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Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are my go-to for a speedy and memorable treat. When you're craving the classic apple pie but don’t have the time, these bite-sized delights have got you covered. Packed with soft apples and gooey caramel, all wrapped in a crispy golden crust, you can whip them up in less than an hour. Perfect for gatherings, after-school snacks, or when you want a taste of apple pie without making a whole one.
I first made these on a hectic weeknight after my daughter requested apple pie for dessert. Everyone went for seconds, so now they’re a staple in our family’s treat lineup.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Key for a simple assembly and provides a soft yet crispy crust. Look for trusted brands for the best texture and rise
- Caramel candies: The melty center that mixes beautifully with the apples. Soft ones work best for melting
- Apples (finely chopped): The main filling. Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith offer the right balance
- Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and helps the apples caramelize. Dark brown sugar gives extra depth
- Ground cinnamon: Adds classic warmth to the filling. Fresh cinnamon packs the best aroma
- Butter: Used for cooking the apples and for brushing on top. Real butter gives a fuller taste
- Salt: Just a little enhances all the flavors. Fine sea salt works best for even mixing
- Cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle on top gives a nice crunch. Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon for your own blend
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Start by preheating your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking
- Cook the Apple Pie Filling:
- In a medium skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for roughly five minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy. Allow it to cool a bit before filling the dough
- Shape the Bombs:
- Open the biscuit dough and gently stretch each round slightly. Scoop about one tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture into the center of each dough circle, then place a caramel candy on top
- Seal the Bombs:
- Enclose the filling with the dough. Pinch the edges together tightly to ensure everything stays inside. Roll it seam-side down to form a nice round ball
- Arrange and Butter:
- Put each filled dough ball in your prepared dish. Brush melted butter over each one for that golden finish
- Add Cinnamon Sugar and Bake:
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of each ball before baking. Place the dish in the oven and bake for thirty to thirty-five minutes until puffed up and golden brown
- Serve:
- Once they’re hot, move the bombs to a plate while they’re still warm. Enjoy them as they are or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special touch
The biscuit dough means you get pie flavors without the fuss of a rolling pin. My secret is brown sugar for that deep flavor. It reminds me of sneaking spoonfuls while my grandmother baked pies. The scent of apples caramelizing takes me back to cozy fall baking days with family.
Storage Tips
You can keep these caramel apple pie bombs in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, stick them in the fridge for up to four days and pop them in the oven at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a quick refresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have biscuit dough, feel free to use crescent roll dough for a flakier option. Swap in pears instead of apples or try soft toffees in place of caramel candies for easier melting. Chopped toasted pecans can add a nice nutty crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These treats are even better with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a dessert bar vibe, let everyone pick their dipping sauce, like chocolate or vanilla glaze. Pair them with apple cider or hot coffee for a warm, cozy vibe.
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Mini desserts like these are super popular in the fall when apples are at their peak and everyone enjoys warm comforting flavors. Apple pie is a classic in American homes, especially during holidays, and these mini versions are a hit for parties and potlucks.
Seasonal Adaptations
In autumn, try using spiced pumpkin butter as a filling. In the summer, fresh peaches or berries can replace the apples. Add a maple glaze in winter for a seasonal twist.
Success Stories
A friend brought these to a holiday gathering, and they were gone in ten minutes. My kids love finding these in their school lunch as a sweet surprise. I even took a batch to the office, where my coworkers followed the aroma of cinnamon to my desk.
Freezer Meal Conversion
After they bake, let the bombs cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer, then store in an airtight container for up to two months. To enjoy, just bake them straight from frozen at three hundred twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen minutes.
These pie bombs are a fantastic shortcut to capturing those classic apple pie flavors. Enjoy them warm and relish every sweet, gooey bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough securely and tuck them under to seal the filling well before baking.
- → Which apples work best for this dessert?
Use firmer kinds like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold up to baking and offer a nice tart flavor contrast.
- → Can biscuit dough be substituted?
You can swap in crescent roll dough or homemade sweet dough for a similar soft and golden exterior.
- → How are these best served?
Best enjoyed warm to get that gooey caramel effect, served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Sure, assemble them ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before you want to serve for the freshest taste.
- → How do you prevent sticking during baking?
Lightly grease your baking dish or use parchment paper to make it easy to remove them once baked.