Apple Pie Bubble Up is the kind of cozy, nostalgic dessert that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, apples, and buttery biscuits melting together into warm, gooey perfection. It takes everything you love about classic apple pie—the sweet apples, the warm spices, the caramel-like syrup—and transforms it into an easy, bubbly bake loaded with tender biscuit pieces that puff up beautifully.
Every spoonful delivers soft apple filling coated in buttery cinnamon sugar with golden peaks of dough that taste like mini cinnamon dumplings. It’s simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for holidays, and comforting enough to become a family favorite instantly. Serve warm with ice cream or caramel sauce for a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
Equipment You Will Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small saucepan (optional for caramel drizzle)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients List
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (homestyle or buttermilk)
- 2 cans (20–21 oz each) apple pie filling
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Optional: caramel sauce, chopped pecans, cinnamon sugar topping, ice cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the baking dish and set it aside. Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. Place the biscuit pieces in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Pour this mixture over the biscuit pieces, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Add the apple pie filling to the bowl and fold it into the biscuit mixture. Be gentle to keep the biscuit pieces intact while still distributing apples evenly.
Transfer everything into your baking dish, spreading the mixture into an even layer. Press lightly to settle the ingredients but avoid compacting them too much. The biscuits need room to puff up as they bake.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden, the biscuits have bubbled up beautifully, and the apple filling is thick and bubbly around the edges.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last part of baking. Once done, remove from the oven and let the dessert rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken and the biscuits to set. Serve warm with ice cream or caramel drizzle.
Expert Tips for Success
Cutting biscuits into evenly sized pieces ensures the entire dish bakes uniformly. Coating the dough thoroughly in cinnamon sugar helps create caramelized edges and deep flavor. When mixing, fold gently—overhandling the biscuits can deflate them or cause uneven puffing.
Always spread the mixture loosely; tightly packing prevents rising and results in dense sections. Make sure the butter is fully melted so it blends smoothly with the sugars and spices.
Choose high-quality apple pie filling for best results, or customize canned filling with extra cinnamon, lemon, or nutmeg. If the filling seems too thick, add a splash of apple cider. Baking until the top is deep golden ensures the biscuits are fully cooked inside.
Letting the dish cool is essential—hot bubble-ups are extra molten and need time to set before serving. If you want crispier tops, broil for the last minute while watching carefully.
For extra richness, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway to ensure even baking. Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for the most even heat distribution.
Always check the center with a fork—if dough comes out sticky, bake a few minutes longer. Small adjustments ensure perfect, consistent results every time.
Variations and Substitutions
Make a caramel-apple version by drizzling caramel sauce over the biscuit pieces before baking. For extra fall flavor, add pumpkin pie spice or a splash of maple syrup.
If you prefer fresh apples, replace one can of pie filling with diced apples sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. For a crunchier texture, sprinkle cinnamon streusel on top before baking.
Turn this into a pecan-apple cobbler by adding chopped pecans throughout the mixture. For a bakery-style twist, mix cream cheese cubes into the batter for pockets of creamy richness. A cherry-apple bubble up can be made by swapping one can of filling with cherry pie filling. Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits for a softer, layered texture.
Add cranberries for a holiday-inspired version bursting with tart pops. For a breakfast-style bubble up, drizzle with icing like a cinnamon roll. Gluten-free dough can be substituted with similar results; just adjust baking time slightly. There are endless ways to adapt this dish depending on the season or your craving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream—the contrast between hot, gooey apple filling and cold, creamy ice cream is unbeatable. Caramel drizzle adds richness, while a dusting of cinnamon sugar enhances the warm spice aroma. Whipped cream works beautifully for a lighter topping. For an elegant presentation, top with fresh apple slices or toasted pecans.
Pair this dessert with coffee, chai tea, spiced cider, or hot cocoa for cozy evenings. During holidays, serve with mulled wine or creamy eggnog. For brunch, offer alongside cinnamon rolls, fruit salad, breakfast casseroles, or yogurt parfaits. You can also serve small squares with brunch boards for a sweet complement to savory items.
Create a dessert board featuring the bubble up, fresh fruit, caramel dip, and cinnamon tortilla chips. Serve cooled slices with sharp cheddar for a classic apple-and-cheese pairing. This dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday parties, and fall celebrations.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Oven reheating helps restore crisp edges and fluffy biscuit texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the biscuits.
To freeze, allow the bubble up to cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, reheat in the oven to restore texture. If the dessert dries slightly during reheating, drizzle with caramel or add a splash of warm apple cider over the slice before warming.
Frozen portions can be reheated individually using an air fryer, which creates crisp tops. Bubble up maintains flavor well after freezing thanks to the moisture from the apple filling. Proper storage ensures the dessert stays luscious and satisfying even days later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Yes—just sauté them first for softness and sweetness.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my biscuits doughy?
They need more baking time or less compact layering.
Can I use cinnamon rolls instead of biscuits?
Absolutely—it creates a sweeter, cinnamon-packed dessert.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—use an 8×8-inch pan and reduce baking time slightly.
