Caramel Apple Pie Bombs with Cinnamon Sugar are the ultimate bite-sized treat for fall. These golden, buttery dough balls are packed with tender spiced apples and gooey caramel, making them the perfect quick dessert for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Easy Caramel Apple Pie Bombs with Cinnamon Sugar are a crowd-pleaser because they capture all the cozy flavors of a traditional apple pie without the hassle of making a crust from scratch. They are incredibly simple to prepare, taking only about 40 minutes from start to finish. Because they are individually portioned, they are perfect for parties, kids’ lunches, or a quick weeknight treat served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 8 caramel candies
- 3 tablespoons butter (1 tablespoon for cooking, 2 tablespoons melted for brushing)
- 2 apples, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray.
- To prepare the filling, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples are tender, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Remove the refrigerated biscuits from the can. Flatten each biscuit using a rolling pin, your fingers, or a tortilla press until they are thin circles.
- Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling into the center of each dough circle. Place one caramel candy directly on top of the apples.
- Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching the seams tightly to seal. Ensure there are no gaps, or the filling may leak during baking.
- Gently roll the dough in your hands to form a smooth ball shape.
- Place the balls into the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops generously with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown. Transfer to a platter and serve warm.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
The most important step is ensuring the biscuit dough is completely sealed. If you leave even a small opening, the melted caramel and apple juices will leak out during the baking process. If you find the dough is shrinking back while you try to seal it, let it rest for a minute before trying again. For the best texture, use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well when cooked.
Variations & Substitutions
While this recipe uses fresh apples for a homemade filling, you can use store-bought canned apple pie filling if you are in a rush; just be sure to chop the apple chunks smaller so they fit inside the biscuit dough. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap the caramel candies for a chocolate hazelnut spread or a piece of white chocolate. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple mixture for a deeper spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
These bombs are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. They are delicious on their own, but serving them with a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce or a side of cold vanilla bean ice cream takes them to the next level. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider on a chilly day.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they are not ideal for freezing once baked, you can prep the apple filling ahead of time to make the assembly process faster. If you must reheat them, a few seconds in the microwave or a short time in a low-temperature oven is best.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
FAQ
Can I use apple jam instead of the apple pie filling?
I recommend sticking with the apple pie filling instead of jam. The pie filling provides a better texture and a more authentic, traditional apple pie flavor that pairs perfectly with the biscuit dough and caramel.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These are best made and served fresh. While you cannot prep the assembled bombs too far in advance, you can make the homemade apple pie filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble and bake.
Easy Caramel Apple Pie Bombs with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples are tender, then set aside.
- Remove the biscuits from the can and flatten them slightly using a rolling pin or your fingers.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling in the center of each dough circle and top with one caramel candy.
- Fold the edges of the dough up and pinch them together tightly to seal the filling inside, ensuring there are no openings. Gently roll the dough into a ball shape.
- Place the balls into the prepared baking dish, brush the tops with the remaining melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown, then transfer to a platter and serve warm.