Apple Bubble Up Casserole – Cozy Caramel Apple Bliss
The scent of bubbling apples, cinnamon, and caramel wafting from the oven is pure fall magic. Apple Bubble Up Casserole is one of those recipes that make your kitchen smell like an apple orchard met a bakery. It’s gooey, soft, lightly crisped on top, and loaded with all the cozy flavors that define comfort baking. Whether served as a brunch centerpiece or an after-dinner treat, this casserole captures everything we love about caramel apples in an irresistibly easy form.
There’s something nostalgic about peeling apples and opening a can of biscuits on a crisp morning. The sound of that pop from the biscuit tube signals that something comforting is about to happen. In this recipe, fluffy biscuit dough “bubbles up” around tender cinnamon apples, creating golden-brown pockets drenched in caramel. It’s a delightful mess of textures — soft inside, toasty on top, and sweetly sticky all over.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count each), cut into quarters
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for icing drizzle)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix the Sweet Coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to blend the spices evenly.
- Add the Apples: Toss the diced apples into the sugar mixture until well coated and fragrant. The apples should glisten with cinnamon sweetness.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into quarters. Add them to the bowl with apples and gently stir to coat.
- Add the Butter & Vanilla: Pour melted butter and vanilla extract over the mixture, stirring until all biscuit pieces are coated with the buttery spiced sugar.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until biscuits are puffed, golden, and bubbling with caramel around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before drizzling icing over the top.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the warm casserole.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop generous portions into bowls, drizzle with extra caramel, and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, or mix them with Honeycrisp for sweetness.
- To prevent sogginess, don’t overmix the dough and apple mixture before baking.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
- Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Apple Bubble Up Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Toss diced apples in the sugar mixture until coated.
- Add biscuit dough pieces, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir to coat.
- Spread mixture in baking dish, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle pecans.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until biscuits are golden and bubbly.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for icing; drizzle over baked casserole.
- Serve warm with extra caramel drizzle.
Notes
Variations
- Apple Pie Twist: Add a few spoonfuls of apple pie filling for an even richer apple flavor.
- Maple Version: Replace caramel sauce with pure maple syrup for a breakfast-friendly version.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans — the casserole is still perfectly delicious and gooey without them.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a pinch of allspice for an autumn-inspired fusion.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Bubble Up Casserole is wonderfully versatile. Serve it warm as a breakfast casserole with coffee or tea, or make it your go-to fall dessert. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside bacon, eggs, and fruit salad to balance its sweetness.
Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This dish also freezes well — just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQ
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning fresh for best results.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Absolutely. If you prefer homemade dough, go for it — just ensure it’s a similar texture to canned biscuits for proper bubbling.
Can I skip the icing?
Of course! The caramel drizzle alone adds plenty of sweetness. The icing just adds an extra bakery-style touch.
History / Fun Facts
The term “bubble up” casserole comes from the way biscuit dough rises during baking, bubbling up through the filling and creating pockets of air. This method gained popularity in the 1980s as a shortcut for busy families who loved casseroles but wanted something quicker than traditional cobblers or pies. Over the years, creative home cooks have adapted the idea with everything from pizza to cinnamon roll versions — and this Apple Bubble Up Casserole is one of the most beloved. It captures the essence of apple pie with a tenth of the effort.
Each bite feels like a warm hug — buttery, cinnamon-spiced, and kissed with caramel. It’s the kind of dish that reminds us why fall cooking is so special: cozy, easy, and meant to be shared.
