Chef Sarah Mitchell - Breakfast & Brunch Specialist
👨‍🍳 Breakfast Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Pastry Arts Graduate ⏰ 15+ Years Experience 🍽️ Brunch Menu Expert

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe came from my grandmother's Sunday morning tradition of making something special with whatever fruit was in season. The bubble up technique transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that fills your kitchen with the most incredible cinnamon-apple aroma."

Sarah specializes in breakfast and brunch recipes that are both impressive and approachable. She's spent over a decade developing recipes that bring families together around the breakfast table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown apple bubble up casserole with fluffy biscuit pieces bubbled up through cinnamon-spiced apples, dusted with powdered sugar in a white baking dish

The Magic of Bubble Up Casseroles

Bubble up casseroles get their name from the way biscuit dough pieces rise and 'bubble up' through the filling during baking, creating pockets of fluffy bread throughout the dish. The technique is forgiving and creates beautiful texture contrast between the soft, pillowy biscuits and the tender, spiced apples.

The key to success is cutting the biscuits into small enough pieces so they cook through completely while still maintaining their structure. Quarter-sized pieces are ideal, allowing them to absorb some of the apple juices while baking without becoming soggy.

💡 Professional Tip

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold, and keep it covered for the first 20 minutes.

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination work wonderfully. Avoid Red Delicious as they become too soft. Firm, slightly tart apples hold up best during baking.

Absolutely! Use your favorite biscuit recipe and cut the dough into small pieces. Homemade dough may absorb more liquid, so you might want to add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of apple juice.

The biscuits should be golden brown on top and cooked through (not doughy) when you break one open. The apples should be fork-tender, and the juices should be bubbling around the edges.

Yes, bake completely, cool, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

It works beautifully as both! Serve it for breakfast or brunch with coffee, or as a comforting dessert with vanilla ice cream. The sweetness level makes it versatile.

Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to half if using sweet apples. Keep most of the brown sugar as it adds depth and helps create the syrupy texture.

Half-and-half or whole milk work well. The cream adds richness, but the casserole will still be delicious with lighter dairy options.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Biscuits

Problem: Biscuit pieces are too soft and soggy

Solution: Don't over-mix the apples with biscuits, use less liquid, or bake 5-10 minutes longer. Make sure oven temperature is accurate.

✅

Dry Casserole

Problem: Casserole turns out dry with not enough sauce

Solution: Add more apple juice or use juicier apples. Cover with foil during the first half of baking to retain moisture.

✅

Uncooked Biscuits

Problem: Top is brown but biscuits inside are doughy

Prevention: Cover with foil and continue baking. Cut biscuit pieces smaller next time, or bake at a slightly lower temperature for longer.

✅

Too Watery

Problem: Too much liquid pooling at the bottom

Recovery: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the apple mixture, or let it rest 10-15 minutes after baking for liquid to be absorbed.

✅

Burnt Top

Problem: Top browns too quickly before biscuits cook through

Prevention: Tent with foil after 20 minutes of baking, or reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake longer.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or use more tart apples

Too Salty: Serve with unsweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt to balance

Bland: Increase cinnamon, add a pinch of cardamom, or add lemon zest to the apple mixture

Ingredients for apple bubble up casserole including fresh apples, refrigerated biscuit dough, cinnamon, sugars, and butter arranged on a marble countertop

Choosing the Perfect Apples

The foundation of an exceptional apple bubble up casserole is selecting the right apples. Firm varieties that hold their shape during baking are essential. Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and maintains a pleasant texture without turning mushy.

Using a combination of apple varieties creates complexity in both flavor and texture. The apples should be peeled and cut into uniform dice, about 1/2-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking. Fresh, crisp apples will release the right amount of juice during baking without making the casserole watery.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Apple Selection: Choose firm, fresh apples without bruises. A mix of tart and sweet varieties creates the most balanced flavor profile and best texture.
  • Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated flaky biscuits work best for bubble up casseroles. Look for layers in the dough that will create light, fluffy texture when baked.
  • Spice Quality: Fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a noticeable difference. If your spices have been in the cabinet for over a year, replace them for optimal flavor.
Apple bubble up casserole baking in the oven with golden biscuit pieces rising through cinnamon-spiced apples, creating beautiful texture

Mastering the Bubble Up Technique

The bubble up method relies on proper layering and liquid distribution. The biscuit pieces should be gently folded into the apple mixture rather than stirred vigorously, which keeps them intact and allows them to rise properly during baking. The liquid from the apples and added juices creates steam that helps the biscuits puff and cook through.

Even distribution is key - make sure biscuit pieces are spread throughout the dish rather than clumped together. The melted butter and cream drizzled on top add richness and help create a golden, slightly crispy top layer while keeping the interior moist and tender.

The Perfect Bubble

Cut biscuits into quarters for optimal size. Fold gently into apple mixture without overmixing. The pieces should be evenly distributed but still distinct, allowing them to rise and create those characteristic 'bubbles' during baking.

Apple Bubble Up Casserole

Prep 15 min
Cook 35 min
Serves 8 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

  • 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
    Flaky layers work best
  • 60g melted butter
    For richness and golden color
  • 60ml heavy cream
    Creates a luscious texture
  • Powdered sugar
    For finishing and presentation
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
    Perfect accompaniment when served as dessert

For the Biscuit Topping

  • 4 large apples, peeled and diced
    Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended
  • 100g granulated sugar
    Sweetens the apple filling
  • 100g brown sugar, packed
    Adds depth and caramel notes
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
    Classic apple spice
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
    Warm, aromatic spice
  • 120ml apple juice or cider
    Enhances apple flavor and creates sauce
  • 30g cornstarch
    Thickens the filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.

  2. Prepare Apple Filling

    In a large bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Add apple juice and vanilla extract, mixing well.

  3. Cut and Layer Biscuits

    Cut each biscuit into quarters. Gently fold biscuit pieces into the apple mixture until combined. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

  4. Add Butter and Cream

    Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. Pour heavy cream over the surface, allowing it to seep into the mixture.

  5. Bake and Serve

    Bake for 35-40 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and apples are tender. Let cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a breakfast dish with coffee or tea, or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. It's also delicious with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Variations

Add 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking, or add a cream cheese layer by dotting small pieces throughout the mixture.