Apple Pie Bombs

Introduction

Apple Pie Bombs are an irresistible twist on the classic apple pie. Imagine soft, flaky biscuit dough encasing a gooey, sweet apple filling, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. These delightful little treats are bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of fall, making them perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence when you’re craving something special.

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the comforting warmth of apple pie but don’t have the time to make a full pie, these Apple Pie Bombs are your solution. They offer all the flavors you love in a portable, easy-to-make, and fun-to-eat format. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or served with a scoop of ice cream, Apple Pie Bombs are guaranteed to impress.

One of the best things about Apple Pie Bombs is how customizable they are. You can add your own twist with caramel, nuts, or even different fruit fillings. The fact that they bake in just 10-12 minutes makes them a great dessert or snack option for when you’re short on time but still want to impress.

Let’s dive into this easy and scrumptious recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again!

Ingredients

For these Apple Pie Bombs, we’ve broken down the ingredients into categories to make the process smoother.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are the best options for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (helps prevent the apples from browning)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (adds moisture and depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the quintessential spice in apple pie)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds a warm, aromatic flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the filling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a layer of sweetness)
  • Pinch of salt (balances out the sweetness)

For the Bombs:

  • 1 package (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough (buttermilk or flaky variety works best, but you can use any brand)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the bombs and helping the cinnamon-sugar adhere)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon-sugar coating)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the sweet, warm topping)

Optional Toppings:

  • Caramel sauce (for drizzling over the bombs for extra indulgence)
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (to serve alongside the bombs for a decadent treat)

Directions

Making Apple Pie Bombs is easier than you think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make these delicious bites from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

The first thing you want to do is prepare the apple filling. This will give it time to cool before assembling the bombs.

  • Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. You want the apple pieces to be bite-sized, as they will cook down quickly inside the dough.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the apples are coated with the spices and sugars.
  • Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should begin to soften, and the filling should thicken. The cornstarch helps bind the sugar and juices from the apples into a thick, syrupy filling. The apples should still retain some texture, so don’t overcook them.
  • Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool for 5-10 minutes. If you want to speed up the process, you can transfer the mixture to the fridge for a bit, but make sure it cools down before using it in the bombs.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

While the apple filling is cooling, it’s time to prep the biscuit dough. This will form the base of your apple pie bombs.

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a convection oven, set it to convection mode for even baking.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  • Open the package of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit.
  • Flatten each biscuit slightly with your hands or a rolling pin. You don’t need to roll them out perfectly—just make them large enough to contain the apple filling. Aim for a diameter of about 3-4 inches.
  • Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each biscuit, being careful not to overfill. You want to leave enough dough around the edges to seal the bombs.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs

Now that the filling is ready and the dough is prepared, it’s time to assemble the Apple Pie Bombs.

  • Fold the edges of the biscuit dough over the apple filling, pinching the dough together to seal the filling inside. Make sure the dough is fully sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking. You can shape the dough into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
  • Once all the bombs are sealed, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, placing them about 1 inch apart from each other. This ensures they bake evenly.

Step 4: Coat the Bombs

The next step is to give the Apple Pie Bombs a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating that will bake into a crispy, golden crust.

  • Melt the butter in a small bowl. Brush each bomb generously with the melted butter, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  • Roll each butter-coated bomb in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. This will create a lovely sugary crust on the outside of the bombs as they bake.

Step 5: Bake the Apple Pie Bombs

It’s time to bake your Apple Pie Bombs and watch them transform into golden, crispy bites of apple pie goodness.

  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and puffed up.
  • The biscuit dough should be fully cooked, and the exterior should have a slightly crispy texture, with the cinnamon-sugar crust adding a touch of sweetness.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the bombs to cool for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be extremely hot inside, so give them a moment to settle.

Step 6: Serve

Once the Apple Pie Bombs have cooled slightly, they’re ready to enjoy!

  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for an added layer of sweetness, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Serve the Apple Pie Bombs warm for the best experience, as the apple filling will be gooey and delicious when the bombs are freshly baked.

These little bites of heaven are best enjoyed right out of the oven, but they also make for a great treat the next day (or even after being reheated)!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields 8 Apple Pie Bombs, perfect for a small gathering or a cozy dessert.
  • Prep Time: About 20 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the bombs.
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes for baking.
  • Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can have fresh, warm Apple Pie Bombs ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

Variations

There are endless ways to customize your Apple Pie Bombs. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Apple and Caramel Bombs

For an extra indulgent treat, add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the apple filling before sealing the bombs. The caramel will melt and create a gooey, sweet filling that perfectly complements the apples and cinnamon.

2. Apple and Pecan Pie Bombs

Add some chopped pecans or other nuts to the filling for a little crunch. This variation is perfect for adding texture and flavor to your bombs.

3. Mini Apple Pie Bombs

For smaller, bite-sized versions, use mini biscuit dough or cut regular biscuits in half. These little mini bombs are perfect for serving at parties or as a fun snack for kids.

4. Apple and Cranberry Bombs

Add a handful of dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart twist. The sweet and tart combo is perfect for the holiday season.

5. Streusel Topped Apple Pie Bombs

Top each bomb with a simple streusel topping (butter, sugar, flour, and oats) before baking for an extra sweet, crunchy layer.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store Apple Pie Bombs

  • Room Temperature: Apple Pie Bombs can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Refrigeration: If you want to keep them for longer, store the bombs in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before placing them in the fridge.
  • Freezing: You can freeze unbaked Apple Pie Bombs. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, just add 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Reheat

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bombs on a baking sheet and heat for 5–7 minutes, or until they’re warm and the exterior is slightly crispy.
  • Microwave: If you’re in a rush, microwave the bombs for 20-30 seconds until warm, though the texture may not be as crispy as when baked.

10 FAQs About Apple Pie Bombs

  1. Can I use frozen pie dough instead of biscuit dough? Yes, you can! Frozen pie dough works wonderfully in place of biscuit dough for a more traditional pie flavor. Just thaw the dough before using.
  2. Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just allow it to come to room temperature before using it in the bombs.
  3. What apples are best for apple pie bombs? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are the best choices because they hold their shape well during cooking and provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
  4. Can I use a different fruit for the filling? Yes, you can use other fruits like pears, cherries, or blueberries. You may need to adjust the sugar and spice levels based on the fruit’s sweetness.
  5. Are these Apple Pie Bombs good for freezing? Yes! Freeze the unbaked bombs for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  6. How do I know when the Apple Pie Bombs are done baking? The bombs will be golden brown and puffed up. You can insert a toothpick into the dough to make sure it’s cooked through.
  7. Can I make these Apple Pie Bombs gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure the filling is gluten-free (most of the ingredients already are).
  8. How can I make these Apple Pie Bombs even sweeter? You can add a drizzle of glaze, top with cream cheese frosting, or even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  9. Can I drizzle the bombs with frosting instead of caramel? Yes, a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting would work beautifully as a topping.
  10. Are these Apple Pie Bombs suitable for a holiday gathering? Absolutely! These little apple-filled bombs are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall celebration.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Bombs are a must-try recipe that blends the comforting flavors of apple pie into a portable, easy-to-make snack. With their warm, spiced apple filling and flaky dough, these bombs are perfect for fall gatherings, cozy family nights, or a sweet treat any time of year. They’re quick, customizable, and sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Whether you enjoy them plain or with added caramel and ice cream, Apple Pie Bombs are guaranteed to be a hit!

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