Apple Pie Bombs
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that blends all the best parts of apple pie and snackable treats, Apple Pie Bombs are your new best friend. These little pockets of crispy pastry bursting with gooey, spiced apple filling will quickly become a crowd favorite. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home, Apple Pie Bombs combine delightful textures and warm flavors in every bite with surprising ease. Let’s dive into how to make them irresistibly delicious and why you’ll want to keep this recipe in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep: Apple Pie Bombs come together fast with simple steps that even beginner bakers can master.
- Perfect Portion Size: Each bite-sized bomb is ready to satisfy sweet cravings without overindulging.
- Versatile Snack: Great for dessert, brunch, or as a fun finger food at parties or potlucks.
- Warm, Comforting Flavors: The cinnamon-spiced apple filling is nostalgic, evoking the feeling of classic homemade apple pie.
- Crisp Outside, Gooey Inside: The contrast of flaky crust and melty filling makes every bite exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of common ingredients that work together beautifully to create those perfect Apple Pie Bombs. Each ingredient plays a key role, from adding texture and color to enhancing the rich, sweet apple flavor.
- Pie Dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flakiness, this forms the crispy, golden shell.
- Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and maintain good texture after baking.
- Cinnamon and Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves adds warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
- Brown Sugar: Provides caramel notes and balances the tartness of the apples beautifully.
- Butter: Adds richness to the filling and helps create a tender crust.
- Egg Wash: Gives the bombs a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Optional: Powdered Sugar or Caramel Sauce: For finishing touches when serving.
Variations for Apple Pie Bombs
One of the best things about Apple Pie Bombs is how easy it is to tweak the filling or crust to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or pantry availability. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make the recipe your own!
- Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free pie crust to make a vegan-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pie dough to keep these bombs accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Caramel Apple Bombs: Add a bit of caramel sauce inside for an extra gooey surprise.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a unique flavor twist.
- Mixed Fruit Filling: Combine apples with pears or cranberries for seasonal variety and color.
How to Make Apple Pie Bombs
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by peeling and finely dicing your apples into small cubes. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat, then add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy. Let the filling cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles roughly 3-4 inches in diameter. These will be your bomb wrappers.
Step 3: Fill and Seal
Spoon a generous teaspoon of the cooled apple mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking. Lightly brush the edges with water or egg wash, then fold the dough over into a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Place the assembled Apple Pie Bombs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each generously with egg wash for a beautiful golden color and shine. Pierce each one with a fork or toothpick to allow steam to escape. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the Apple Pie Bombs to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, perfect with a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bombs
- Use cold ingredients: Keep your butter and pie dough cold to ensure a flaky, crisp crust.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the bombs to burst open while baking.
- Mix spices carefully: Balance cinnamon with nutmeg and a dash of cloves for authentic apple pie flavor.
- Chill before baking: If time allows, refrigerate assembled bombs for 15 minutes to help maintain shape.
- Watch the oven: Keep an eye during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bombs
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with warm caramel sauce to add extra sweetness and visual appeal. For a touch of elegance, a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream can’t be beat.
Side Dishes
Pairing Apple Pie Bombs with hot beverages like chai tea, coffee, or even a warm apple cider drink enhances their cozy flavor. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside cheese boards featuring mild, creamy cheeses that complement the apple’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these bombs on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall display. You can also skewer them for a fun handheld treat or serve in mini cupcake liners for portion-perfect presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Pie Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked Apple Pie Bombs by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat baked Apple Pie Bombs in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness and warm gooey filling. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith hold up best and balance the sweetness; sweeter apples may make the filling too mushy.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pie dough?
Both work well; store-bought saves time, while homemade often yields a flakier, tastier crust.
Can I make Apple Pie Bombs ahead of time and bake them later?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the bombs, then freeze or refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the dough edges firmly and avoid overfilling each bomb. Egg wash or water on the edges helps create a good seal.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes, chopped walnuts or raisins are great additions for extra texture and flavor—just mix them into the filling before assembling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a batch of Apple Pie Bombs that fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and deliver that perfect balance of crisp and gooey in every bite. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these little treats are as fun to make as they are to eat. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without Apple Pie Bombs in your dessert repertoire!
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PrintApple Pie Bombs
Apple Pie Bombs are bite-sized pockets of flaky pastry filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture combining the best of apple pie and snackable treats. They offer a perfect balance of a crisp, golden crust and a gooey, cinnamon-scented filling, ideal for festive occasions or cozy nights at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 Apple Pie Bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- Store-bought or homemade pie dough, enough for wrapping
Apple Filling
- 3 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Water (for sealing edges, as needed)
- Optional: powdered sugar or caramel sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Peel and finely dice the apples into small cubes. In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender but still hold shape. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 3-4 inch round cookie cutter or glass, cut out circles to serve as wrappers.
- Fill and Seal: Spoon about one teaspoon of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Avoid overfilling. Lightly brush the edges with water or egg wash, fold the dough over into a half-moon, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Place the assembled Apple Pie Bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with egg wash for a golden shine. Pierce each with a fork or toothpick to release steam. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bombs cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with optional powdered sugar dusting or drizzled caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use cold butter and dough to maintain a flaky crust.
- Don’t overfill the bombs to prevent bursting during baking.
- Chill assembled bombs for 15 minutes before baking to keep shape.
- Watch the oven closely near the end to avoid over-browning.
- For vegan versions, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free dough.
- Gluten-free pie dough can be used for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Optional additions like chopped walnuts or raisins can be mixed into the filling before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bombs
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: apple pie bombs, bite-sized dessert, apple pastry, spiced apple snacks, easy apple desserts, festive dessert