If you’re searching for a warm, comforting treat that brings together the crispness of apples with the cozy spice of cinnamon, you have to try the Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe. This delightful dish is the perfect balance of tender, flaky biscuits loaded with juicy bits of Granny Smith apples and a sweet cinnamon kick. Each bite offers a nostalgic taste that feels like a hug on a plate, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime indulgence. Once you dive in, these swim biscuits will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet come together to create a rich and flavorful biscuit experience. Each component plays a key role in the texture, sweetness, and spice that make this recipe so irresistible.
- Granny Smith apples, 2 cups: Peeled, cored, and diced small to provide a tart and juicy freshness that balances the sweetness.
- Salted butter, 2 tablespoons (for apple mixture): Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples perfectly.
- Light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons: Gives a deep, molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
- Salted butter, ½ cup (for biscuit dough), chilled: Flaky biscuits depend on cold butter to create those irresistible layers.
- All-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups: The base that brings the biscuits structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Just the right touch of sweetness in the dough.
- Aluminum-free baking powder, 1 tablespoon: Ensures a wonderful rise without any metallic taste.
- Heavy cream, 2 cups: Adds moisture and a luscious richness that keeps the biscuits soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons: A subtle aroma that enhances the overall flavor, divided between dough and finishing touches.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: For a smooth glaze that adds sweetness and a pretty finish.
- Milk, 3 tablespoons: Used to create the perfect consistency for the glaze drizzle.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Mixed with the apple filling to give that signature warm, spicy taste.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a scorching 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is essential because it helps your biscuits rise beautifully and develop a golden, flaky crust that is just irresistible. While the oven heats up, spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure an easy release once baking is complete.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Mixture
In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine your diced Granny Smith apples with 2 tablespoons of salted butter, 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir once or twice as the butter and sugar melt, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples soften but still have a slight bite and take on a lovely translucence. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the biscuit dough.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is crucial—it ensures your biscuits rise evenly without lumps or uneven texture. This base is what will give you that tender crumb you dream of in any great biscuit.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Pour the heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the wet and dry mixtures together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should remain slightly sticky but softly combined. If you find it too sticky to handle, sprinkle a tablespoon more flour and fold again to reach the right consistency for spreading.
Step 5: Incorporate the Apple Mixture
Once your apples have cooled slightly, fold them gently into the biscuit dough. This step is so important as it evenly distributes the sweet and spiced apple pieces throughout the dough, ensuring each biscuit bite bursts with apple goodness without weighing the dough down.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits
Spread the biscuit mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a beautifully golden brown top and fully baked through biscuits. This baking time creates that coveted flaky texture and rich flavor.
Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
While the biscuits cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth in a small bowl. Keep an eye on the consistency here—add a little more milk or powdered sugar to get a nice, paintable drizzle. This glaze adds just the right amount of sugary contrast and a pretty finish.
Step 8: Drizzle and Rest
Drizzle your glaze in thin, even stripes over the slightly cooled biscuits. Give them a few minutes to rest, allowing the flavors to blend and the glaze to set slightly before you dive in for that first bite of comfort and sweetness.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped walnuts or pecans adds a wonderful crunch, while a light dusting of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar enhances the warm spice notes and makes your presentation pop. Fresh apple slices on the side can provide a crisp contrast to the soft biscuits.
Side Dishes
Pair these biscuits with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For breakfast or brunch, a drizzle of honey or a cup of hot coffee complements the Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe perfectly, balancing sweet and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these biscuits in rustic individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or cut into squares and stack them on a tiered platter for an eye-catching brunch centerpiece. You could even transform leftovers into a decadent bread pudding, keeping the apple and cinnamon flavors front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their freshness, consider storing them in the fridge if you need to keep them longer, though they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on your countertop for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring your biscuits back to that just-baked freshness, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness well, but you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter flavor or Braeburn for a more complex taste. Just make sure to dice them small and cook them until tender.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of milk and melted butter (about ¾ cup milk plus ¼ cup melted butter to make 1 cup), though the biscuits might be slightly less rich and tender. Full-fat buttermilk is another option but expect a bit more tanginess in the flavor.
Is it possible to make these biscuits vegan?
Yes, but with some modifications. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of salted butter and swap heavy cream for a thick plant-based alternative like canned coconut milk or cashew cream. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. However, results may vary, and it’s best to closely follow the blend’s guidelines for substitutions as the texture can be affected.
Why do I need to avoid overmixing the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten which can make your biscuits tough rather than tender and flaky. Gently folding the ingredients keeps the dough light and helps create that delicate, fluffy texture Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe is loved for.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little warmth and joy to your table. The balance of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and flaky biscuits created with simple yet thoughtful ingredients really sings with every bite. Whether you’re sharing these with loved ones or treating yourself, I promise this recipe will become one you reach for time and again. So go ahead, bake a batch, sip some coffee, and savor all the cozy goodness in each bite!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Apple Cinnamon Swim Biscuits, a perfect balance of tender, flaky biscuits filled with soft, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples and topped with a sweet, smooth glaze. Baked at high heat to achieve golden crusts and a fluffy interior, these biscuits are an irresistible treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 cups (about 250g) peeled, cored, small diced Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons (28g) salted butter
- 2 tablespoons (25g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Biscuit Dough
- ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) salted butter, chilled
- 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (divided: 1 teaspoon in dough, ½ teaspoon reserved)
Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure the biscuits rise nicely and develop a golden flaky crust. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Apple Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine diced Granny Smith apples, 2 tablespoons salted butter, 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the butter and sugar completely melt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly for 8 to 10 minutes, until apples soften and become lightly translucent but retain some texture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder until evenly combined and lump-free.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour 2 cups heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula to combine until just mixed, avoiding overmixing to keep the biscuits fluffy. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon flour and fold gently until manageable.
- Incorporate Apples into Dough: Once the apple mixture has cooled slightly, fold it carefully into the biscuit dough to distribute evenly and maintain moisture.
- Bake the Biscuits: Spread the biscuit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the biscuits are fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the biscuits cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity as needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled biscuits. Allow them to rest a few minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness and texture in the biscuits.
- Aluminum-free baking powder ensures a cleaner taste and better rise.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep biscuits tender and flaky.
- Allow the apple mixture to cool slightly before folding into the dough to prevent melting the cream.
- High oven temperature is key for a crisp crust and fluffy interior.
- Adjust glaze consistency by varying the milk amount to your preference.
