There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm, buttery biscuits infused with the sweet and spiced flavors of apple pie. These flaky apple pie biscuits bring together the best of both worlds—tender, homemade biscuits and a rich, cinnamon-apple filling. Whether you’re looking for a quick fall dessert, a comforting breakfast option, or a new treat to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
If you love classic fall baking, you’ll appreciate how these biscuits capture the essence of a traditional apple pie without the hassle of making a full pie crust. The layers of flaky dough provide the perfect contrast to the soft, caramelized apples, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. For an extra touch, a simple vanilla glaze drizzled on top makes them even more irresistible.
These biscuits are a fantastic addition to your fall baking list. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a cozy glass of apple cider. Plus, they require only basic pantry ingredients, making them an easy choice when you want to whip up something special. If you’re a fan of comfort food desserts, you might also enjoy exploring different variations of biscuits, like those found in homemade biscuit recipes. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into this simple yet decadent recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that is both simple and indulgent, these flaky apple pie biscuits are the perfect choice. They combine the rich, buttery texture of classic biscuits with a sweet, spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.
Key Reasons to Try This Recipe
- Easy to Make – No complicated techniques or special equipment required.
- Quick Bake Time – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a cozy fall treat.
- Flaky and Tender Texture – Thanks to the cold butter and proper biscuit-making techniques.
- Rich Apple Cinnamon Flavor – The apple filling is perfectly spiced, creating a warm, comforting taste.
These biscuits are a great alternative to a full-sized apple pie, especially if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the classic flavors of fall. The combination of caramelized apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar makes them irresistible. Plus, you can customize them by adding nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a touch of cheddar cheese for a unique twist.
For more inspiration, check out these easy apple pie desserts to explore creative variations of this recipe. Once you make these flaky, buttery biscuits, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Making flaky apple pie biscuits doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and fresh apples. Below is everything you’ll need, along with some possible substitutions to customize the recipe to your taste or dietary needs.
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the biscuits rise and stay fluffy. Learn more about baking powder and its role in baking.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the biscuits.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Essential for creating those flaky layers. You can use salted butter and adjust the added salt accordingly. Dairy-free? Try vegan butter or coconut oil.
- ¾ cup milk – Helps form the dough. Substitute with buttermilk for extra tenderness or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced – The star ingredient! Best varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Need ideas? Check out this guide to apple varieties.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness to the filling.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- ½ tsp cinnamon – The warm spice that defines apple pie flavor. Want to enhance it? Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the apple filling’s flavor. Learn more about vanilla extract and its importance in baking.
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar – Creates the sweet drizzle on top. You can use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
- 1 tbsp milk – Adjusts the glaze’s consistency. Swap with heavy cream for a richer drizzle or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds extra depth to the glaze’s flavor.
These simple ingredients come together to create tender, golden-brown biscuits filled with a warm, spiced apple center. With so many variations possible, you can easily make this recipe your own!
How to Make Flaky Apple Pie Biscuits (Step-by-Step)
Making flaky apple pie biscuits is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve buttery layers, a warm spiced apple filling, and a perfect golden brown finish.
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and dice two medium apples into small, even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add the diced apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples in the sugar and spice mixture.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but still hold their shape.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor. Learn more about the magic of caramelization and how it enhances the sweetness of your filling.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add ¼ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is key to achieving flaky layers.
- Slowly pour in ¾ cup milk, stirring gently until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits tough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it comes together.
Step 3: Roll, Cut, and Fill
- Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use a round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out biscuit shapes.
- Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon a small amount of the apple filling onto each biscuit, pressing it slightly into the dough.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up and golden brown.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze.
For more biscuit-making inspiration, check out these homemade biscuit recipes to explore different techniques.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust consistency as needed—add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner drizzle.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the glaze over the warm biscuits for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the flaky, buttery layers with the rich apple-cinnamon filling!
For creative glaze ideas, check out these glaze drizzle techniques to achieve a bakery-style look.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Biscuits
Achieve bakery-quality biscuits with these expert tips:
- Keep the Butter Cold – The key to flaky layers is ensuring the butter stays cold while mixing. Consider chilling the dough for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – Handle the dough gently to avoid tough biscuits.
- Use the Right Apples – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for a balanced sweetness and texture. Check out this guide to the best apples for baking.
- Prevent Soggy Biscuits – Avoid adding too much apple filling, as excess moisture can make the biscuits soft instead of crisp.
- Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Variations & Add-Ons
Want to customize your flaky apple pie biscuits? Try these delicious twists:
- Caramel Apple Biscuits – Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Apple Biscuits – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
- Cheddar Apple Biscuits – Mix in sharp cheddar cheese to the dough for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Air Fryer Apple Biscuits – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of using the oven.
For more fall dessert ideas, explore these easy apple pie desserts for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Coffee or Tea – The buttery, cinnamon-spiced flavor goes perfectly with a warm drink.
- Add Whipped Cream – For an extra decadent touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve with Ice Cream – Enjoy them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make a Biscuit Sandwich – Slice the biscuit and add a spread of apple butter or cream cheese.
Want more seasonal baking inspiration? Check out these fall baking recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough. Just add the apple filling and bake as instructed.
2. What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples provide the best balance of tartness and sweetness, but Honeycrisp and Fuji apples also work well.
3. Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it wrapped in plastic in the fridge. When ready to bake, roll it out and proceed with the recipe.
4. How do I make a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. The results will still be soft and flaky.
5. Can I bake these in an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
6. Why didn’t my biscuits rise properly?
If your biscuits didn’t rise, check these common issues:
- Your baking powder may be expired.
- The butter wasn’t cold enough when mixing.
- The dough was overworked, making the biscuits dense.
How to Make Flaky Apple Pie Biscuits – A Perfect Fall Treat!
These flaky apple pie biscuits are the perfect blend of buttery, tender biscuits and a sweet, spiced apple filling. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this quick and easy recipe brings the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie to your breakfast or dessert table. Drizzled with a vanilla glaze, these biscuits are a must-try fall treat!
- Author: Clara
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup milk
For the apple filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until a dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead a few times.
- Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon a small amount of the apple filling onto each biscuit, pressing slightly into the dough.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm biscuits before serving.
Notes
- est Apples to Use: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating Instructions: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Glaze Variation: Add a dash of maple syrup or cinnamon for extra fall flavor.