Viral Apple Pie Pull Apart Bread

This apple pie pull-apart bread layers buttery cinnamon-sugar biscuits with a homemade apple pie filling, then bakes everything together in one loaf. The outside gets golden and caramelized while the center stays soft, gooey, and packed with warm cinnamon apples. It’s an easy fall dessert that gives you apple pie flavor without making pie dough from scratch.

Why You'll Love This Apple Pull Apart Bread

Every fall I start looking for new apple desserts to make, and since my Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread is already one of my favorites, I’ve been wanting to give it a seasonal twist. Then I came across this apple pie pull-apart bread from @dayana_bakes, and as soon as I saw the layers of cinnamon-sugar biscuits and apple filling, I knew I had to try it. I loved that she used refrigerated biscuits instead of homemade dough, so I kept that shortcut to make the recipe much easier.

The biscuits get coated in butter and cinnamon sugar, then layered with homemade apple pie filling before everything bakes into one gooey, pull-apart loaf. It has all those warm cinnamon-apple flavors I want this time of year, and it’s perfect for fall weekends, brunch, or anytime apple pie season rolls around.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoon butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoon water
• Pinch of salt

For the Bread:

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuits
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

How to Make Apple Pie Pull Apart Bread

Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Add the diced apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. Mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth, then stir it into the apples. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the filling thickens. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Biscuits

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Separate each refrigerated biscuit horizontally into 2 thinner pieces. Dip each piece in the melted butter, then coat both sides generously in the cinnamon sugar.

Step 3: Layer the Bread

Stand the biscuit pieces upright in the prepared loaf pan, adding spoonfuls of apple filling between the layers as you go. Continue layering until all of the biscuits and apple filling are used.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is deeply golden and the biscuits in the center are completely baked through. If the top starts browning before the middle is done, loosely cover the loaf with foil and continue baking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the apple pie pull-apart bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Pull apart the warm biscuit layers and spoon any extra apple filling from the pan over the top.

My Expert Tips for The Best Apple Pull Apart Bread

• Cut the apples into small, even pieces. Smaller chunks fit more easily between the biscuit layers and soften at the same rate without leaving big pieces that can push the loaf apart.
• Let the apple filling cool a little before layering. If it’s piping hot, it can soften the biscuit dough too much before the loaf even goes into the oven.
• Don’t overfill between the biscuit layers. A little apple filling in each layer goes a long way. Too much can make the loaf harder to bake through evenly.
• Pack the biscuits snugly, but don’t compress them. You want the pieces close enough to hold the loaf together while still leaving room for them to puff as they bake.
• Put the loaf pan on a sheet pan. The butter, cinnamon sugar, and apple juices can bubble over as the bread bakes, so a sheet pan underneath makes cleanup much easier.
• Check the center with a knife or skewer. The middle is the last part to bake through. If the center still looks doughy, cover the top loosely with foil and keep baking until the biscuit layers are fully cooked.
• Serve it warm. The cinnamon sugar, butter, and apple filling are at their best while the bread is still warm and soft, especially if you’re serving it for brunch or dessert.

Apple Pull Apart Bread FAQs

What is apple pie pull-apart bread?

Apple pie pull-apart bread is a sweet loaf made by layering pieces of biscuit dough with cinnamon sugar and apple pie filling. As it bakes, the biscuits puff up around the apples, creating soft layers that can be pulled apart and eaten warm.

What are the best apples for apple pie pull-apart bread?

Firm baking apples work best because they soften without completely breaking down. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or a combination of sweet and tart apples are all good choices.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes. Canned apple pie filling works if you want an even quicker version. Chop any large apple slices into smaller pieces before layering so the filling fits easily between the biscuits.

What kind of refrigerated biscuits should I use?

Standard refrigerated biscuits work well for this recipe. I like using Pillsbury and prefer a thicker biscuit that can be separated horizontally into thinner layers without falling apart.

Why is my pull-apart bread still doughy in the middle?

The center takes longer to bake because the loaf is made up of tightly packed biscuit layers and apple filling. If the top is already brown but the center is still underbaked, loosely cover the loaf with foil and continue baking until the middle biscuits are cooked through.

Can I make apple pie pull-apart bread ahead of time?

I recommend baking it close to when you plan to serve it for the best texture. You can make the apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate it, then assemble and bake the bread when you’re ready.

How should I store leftover apple pie pull-apart bread?

Store leftovers covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the loaf in a low oven before serving.

Can I add a glaze?

Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar glaze, vanilla icing, or even a caramel drizzle works really well over the warm bread. I’d add it shortly before serving so the biscuit layers don’t get overly soft. The glaze from my cinnamon roll pull apart bread would work great on this apple bread.

Is apple pie pull-apart bread breakfast or dessert?

It works as either. Serve it warm for a fall brunch or breakfast, or turn it into dessert with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. 

Viral Fall Recipes to Try Next

• Apple caramel cheesecake dip
• Pumpkin bread with maple glaze
• Pumpkin snickerdoodles
• Pumpkin fluff