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If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert, this caramel apple pie bombs recipe will completely change the way you think about quick treats. These overflowing little pastries deliver gooey caramel and spiced apples inside a crispy, cinnamon sugar coated shell and are ready in under 35 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to simple refrigerated biscuits, you can enjoy a cozy, bakery style snack with only 15 minutes of prep and 18 minutes in the oven for a stress free, family friendly dessert.
I tested these easy caramel apple pie bombs on a rainy Sunday when craving a fuss free crowd pleaser, and they instantly became a holiday potluck favorite. The tender, golden biscuit shell, buttery cinnamon sugar topping, and molten caramel center make them an irresistible comfort dessert for busy days. Over time, they have become my go to recipe when I want to wow a crowd or satisfy family cravings with minimal effort and big apple pie flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
- One can of eight count refrigerated biscuits: These create the signature fluffy shell. For best bakery style results, use flaky style biscuits, and feel free to swap with crescent roll dough or puff pastry if desired.
- One cup apple pie filling, chopped: Chopped into small, bite sized pieces for easy stuffing and even texture. Use store bought canned filling for speed or leftover homemade for extra apple flavor.
- Eight soft caramel candies, unwrapped: The key to that gooey caramel core. Choose soft, creamy caramels that melt easily and won’t become chewy. Cut larger candies if needed to prevent overflow.
- One fourth cup melted butter: Brushed over the bombs for rich flavor and a crisp, golden finish. Browned butter adds a nutty twist, and plant based substitutes work for dairy free needs.
- One third cup granulated sugar: Adds that classic bakery crunch. For a sparkling topping, use turbinado sugar or substitute coconut sugar for a low glycemic option.
- One teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for authentic apple pie flavor. Choose Vietnamese cinnamon for boldness or Ceylon for milder warmth.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
- Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking or burning and ensures even golden pastry while making clean up easy.
- Chop and Prepare the Filling:
- Open the apple pie filling and chop apples into half inch pieces for easy stuffing and to prevent overfilling. Well sized chunks blend seamlessly with the caramel and stop soggy bottoms.
- Flatten the Biscuits:
- Separate biscuits and gently flatten them into rough four inch rounds on a clean surface. They must be thin enough to enclose the filling but thick enough to stay puffy without tearing in the oven.
- Add the Filling:
- Place around one tablespoon of chopped apple filling in the center of each dough round. Set a soft caramel candy in the middle (halve large candies if needed) so it melts evenly and provides a gooey center.
- Seal and Shape the Bombs:
- Gather the edges up and over the filling, pinching seams tightly at the top to seal completely. Flip each bomb seam side down on the baking sheet for best filling containment as they bake. Patch any thin spots with extra dough if necessary.
- Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:
- Melt the butter and liberally brush over each bomb. Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle over all sides for a crust that bakes crisp and fragrant.
- Bake Until Golden and Gooey:
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the bombs puff, become deeply golden, and tops feel crisp. Let them cool for five minutes to thicken the caramel and avoid burns. Enjoy fresh for best texture and flavor.
My favorite discovery with this caramel apple pie bombs recipe came from letting the kids help assemble and sprinkle on cinnamon sugar. Family time in the kitchen is so much fun, especially before movie nights or during holidays together. Every batch bursts with apple richness, gooey caramel, and soft pastry, and I love that nearly everyone can enjoy it without complicated techniques.
Smart Swaps and Variations for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
This recipe is wonderfully customizable using whatever you have on hand or need for your dietary preferences. Substitute plant based butter and vegan caramel for a dairy free dessert, or use gluten free biscuit dough for allergy needs. Try it with cherry or blueberry filling in summer or with puff pastry for an ultra flaky variation. Feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or even switch to coconut sugar for a richer caramel flavor and lower glycemic profile.
How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Pie bombs taste best fresh, but you can prep them in advance for busy schedules or holiday planning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or wrap each cooled bomb and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to ten minutes to regain a crisp crust and melty center. For hassle free mornings, assemble up to step six and refrigerate unbaked overnight before finishing in the oven the next day.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Serve caramel apple pie bombs warm as a standalone dessert or dress them up for special occasions with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For brunch, pair them with hot coffee or mugs of spiced apple cider for a cozy spread. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce transforms them into party ready bites for guests and celebrations alike.
Nutritional Benefits of Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Caramel apple pie bombs bring the flavors of apple pie in a portable, portion controlled form and contain natural fiber and vitamin C from the apple filling. The recipe is naturally egg free and can be adjusted for dairy free or gluten free needs by swapping a few simple ingredients. With balanced carbs, fat, and protein, each bomb is satisfying as both a snack or a dessert, and you can moderate sugar or use quality ingredients to make them a better choice for family treats.
Recipe Success Tips for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
If your dough tears while sealing, just pinch the spot or patch with extra dough to prevent leaks. To keep pie bombs from bursting, avoid overfilling and always pinch seams tightly at the top, placing the seam side down. For a deeper golden finish, brush on a little extra melted butter halfway through baking.
Bite into these caramel apple pie bombs and discover why they’re the most requested fall dessert in my family. Try your own spin or share them at your next gathering and see how quickly they disappear.
Common Questions Answered
- → How do you keep the caramel from leaking out?
Seal the biscuit dough edges tightly over the filling and place seam-side down to prevent leaks.
- → Can you make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
- → What type of apple filling works best?
Use canned apple pie filling, chopping larger apple slices for easier wrapping and even distribution.
- → Can these be reheated?
Absolutely! Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp the outside and warm the caramel center.
- → Is it possible to use homemade biscuit dough?
Homemade biscuit dough works well; just ensure each round is rolled out to a 4-inch circle for easy filling.