Craving all the cozy flavors of apple pie without the time and effort of baking a whole one? Apple Pie Bombs are the perfect shortcut treat. These bite-sized desserts are soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spiced apple filling, all wrapped in a golden, flaky dough and coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust. Think of them as a cross between a donut hole and a mini apple pie—sweet, soft, and irresistibly addictive.
Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dessert trays, or just a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, Apple Pie Bombs come together quickly with just a few ingredients, often using store-bought dough and canned apple pie filling. They’re ideal for beginner bakers or anyone who wants homemade flavor without the hassle. You can bake or fry them depending on your preference, and they taste amazing warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Once you try these little flavor bombs, they’re sure to become a regular in your dessert rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Minimal prep with simple ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
- All the Flavor of Apple Pie – Warm, spiced apple filling in every bite.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Can be baked, fried, or air-fried.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great finger food for parties, potlucks, or dessert platters.
- Kid-Approved – Sweet, handheld, and fun to eat—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- Biscuit dough or crescent roll dough
- Apple pie filling (canned or homemade)
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Butter (melted)
- Optional: caramel sauce, powdered sugar for topping
Variations
- Make It Homemade: Use homemade pie dough and fresh apple filling for a more rustic version.
- Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or allspice to enhance the fall flavors.
- Mini Bombs: Use smaller dough pieces for bite-sized treats.
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with vanilla glaze or melted caramel for an indulgent finish.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
If using canned apple pie filling, chop the apples into smaller pieces for easier wrapping. If making homemade, cook diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice until soft.
Step 2: Flatten the Dough
Separate the dough into individual pieces and flatten each piece into a small circle.
Step 3: Fill and Seal
Place a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges over and pinch to seal tightly, forming a ball.
Step 4: Coat the Bombs
Roll each sealed dough ball in melted butter, then in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Step 5: Bake or Fry
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
Air Fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overfill or the filling may leak during cooking.
- Pinch dough seams tightly to keep the filling inside.
- Let bombs cool for a few minutes before eating—they’ll be very hot inside.
- Use parchment paper if baking to prevent sticking.
- For best results when frying, don’t overcrowd the oil.
How to Serve
Serve Apple Pie Bombs warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They also pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or chai for a cozy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled Apple Pie Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked bombs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Reheating
Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes! Crescent roll dough works great and gives a flakier texture.
2. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them before baking, then bake fresh when needed.
3. What apples are best for homemade filling?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold up well during cooking.
4. Can I deep fry these?
Yes—just make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan.
5. Can I freeze unbaked bombs?
It’s best to freeze them after baking. Raw dough with filling may become soggy when thawed.
6. What kind of sugar works best for the coating?
Granulated sugar works best. You can also mix in brown sugar for extra flavor.
7. Are these very sweet?
They’re sweet like a dessert, but you can adjust the sugar level in the coating to taste.
8. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Seal the dough tightly and don’t overfill. Press seams firmly before baking.
9. Can I use puff pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry is better suited for baking only—not frying.
10. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free biscuit or pastry dough and ensure the filling is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bombs are the perfect bite-sized dessert that captures all the flavor of a classic apple pie with none of the hassle. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, these gooey, spiced treats are fast, fun, and full of cozy charm. Great for entertaining or just treating yourself, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite fall-inspired desserts.
PrintApple Pie Bombs
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 pie bombs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Bombs are warm, gooey bites of apple pie heaven wrapped in buttery biscuit dough and coated in cinnamon sugar. Crispy on the outside and bursting with apple pie filling on the inside, they’re perfect for dessert, brunch, or holiday treats — ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
-
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
-
1 cup apple pie filling (chopped into small pieces)
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
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¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. -
Prepare Bombs:
Separate the biscuits and flatten each into a 4-inch round. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of chopped apple pie filling into the center of each. -
Seal and Shape:
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch tightly to seal. Roll into a ball and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. -
Bake:
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While still warm, brush each pie bomb with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
-
Serve:
Serve warm as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Notes
Make sure the dough is sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
You can use homemade pie filling if you prefer
These are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American