These Apple and Dried Fruit Biscuits are the perfect treat when you’re craving something both healthy and delicious. Packed with natural sweetness from apples and dried fruits, along with the satisfying crunch of nuts, these biscuits offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Not only are they simple to make, but they can also be baked in the oven or cooked in a pan, offering flexibility for different cooking methods. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack, a breakfast option, or a treat to pair with your afternoon tea, these biscuits are a versatile choice that everyone will enjoy.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 apple, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- 1/4 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you are cooking in a pan, heat it over medium heat.
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Prepare the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the grated apple, dried fruits, and chopped nuts. Set aside.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
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Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter or coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Add the apple and dried fruit mixture, and stir gently to incorporate.
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Shape the biscuits: Using your hands or a spoon, form the dough into small biscuit-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re cooking them in a pan, form the dough into patties.
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Bake or cook:
- For oven baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- For pan cooking: Heat a little oil in the pan and cook each biscuit for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm with a cup of tea or as a quick snack any time of the day.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, assuming 8 servings)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Apple and Dried Fruit Biscuits are a delicious and wholesome option for any time of day. The apples add a natural sweetness, while the dried fruits provide a chewy contrast. The nuts give them an extra crunch and boost of protein, making them more satisfying. They’re easy to make and versatile, whether you’re in the mood for oven-baked biscuits or want to cook them on the stove. These biscuits are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying a nutritious snack.
Simple and Versatile
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can adjust the type of dried fruit and nuts based on what you have available, or even swap in non-dairy alternatives for a vegan version. Additionally, they can be baked or pan-cooked depending on your preference or available time, making them an adaptable option for busy days.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Use fresh apples: Fresh, juicy apples will yield better flavor and texture in these biscuits. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties based on your preference.
- Chop the nuts finely: Chopping the nuts finely will help ensure they distribute evenly throughout the biscuit dough, giving each bite a balanced crunch.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, you can increase the honey or maple syrup slightly, but be careful not to make the dough too wet.
- Don’t overmix: To keep the biscuits soft and tender, be sure not to overmix the dough once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Serving Suggestions
- With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these biscuits as a lovely addition to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- As a Snack: These biscuits are perfect as a quick snack throughout the day, providing natural sweetness and energy.
- For Breakfast: Pair them with yogurt and fruit for a wholesome breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.
Variations to Try
- Add Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for a different flavor profile.
- Use Different Fruits: Experiment with different dried fruits, such as figs, dates, or raisins, to change up the taste.
- Add Oats: Incorporating some rolled oats into the dough can provide an additional texture and make the biscuits even more filling.
Conclusion
These Apple and Dried Fruit Biscuits are a versatile, healthy treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, they make for a great snack, breakfast option, or afternoon treat. The best part is that they’re easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste, so you can enjoy them however you like. Whether you bake them in the oven or cook them in a pan, these biscuits are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the uncooked biscuits and bake them later.
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Can I substitute the dried fruits with fresh fruit? Fresh fruits will not work as well because they contain more moisture. However, you can experiment with using dried fruits that are less sugary or swap them for your preferred dried fruit combination.
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Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
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How should I store these biscuits? Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
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Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or coconut? Absolutely! Feel free to add any extras like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a handful of seeds for a customized version of this recipe.