There’s something magical about the combination of warm apples, fragrant cinnamon, and buttery pastry. It instantly brings memories of home, family, and comforting traditions. My Nonna used to say that the best recipes are the ones that make you close your eyes and smile on the first bite—and these Apple Pie Biscuits do exactly that.
They’re a beautiful marriage of two timeless American classics: flaky Southern-style buttermilk biscuits and gooey, spiced apple pie. Whether you’re prepping a rustic brunch, looking for a quick holiday dessert, or just want a sweet treat with your coffee, these biscuits are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this dessert in the oven in no time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using canned biscuits and pie filling means no complicated steps or rare ingredients.
- Perfect for the Season: With cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples, it’s the ultimate cozy weather comfort food.
- Versatile: Serve them as a brunch treat, an afternoon snack, or even a quick dessert for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Biscuits:
- 1 can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling, chopped into smaller chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- A sprinkle of sea salt for contrast
- Craisins or raisins for extra texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round baking dish or a cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will coat each biscuit with a sweet, spiced crust.
Step 3: Butter Bath
Melt your butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip each biscuit into the butter, coating completely, and then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 4: Arrange and Layer
Place the coated biscuits into your baking dish, spaced just slightly apart. Spoon generous dollops of chopped apple pie filling between and over the biscuits. Drizzle any remaining butter and sugar mixture over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Step 6: Glaze It
While the biscuits are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Once the biscuits are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Make it from Scratch: If you’re feeling ambitious, make your own buttermilk biscuits and apple filling. It takes more time but offers complete control over flavor and texture.
- Add Texture: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a dash of clove or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Serve Warm: These are best fresh out of the oven. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Presentation Ideas
Make these biscuits extra special by serving them:
- In individual ramekins for a more elegant dessert
- On a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and apple slices
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Story Behind the Dish
Growing up in an Italian-American household, biscuits weren’t exactly on the regular menu—until Nonna tried them once on a visit to Georgia. She came back raving about “those fluffy American breads” and decided to create her own sweet version by adding cinnamon apples and her classic glaze.
That blend of cultures is what I love most about this recipe—it combines Southern soul food with the love and creativity of a traditional Italian kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to gather the whole family around the table, even if just for a sweet snack.
Variations and Swaps
- Pumpkin Pie Biscuits: Swap apple pie filling for pumpkin puree mixed with sugar and pumpkin spice.
- Berry Biscuits: Use mixed berry pie filling and a lemon glaze for a bright twist.
- Mini Bites: Use mini biscuits and a muffin tin to create bite-sized apple pie bombs.