Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

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I’ve always been a sucker for warm, cinnamon-spiced desserts, especially when fall rolls around. These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs hit all the right notes—crispy, golden-brown dough on the outside, gooey melted caramel and tender apples on the inside, all finished with a drizzle of silky caramel sauce. They taste just like a bite-sized caramel apple pie, but with a whole new level of indulgence.

What I love most is how easy they are to make. You don’t need to roll out pie dough or make a complicated filling from scratch. These little bombs come together quickly and deliver that sweet, cozy satisfaction that’s perfect for dessert or even an unexpected brunch treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a sweet bite, they’re bound to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

Each bite is bursting with warm apple pie flavor, wrapped in crispy cinnamon sugar dough and drenched in caramel. They’re quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to impress your guests. Best of all, you can whip them up without turning on your oven—ideal for those days when you want comfort food without the hassle.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use?

The best shortcut here is refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. Both work beautifully and provide that flaky, golden crust you’re after. Crescent rolls tend to be a bit flakier and more delicate, while biscuit dough offers a thicker, fluffier texture. Choose what fits your taste—or what’s already in your fridge.

Options for Substitutions

• Apples: If you don’t have fresh apples, canned apple pie filling will work in a pinch.
• Caramel: Swap in dulce de leche or even butterscotch sauce if that’s what you have.
• Dough: Puff pastry is another delicious alternative for a crispier finish.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a deeper, warmer spice profile.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream cheese and dairy-free caramel for a lactose-free version.

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Ingredients for These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough or Crescent Roll Dough – This is the base of the bombs, providing that golden, flaky shell that crisps up perfectly when fried or baked.
• Fresh Apples (peeled and diced) – A tart-sweet variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp adds a juicy bite and holds shape during cooking.
• Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy, slightly tangy center that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel.
• Caramel Sauce or Soft Caramels – The star of the show, bringing rich, buttery sweetness to every bite.
• Cinnamon and Sugar Mix – Coating the outside for a crispy, sweet crunch.
• Butter (melted) – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness to the dough.
• Oil for Frying (optional) – If deep frying, you’ll need a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.

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Step 1: Prep the Filling

Peel and dice your apples into small chunks. Sauté them briefly in a skillet with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon until they begin to soften—just 3–4 minutes. Let them cool while you prepare the dough.

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Step 2: Flatten and Fill the Dough

Take each piece of biscuit or crescent roll dough and gently flatten it into a round disk. In the center, place a small spoonful of cooked apple, a dab of cream cheese, and a drizzle of caramel sauce or a soft caramel candy.

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Step 3: Seal and Shape

Carefully bring the edges of the dough up around the filling and pinch to seal tightly, forming a ball. Make sure there are no open seams to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.

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Step 4: Cook the Bombs

You can either bake or fry these.

• To bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
• To fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bombs in small batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

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Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, brush each bomb with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mix. This step adds extra crunch and sweetness to the outer layer.

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Step 6: Finish with Caramel Drizzle

Arrange the bombs on a plate and generously drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm for the best gooey, melty texture inside.

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How Long to Prepare the Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

Prep Time: Most of the effort goes into prepping the apple filling and assembling the bombs. Peeling, dicing, and sautéing the apples takes about 10–12 minutes. Flattening and filling the dough, then sealing each piece, adds another 10–15 minutes depending on how many you’re making.

Cooking Time: If baking, you’ll need 12–15 minutes in the oven. If frying, it’s quicker—around 2–3 minutes per side. Add 5 more minutes to roll them in cinnamon sugar and drizzle with caramel. So altogether, you can have these ready in just under 30–35 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

• Make sure the apples are diced small so they soften quickly and fit neatly inside the dough.
• Don’t overfill—too much filling can cause the dough to tear or leak while cooking.
• Pinch the dough tightly to seal, especially at the seams. A loose seal can lead to a messy explosion.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and better texture.
• For extra indulgence, warm your caramel sauce before drizzling it over the finished bombs.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the apple pre-cook step: Raw apples won’t soften enough inside the dough.
• Not sealing the dough completely: This leads to caramel leakage and burning.
• Using too much oil heat: If frying, overly hot oil will brown the outside too quickly without melting the inside.
• Overcrowding in the fryer: Bombs need space to cook evenly—fry in small batches.
• Skipping the butter before rolling in sugar: This prevents the cinnamon-sugar coating from sticking well.

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What to Serve With Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

The classic pairing. A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream against the warm, gooey bombs is heavenly.

2. Hot Apple Cider

Keep the fall flavor theme going with a cozy mug of spiced apple cider.

3. Fresh Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy contrast to the rich texture of the bombs.

4. Chopped Toasted Nuts

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch and nutty depth.

5. Espresso or Strong Coffee

The bitterness of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of caramel and balances the flavors.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: These are best eaten fresh, but you can keep leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.

Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through and re-crisped.

Freezing: Freeze uncooked, filled bombs for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw slightly and cook as directed. Avoid freezing after cooking, as the texture becomes soggy when reheated.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1 bomb)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What apples are best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best—they hold up during cooking and balance out the sweetness.

Can I use pre-made apple pie filling?

Yes, you can. Just make sure the chunks are small, or chop them finer for easier filling.

Do I have to fry them?

Not at all. Baking works just as well and is a great lower-fat option. They’ll still be golden and delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep and fill the bombs ahead, then store them in the fridge until ready to bake or fry. Don’t coat in cinnamon sugar until after cooking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients (like caramel and cream cheese) are certified gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are the ultimate dessert for cozy gatherings, festive parties, or just when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. They’re fast, easy, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. With their crisp outside, warm apple-caramel center, and that dreamy cinnamon sugar finish, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite. Try them once, and you’ll see—they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

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