As the crispness of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. My latest creation, Quick Caramel Apple Pie Bombs, captures all the cozy flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a fun, bite-sized form! These delightful morsels are not only incredibly easy to whip up in just 20 minutes but also perfect for sharing at gatherings or treating your family on a chilly evening. Imagine sinking your teeth into flaky biscuit dough and discovering a gooey caramel center enveloped by spiced apples. It’s comfort food at its finest! Are you ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Let’s get started!
Why will you love these pie bombs?
Quick and Easy: Preparing these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs takes just 20 minutes, making them a perfect solution for last-minute dessert cravings.
Irresistible Flavor: The delightful combination of warm spiced apples and rich caramel melts in your mouth, offering a taste sensation that rivals traditional apple pie!
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap ingredients—try pears instead of apples, or even chocolate for a sweet twist.
Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are ideal for gatherings or cozy family evenings, turning any occasion into a festive delight.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Watch as guests flock to these delicious bombs, leaving them asking for the recipe! They are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Ingredients
For the Filling
• Apples – Provides the filling’s sweetness and texture; opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• Brown Sugar – Adds delicious sweetness; can be substituted with white sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the warm flavor profile; consider adding nutmeg for an extra spicy kick.
• Unsalted Butter – Used for sautéing apples and adding richness; coconut oil works as a dairy-free alternative.
For the Dough
• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – Acts as the flaky outer layer; homemade dough can also be used if you prefer.
• Melted Butter – Brushed on top before baking for a golden finish.
For the Center
• Caramel Candy – Delivers a gooey, sweet center; swap for chocolate or butterscotch for a new twist.
For Topping
• Cinnamon Sugar (optional) – Sprinkled on top for added sweetness and flavor; a delightful touch that elevates these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs.
Get ready to delight in these irresistible bites that truly capture the essence of fall!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a moment to grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent your Caramel Apple Pie Bombs from sticking and help achieve that beautiful golden color as they bake.
Step 2: Sauté the Apples
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add chopped apples, a sprinkle of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and fragrant. Once ready, set the skillet aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
While the apple filling cools, take the refrigerated biscuit dough out of its package. Gently separate and flatten each biscuit on a clean, lightly floured surface. Aim for about 4 inches in diameter, which will provide enough space for your delicious filling.
Step 4: Fill the Biscuits
Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture at the center of each flattened biscuit. Top it with one piece of caramel candy. Carefully pinch the edges of the biscuit together to seal the filling inside, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
Step 5: Shape the Bombs
Once filled, roll each sealed biscuit into a ball, keeping the seam side down to ensure a secure closure. Place the shaped Caramel Apple Pie Bombs in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one for expansion while baking.
Step 6: Brush and Sprinkle
Using a pastry brush, liberally coat the tops of each bomb with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon sugar over the tops for extra sweetness and flavor. This will enhance the outer layer, giving each bomb a lovely, inviting finish.
Step 7: Bake the Bombs
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and watch for a beautiful golden brown color. They should puff up slightly, indicating they’re perfectly baked and ready for enjoyment.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the Caramel Apple Pie Bombs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm, perhaps drizzled with caramel sauce or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures will make every bite truly delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the apple filling and shape the bombs up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a stress-free dessert on busy nights. Simply sauté the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that, fill each biscuit and seal them, placing them in the baking dish tightly covered with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the wrap and brush the tops with melted butter before baking them at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. They’ll come out just as delicious, saving you time while ensuring your family enjoys a warm, comforting treat!
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
As you indulge in these delightful bites, think about how to create a full, comforting meal around them.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices of the pie bombs, bringing a delightful contrast in both temperature and texture.
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Hot Apple Cider: This warm beverage enhances the cozy atmosphere, adding a seasonal touch that harmonizes with the apple flavor, making your taste buds sing.
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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: Leaning into the sweet, spiced theme, these doughnuts offer a different texture while echoing familiar flavors, perfect for a playful dessert spread.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Their rich, nutty sweetness makes them an exquisite companion, creating a symphony of flavors that celebrates fall in every bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream on top of the pie bombs can elevate each bite, providing a fresh, creamy contrast to the warm filling.
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Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the warmth of the pie bombs, making for a soothing beverage that ties the whole experience together beautifully.
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Chocolate Sauce: For a twist, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the bombs, adding decadence and a new layer of flavor that will surprise your guests.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness, offering a burst of juicy freshness that is both light and invigorating.
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Spiced Nuts: The crunchy texture and savory nature of spiced nuts create a delightful contrast, providing a snack that everyone will enjoy alongside your dessert.
Each of these pairings complements the delightful essence of the Caramel Apple Pie Bombs, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience!
How to Store and Freeze Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Fridge: Keep leftover Caramel Apple Pie Bombs in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bombs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm throughout.
Resist Moisture: Always let the bombs cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that can make them soggy.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Variations
Customize these delightful Caramel Apple Pie Bombs to suit your taste and dietary needs!
- Fruit Swap: Replace apples with pears for a unique twist. The sweetness of pears adds an interesting depth of flavor that’s equally comforting.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch. Adding texture elevates each bite and brings a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap the caramel candy for chocolate or peanut butter cups to create a decadent variation. If you’re a fan of sweet and salty, a sprinkle of sea salt on top makes it even more indulgent!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough for a safe yet scrumptious alternative that still captures that wonderful pie taste. This way, everyone can indulge in these tasty treats.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the cinnamon to add a surprising warm note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the butter with coconut oil to make these bombs dairy-free. The subtle coconut flavor can add a delightful twist to the overall taste of your treats.
- Additional Sweetness: Top with a drizzle of maple syrup before baking to infuse a rich, warm sweetness throughout. This pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and caramel flavors, making each bite even more luscious.
Feel free to experiment and make these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs truly your own! And if you’re on the hunt for more dessert inspiration, check out my Salted Caramel Apple or Chocolate Caramel Dump recipes for delightful new treats!
Expert Tips for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
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Select the Right Apples: Choose firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture; avoid soft apples to prevent a mushy filling.
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Watch Your Fillings: Limit the apple and caramel filling to one tablespoon per biscuit to ensure proper sealing and avoid leakage during baking.
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Seal Tight: Pinch the edges of the biscuit dough securely to prevent any filling leaks; place seam-side down in the baking dish for best results.
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Enhance Your Flavor: Consider sprinkling additional cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra layer of deliciousness that complements the Caramel Apple Pie Bombs beautifully.
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Keep an Eye on Baking: Bake until golden brown, checking towards the end to avoid overbaking; your nose will guide you with that sweet apple aroma!
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Recipe FAQs
Which apples are best for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Caramel Apple Pie Bombs, I recommend using firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties provide the right amount of sweetness and hold their shape during baking. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy and affect the pie bombs’ overall texture.
How should I store leftover Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
Very! Leftover Caramel Apple Pie Bombs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and delicious! Just make sure they have cooled completely before sealing, as this helps prevent sogginess caused by condensation.
Can I freeze Caramel Apple Pie Bombs? If so, how?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delightful bombs for up to 1 month. Here’s how: First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through!
What should I do if my Caramel Apple Pie Bombs leak during baking?
No worries! If you find that your Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are leaking, it usually indicates that they were either overfilled or not sealed tightly enough. For next time, limit the filling to 1 tablespoon per biscuit and be sure to pinch the edges securely to keep everything intact. Placing the seam side down in the baking dish can also help prevent leaks while they bake!
Can I make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs dairy-free?
Absolutely! If you’d like to keep your Caramel Apple Pie Bombs dairy-free, simply substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for sautéing the apples and brushing on top. Many coconut-based options will provide a similarly rich flavor without the dairy. Just be sure to read labels on your refrigerated biscuit dough, as some brands may contain dairy.
Can I customize the filling of my Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
Very! One of the best things about Caramel Apple Pie Bombs is their versatility. Feel free to swap out the apples for pears if you’re looking for a different fruit option. You can also change the gooey center by using chocolate or butterscotch candies instead of caramel, or even add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra texture. The more the merrier when it comes to experimentation!
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs – Your New Favorite Fall Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Take the refrigerated biscuit dough out and flatten each biscuit to about 4 inches in diameter.
- Add 1 tablespoon of apple mixture and a piece of caramel to the center of each biscuit. Pinch edges to seal.
- Roll each filled biscuit into a ball, seam side down, and place in the baking dish.
- Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown, puffed, and baked through.
- Cool slightly before serving warm with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream.
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