There’s nothing quite like the enchanting smell of baked apples wafting through the house, especially as the seasons shift and autumn arrives. Recently, I found myself craving the comforting flavors of pie but desired something a bit more fun and bite-sized—enter my Caramel Apple Pie Bombs! These delightful treats combine the rich essence of caramel and cinnamon-spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery dough that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
The beauty of these little bombs lies not only in their heavenly taste but also in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 45 minutes, you can whip up a batch that impresses at any gathering or serves as a sweet end to your meal. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just need a special dessert for your family, these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around. Get ready to indulge in these warm, gooey delights that promise to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You'll Love This Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
- These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert in just 45 minutes.
- The combination of warm, spiced apples and gooey caramel creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will adore.
- Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
- Plus, these treats are visually stunning, with a golden brown exterior that is sure to catch everyone’s eye and entice them to take a bite.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- Apples – Fresh, peeled, and finely chopped apples enhance the flavor profile; Granny Smith work beautifully for a tart contrast.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a rich sweetness; you can use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
- Ground Cinnamon – Imparts warmth and spice, making it a key ingredient for that classic apple pie taste!
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – Used for sautéing the apples, it adds richness to the filling.
For the Dough
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – This simplifies the process; if you prefer homemade, a basic pie crust can be a great substitute.
For the Sweet Surprise
- Caramel Candy – Their gooey texture when melted elevates these pie bombs to another level of deliciousness!
For the Finish
- Melted Butter – Brushing the tops helps achieve that golden-brown finish; feel free to use olive oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Cinnamon Sugar (optional) – A sprinkle on top before baking can add extra sweetness and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake when your delicious bombs are ready to go in.
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Combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Mix until the apples are well-coated, creating a flavorful filling that will wake up your taste buds!
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Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the apple mixture. Cook until the apples soften—about 5-7 minutes—and their natural sweetness shines through.
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Roll out the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut it into circles about 3 inches in diameter. This will be the perfect little pocket for your sweet filling!
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Scoop the apple filling into the center of each dough circle, placing a piece of caramel candy on top. Then, fold the dough over to enclose the filling, making sure the caramel is nicely nestled inside.
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Seal the edges by pinching them together and practice a little twist for extra security. Brush the tops with melted butter for that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and bubbling with sweet goodness! Let them cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Dust with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
Creating a delightful meal means embracing flavors that harmonize beautifully, enhancing your sweet treats.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool contrast perfectly balances the warm, gooey pie bombs, making every bite a delicious experience.
- Caramel Drizzle: A rich drizzle over the bombs intensifies the caramel flavor and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Cinnamon Coffee: This aromatic drink pairs wonderfully, echoing the cinnamon in the bombs while offering a comforting warmth.
- Pecan Pie: The nutty richness complements the sweetness, creating a perfect duo for any dessert table.
- Apple Cider: A chilled glass of this spiced beverage enhances the apple flavor while adding a refreshing note.
- Chocolate Sauce: A decadent dip can transform your pie bombs into a sumptuous treat, adding a touch of luxurious sweetness that everyone loves.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it provides a soft contrast, allowing the pie bombs’ flavors to shine even more brightly.
- Berry Salad: A fresh blend of tangy berries cuts through the sweetness, offering a burst of freshness that balances the dessert perfectly.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Variations
Feel free to explore your culinary creativity with these delightful twists on the classic Caramel Apple Pie Bombs!
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Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for an added crunch and depth.
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Spiced Pumpkin: Swap in pumpkin puree with a hint of nutmeg for a seasonal twist that’ll put you right in the fall spirit.
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Berry Burst: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweet apples.
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Vegan Delight: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free biscuit dough for a scrumptious vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
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Sizzling Spice: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a surprising kick that elevates the sweetness and adds intrigue.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once baked, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for an indulgent finish that will have chocolate lovers swooning.
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Caramel Swirl: Before sealing the bombs, add a swirl of caramel sauce inside each one for an extra gooey surprise.
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Cinnamon Roll Twist: Use cinnamon roll dough instead of biscuit dough for a sweet, spiraled version that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead Options
These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the apple filling (apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt) up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the filling as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The biscuit dough can also be rolled and cut into circles up to 24 hours ahead. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful treat, just assemble the bombs by placing the prepped filling and caramel in the center, sealing the edges, and brushing them with melted butter. Bake them directly from the fridge for a delicious apple dessert that is just as scrumptious as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Room Temperature: Keep the bombs at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the Caramel Apple Pie Bombs in the refrigerator where they’ll stay good for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each bomb tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to regain that delightful warmth and crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Caramel Apple Pie Bombs, opt for Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor contrast that brightens the overall taste.
- To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure that you cook the apple filling just enough until softened but not overly mushy, as this helps maintain the texture.
- Sealing the edges of the biscuit dough properly is crucial; consider using a fork to crimp the edges for an extra secure seal.
- Lastly, bake the bombs until they are a deep golden brown, as this indicates that the biscuit dough is fully cooked and the filling is bubbling with flavor.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are my go-to choice for these bombs, as they provide a delightful tartness that perfectly complements the caramel sweetness. However, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
How should I store Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
To keep your bombs fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you need a longer storage solution, place them in the refrigerator where they’ll remain good for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to retain their moisture.
Can I freeze these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each pie bomb tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to crisp them back up.
What should I do if the filling leaks out while baking?
Very! This can happen if the sealing isn’t tight enough or if too much filling is added. To prevent this, make sure to seal the edges of the dough firmly using your fingers, and you can crimp them with a fork for added security. Also, keep the filling to a modest amount to make sure it fits well inside.
Are Caramel Apple Pie Bombs suitable for my dog?
It’s best to avoid sharing these pie bombs with your furry friends. The caramel and sugar content can be harmful to dogs, and some ingredients like cinnamon can lead to stomach upset. If you want to treat your pet, consider baking them some dog-friendly treats instead!
Can I make these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make these treats dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and use dairy-free caramel candies. This way, you’ll still enjoy the same gooey goodness without the dairy!
Equipment
- oven
- pan
- mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 3 cups fresh apples, peeled and finely chopped Granny Smith work beautifully for tart contrast
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar as a healthier alternative
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to balance sweetness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing the apples
For the Dough
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough or basic homemade pie crust
For the Sweet Surprise
- 12 pieces caramel candy for melting inside the bombs
For the Finish
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing on tops
- optional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling before baking
Instructions
Steps to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Mix until the apples are well-coated.
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the apple mixture. Cook until the apples soften—about 5-7 minutes.
- Roll out the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut it into circles about 3 inches in diameter.
- Scoop the apple filling into the center of each dough circle, placing a piece of caramel candy on top. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling.
- Seal the edges by pinching them together; brush the tops with melted butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
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