I'm here to convince you that Apple Pie Biscuits are THE best alternative to apple pie! We've been making this recipe for over a decade, and it is still one of those recipes that everyone oohs and aahs over when we make it. Using refrigerated biscuits means you can avoid all the rolling, cutting, and hassle of making pie dough. Add my mother-in-law's homemade apple pie filling and bake it all in a skillet for a truly mouthwatering fall dessert.

Full pan of refrigerated biscuits covered in apple pie filling and drizzled with icing.

At least ten years ago while scrolling Pinterest, I saw a recipe on Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen for Apple Pie Biscuits. I was immediately inspired to make my own version!

Using biscuits as a shortcut was not a completely foreign idea to us (we've been making this Monkey Bread with Biscuits longer than I can remember). But I really didn't realize just how big of a hit it would become when I added the homemade filling.

Recipe Notes from Danielle & Misty

I won't lie, this recipe didn't take long to master at all! Over the years, we've learned that two things make all the difference: the coating and the filling.

A coating of butter and then cinnamon sugar is absolutely essential to making sure every bite has flavor, and the edges develop the tastiest little crunch.

The homemade filling takes this one to the bank. You get to use biscuits from the store, so I can't recommend enough taking the extra step to make the filling yourself. It's easy and you will taste the difference.

I made these with homemade cathead biscuits and WOWWW!! OMG words can't describe this! They were PERFECT!! Thank you so much for this recipe!! 😄

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Diana

Ingredients for apple pie dessert biscuits

A full list of ingredients and their quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.

Ingredients for dessert with homemade apple pie filling and biscuits.

Apples: Your goal is to use an apple that holds up well to baking. I often use Granny Smith, but McIntosh, Golden Delicious, and Gala are also great cooking apples.
Biscuits: Refrigerated biscuits are best for this recipe, although you can use frozen if needed. We have made this with every kind of Pillsbury Grands or generic alternative, including homestyle, flaky, and buttery. Homestyle is my personal favorite, but they all work!
Brown sugar: I typically use light brown sugar for a more mellow flavor, but if you like a stronger, more caramelized flavor you can use dark.

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How to make apple pie biscuits

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe skillet) with non-stick spray and add a couple of tablespoons (no need to be exact) of melted butter to the bottom, swirling it around to coat the surface.

Step 1: Apple pie filling

Mix together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan. Then add apples and lemon juice, stirring until well combined. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Three steps to cooking the perfect homemade apple pie filling.

Step 2: Dessert biscuits assembly

Melt the butter in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

One at a time, dip the biscuits in the butter allowing the excess to drip off. Then coat each side of the biscuit in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Place the biscuits in the prepared skillet, then add the apple mixture on top. Pour any leftover butter and cinnamon sugar mix on the top.

Step-by-step instructions for how to assemble biscuits and apple pie filling in cast iron skillet before baking.

Step 3: Baking instructions

Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough of the middle biscuit is soft but not raw. Once done, allow them to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before serving.

While they are cooling stir together the icing ingredients. Drizzle the icing evenly across the pan, then serve hot! P.S. These go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Biscuit topped with apple pie filling on a serving spatula.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

You can use canned filling, although the few minutes to make the homemade filling is sooo worth it. If you must use canned, you will need to cut the apple slices into about ½ inch pieces before adding them to the skillet.

Prep ahead and freezer notes

Without a doubt, these are best served fresh. But you have two options if you want to prepare ahead of time.

Option 1: Make the apple filling and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make the cinnamon sugar mixture and store at room temperature. Then assemble and bake as directed when ready.

Option 2: You can make the apple pie topping, cinnamon sugar mix, and icing as directed and place each in their own airtight container, then freeze them for 2-3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature, then assemble and bake as directed.

Cast iron pan filled with apple pie biscuits.

Tips & Tricks

Cut the apples into the correct size. Too large and they will be crunchy, too small and they will disintegrate.
Generously coat each biscuit with the cinnamon sugar mix. Now is not the time to get stingy.
Try to pile the apples up on top of the biscuits because they tend to slide off during cooking.

The BEST Apple Pie Dessert Biscuits

Recipe Notes from Danielle & Misty

Ingredients for apple pie dessert biscuits

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