Apple Pie Bombs Recipe

Crispy, golden, and bursting with warm apple cinnamon flavor, Apple Pie Bombs are the perfect handheld treat that combines everything you love about classic apple pie with the fun of deep-fried pastries. This dessert is an irresistible twist on tradition—featuring a sweet and tangy apple filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a caramel drizzle. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to wow guests or a weekend baking project with the family, these bite-sized pie bombs are sure to impress.

Unlike traditional pies that can be time-consuming, these Apple Pie Bombs are easy to prepare using store-bought crescent dough. The apple filling, made from Granny Smith apples, has just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweet caramel and cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.

Perfect for fall baking, holiday dessert tables, or any time you’re craving a nostalgic treat in a more playful form, Apple Pie Bombs offer everything you love about homemade pie—only easier, faster, and just a little more fun to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

Uses convenient crescent dough to save time without sacrificing taste or texture.

2. Classic Flavors in a Fun Format

Combines all the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie in a portable, deep-fried dessert.

3. Great for Entertaining

Perfect finger food for parties, potlucks, and holidays—no forks or plates required.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Can be adapted with different fillings, spices, or toppings to suit any taste.

5. Crowd-Pleasing and Kid-Friendly

Sweet, crispy, and bite-sized—what’s not to love?

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Ingredients

Apple Filling

• Granny Smith apples
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon

Assembling the Pie Bombs

• Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Caramel sauce
• Vegetable oil

Variations

Use Different Fruits

Swap apples for pears, peaches, or mixed berries to create seasonal alternatives.

Add Spices

Enhance the flavor with nutmeg, allspice, or apple pie spice.

Make It Savory

Omit the sugar and caramel; try a savory filling like brie and apple for a gourmet twist.

Bake Instead of Fry

For a lighter version, bake in the oven until golden and crisp.

Drizzle with Chocolate

Replace caramel sauce with chocolate ganache or white chocolate for a dessert upgrade.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced Granny Smith apples, water, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir until thickened and the apples are tender. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Press and flatten each triangle to remove perforations and create a solid surface.

Step 3: Fill and Seal

Spoon a small amount of cooled apple filling into the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges to seal completely, forming a ball.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each sealed dough ball in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5: Fry the Pie Bombs

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bombs in batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle warm pie bombs with caramel sauce and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure the apple filling is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Don’t overfill the dough; a little filling goes a long way and prevents leaks during frying.
• Seal the dough well to avoid spillage in the oil.
• Fry in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and freshest flavor.

How to Serve

Serve Apple Pie Bombs warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re great as a snack, dessert, or addition to a holiday dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pie bombs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for best results.

Freezing

Wrap each cooled pie bomb individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 3–5 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving as it softens the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Homemade filling gives better control over sweetness and spice.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

3. What type of apples are best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tart flavor and firm texture.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crescent dough if available and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

5. Is it okay to use pre-made caramel sauce?

Absolutely, but you can elevate the flavor with a quick homemade caramel sauce.

6. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to reach 350°F, or test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle immediately.

7. Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can make the filling in advance and assemble just before frying to ensure the best texture.

9. What should I serve them with?

They’re great on their own or with ice cream, whipped cream, or coffee.

10. Why are my bombs leaking while frying?

They may be overfilled or not sealed properly—make sure edges are tightly pinched.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Bombs are the perfect fusion of nostalgic flavor and modern convenience. With their gooey apple filling, golden crust, and luscious caramel topping, they offer everything you love about traditional pie in a fun, poppable format. Whether fried for crispy indulgence or baked for a lighter take, these sweet little bites are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Keep a batch ready for the holidays, special occasions, or any day you want to turn apples into something truly magical.

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