drizzle the baked biscuits with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• Make them savory: Omit the sugar and cinnamon from the apple pie filling and add some shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for a savory twist.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug in biscuit form! These Apple Pie Biscuits are truly a must-try because they capture the essence of fall baking in a fraction of the time. Forget spending hours slaving over a traditional pie crust; these biscuits deliver that comforting apple pie flavor with a delightful, flaky texture that’s simply irresistible. The combination of tender, buttery biscuit dough and the sweet, spiced apple filling is a match made in culinary heaven. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert.

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! For a truly decadent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor. You could even experiment with different apple varieties – Honeycrisp for extra sweetness, Granny Smith for a tart kick, or a blend of both for the perfect balance. For a festive touch during the holidays, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the biscuit dough itself.

Looking for serving suggestions? These biscuits are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. They make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. And if you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they’re delicious warmed up the next day. You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delightful breakfast treat.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The aroma alone, as these Apple Pie Biscuits bake in the oven, is enough to make your mouth water and fill your home with warmth and comfort. The ease of preparation makes it a perfect recipe for beginner bakers, while the delicious results will impress even the most seasoned cooks.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible biscuits. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something special, something that will bring joy to your family and friends.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve baked your own batch of these delightful Apple Pie Biscuits, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking! Let me know what you think and if you have any questions. I can’t wait to see your creations!