Apple Pie Biscuits: A Perfect Fall Treat

Apple Pie Biscuits combine the best of both worlds: flaky, buttery biscuits and sweet, spiced apple pie filling. These warm, delicious biscuits are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re craving something comforting on a cool day or looking for a unique treat to share with family and friends, these apple pie biscuits are sure to hit the spot.

Why Make This Recipe

Sweet and Savory

These apple pie biscuits are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The flaky biscuit dough serves as a base for the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and the optional glaze adds a delightful touch of sweetness. It’s like enjoying an apple pie, but in biscuit form!

Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy ingredients. The apple filling comes together quickly on the stovetop, and the biscuit dough is easy to mix and assemble. The result is a warm, homemade treat that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These biscuits are versatile enough to serve as breakfast, dessert, or a treat for guests. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or as a cozy snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for the biscuit dough. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier version, but the texture may be slightly denser.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the biscuits rise. You can’t substitute this with baking soda as it won’t give the same lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances the flavor of the biscuits. You can reduce the amount if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Butter is key to creating flaky biscuits. You can substitute with cold margarine or even vegetable shortening, though butter will provide the best flavor.
• 1 cup cold milk: Milk helps bring the dough together. You can use any milk you prefer, including dairy-free options like almond milk or oat milk.

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Use any variety of apple, but tart apples like Granny Smith work best for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the apple filling. You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet filling or use honey as a substitute.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds depth and a bit of molasses flavor to the filling. You can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar if needed.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This thickens the apple filling. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or flour, but cornstarch works best for a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. You can use apple pie spice as a substitute if you have it on hand.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg pairs perfectly with cinnamon and enhances the apple flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can omit it, but it does add a lovely depth.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps create the syrupy filling. You can substitute with apple juice for added apple flavor.

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet glaze. You can use less sugar for a lighter glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired glaze consistency. You can substitute with cream for a richer glaze.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla to the glaze. You can use almond extract for a different flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the apple filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the filling has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Make the biscuit dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cold milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Assemble the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut the dough into squares or circles.
4. Fill the biscuits: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each biscuit. Gently press the edges of the dough around the filling to seal. Be sure the filling is enclosed by the dough.
5. Bake the biscuits: Place the filled biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.
6. Make the glaze (optional): While the biscuits are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the biscuits are done and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
7. Serve: Serve the apple pie biscuits warm for a delightful treat. They’re perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve Apple Pie Biscuits

These biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven, with the glaze drizzled on top. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a dessert, or even as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Store Apple Pie Biscuits

Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits will stay soft, and the apple filling will remain delicious. To reheat, place the biscuits in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Tips to Make Apple Pie Biscuits

1. Don’t overmix the dough: To keep the biscuits light and flaky, be gentle with the dough. Overmixing can result in dense biscuits.
2. Make the apple filling ahead of time: You can prepare the apple filling the night before to save time in the morning.
3. Use cold ingredients: For the best biscuit texture, make sure your butter and milk are cold before adding them to the dough.

Variations

• Add raisins or cranberries: For a little extra sweetness, add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling.
• Use other fruits: Try using pears or peaches in place of apples for a different flavor combination.
• Spiced glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these biscuits without the glaze?
Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet biscuit. The biscuits are still delicious with just the apple filling.

Can I use store-bought pie filling?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making your own.

Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked biscuits. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Biscuits are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. The combination of soft, buttery biscuits, sweet and spiced apple filling, and optional glaze makes for an indulgent treat that everyone will love. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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