Cinnamon Crunch Apple Pie Cathead Biscuits
These Cinnamon Crunch Apple Pie Cathead Biscuits are soft and fluffy on the inside with perfectly golden, crisp edges. Every bite is filled with apple pie goodness folded right into the biscuit dough, then finished with a sweet cinnamon crunch topping. Serve them warm with butter, apple butter, flaky sea salt, and a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy fall breakfast or brunch.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Cake Flour: Creates a lighter, tender biscuit texture with a fine crumb. See the notes section on the recipe card below for a homemade version.
All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure and balance to the dough for fluffy yet sturdy biscuits.
Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens the biscuit dough without overpowering the apple pie filling.
Baking Powder: Provides lift and helps the biscuits rise tall and fluffy.
Baking Soda: Works with buttermilk to create extra rise and softness.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, spiced flavor to the biscuits, filling, and topping.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors throughout the recipe.
Salted Butter: Used cold and grated into the dough for flakiness, and melted into the apple pie filling for richness.
Buttermilk: Brings moisture, tang, and tenderness to the dough; also brushed on top for the crunch topping.
Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and moisture for soft, fluffy biscuits (sour cream can be used instead).
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Adds sweet, aromatic flavor to both dough and filling.
Apples: Diced and cooked into the filling, bringing tart, juicy apple pie flavor (Granny Smith recommended).
Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens both the apple pie filling and cinnamon crunch topping with caramel-like depth.
Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and warm fall flavor to the apple pie filling.
Apple Pie Spice: Boosts cozy fall flavors with nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the apple pie filling so it stays gooey without being runny.
Heavy Cream (Optional): Can be used instead of buttermilk for brushing the tops, giving a golden crunch.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Crunch Apple Pie Cathead Biscuits:
Soft And Fluffy Centers: The biscuits bake up light, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside.
Golden And Crisp Outside: Perfectly browned edges give each biscuit a satisfying crunch.
Apple Pie In Every Bite: The apple pie filling is folded right into the dough for cozy flavor throughout.
Cinnamon Crunch Topping: A sweet, spiced topping adds extra texture and flavor.
Fall-Inspired Flavor: Warm cinnamon and apple pie notes make these biscuits taste like autumn.
Easy To Serve: Delicious with butter, apple butter, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Perfect With Coffee: Best enjoyed warm alongside a hot cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: A unique twist on biscuits that will impress family and friends.
Tips for Making Cinnamon Crunch Apple Pie Cathead Biscuits:
Use Cold Butter: Cold butter worked into the dough creates steam pockets for flaky, fluffy biscuits.
Fold In Apple Filling Gently: Mix just enough so the apple pie filling is evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level flour into the measuring cup, or weigh ingredients for the most consistent results.
Don’t Overmix The Dough: Overworking can make biscuits tough instead of tender.
Make Biscuits Big: Cathead biscuits are traditionally large, giving them their signature fluffy centers.
Add Cinnamon Crunch Topping Generously: Cover the tops well so each biscuit bakes with a crisp, spiced crust.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Look for crisp edges and a golden top to know they’re ready.
Serve Warm: These biscuits taste best fresh out of the oven with butter, apple butter, or flaky sea salt.
Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to bring back the softness and crunch.
How to Store Cinnamon Crunch Apple Pie Cathead Biscuits:
Room Temperature: Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep biscuits in the fridge for up to 5 days to extend freshness. Reheat before serving for best texture.
Freezer: Wrap cooled biscuits individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat From Frozen: Warm frozen biscuits in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Cinnamon Crunch Topping: The topping stays crisp best when biscuits are reheated in the oven rather than the microwave.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can assemble the biscuits in the pan, then place the pan covered in the refrigerator overnight. Top and bake as instructed the next day!
Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade?
A: Yes, canned filling will work, but homemade gives better texture and a fresher, spiced apple flavor.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A: No, cathead biscuits do not require chilling, but keeping the butter cold is key for fluffy, flaky layers.
Q: Can I make these biscuits smaller?
A: Yes, but traditional cathead biscuits are large and rustic. If you make them smaller, reduce the bake time slightly.
Q: How do I know when the biscuits are done?
A: The tops should be golden brown, the cinnamon crunch topping crisp, and the centers baked through.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore the crisp topping and fluffy texture.
Q: Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
A: Yes, portion the dough, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q: What do these biscuits pair best with?
A: Serve them warm with butter, apple butter, flaky sea salt, and a hot cup of coffee for the perfect cozy pairing.
Love these? Check out my other fall breakfast recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these cinnamon crunch apple pie cathead biscuits. Happy baking!
