Apple Pie Bombs
Simple Introduction
Apple Pie Bombs are everything we love about classic apple pie—warm spiced apples, buttery pastry, and cozy fall flavors—wrapped into adorable, handheld bites. Instead of rolling out pie dough and fussing with lattices or crimped edges, these little treats use refrigerated biscuit dough to create a shortcut dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Each “bomb” hides a gooey apple-cinnamon filling inside a soft, fluffy shell, all finished with a generous coating of melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
What makes Apple Pie Bombs so irresistible is their balance of textures and flavors. The outside bakes up golden and lightly crisp, while the inside stays tender with a molten apple center that practically melts in your mouth. They’re sweet without being overwhelming, comforting without being heavy, and impressive without being complicated. Whether you’re making dessert for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night at home, these bite-sized pastries fit the moment perfectly.
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Another reason Apple Pie Bombs are so popular is how customizable they are. You can keep them classic with cinnamon-spiced apples, or take them over the top with caramel, cream cheese, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze. They’re also incredibly forgiving—perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make Apple Pie Bombs, plus expert tips, variations, storage advice, serving ideas, and troubleshooting help so your bombs come out perfect every time. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels nostalgic, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bombs
Apple Pie Bombs aren’t just another dessert—they’re a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
They’re incredibly easy to make.
Using refrigerated biscuit dough means no yeast, no rolling, and no stress. The apple filling comes together in minutes, and assembly is simple enough for kids to help with.
They deliver classic apple pie flavor—fast.
You get all the warm cinnamon-apple goodness of traditional pie without hours of prep, chilling, and baking.
Perfect portion control.
Each bomb is individually sized, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, and serving a crowd without slicing.
Soft inside, golden outside.
The contrast between the fluffy dough and gooey apple filling is what makes Apple Pie Bombs so addictive.
Endlessly customizable.
From caramel-stuffed centers to cream cheese swirls or nutty crunch, you can tailor these bombs to any occasion or preference.
Great for any season.
While they feel especially cozy in fall, Apple Pie Bombs are just as welcome in winter holidays, spring brunches, or summer dessert spreads.
Ingredients + Tips
For the Apple Filling
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Choose firm apples that hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith offers tart balance, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Butter adds richness and helps soften the apples while carrying the cinnamon flavor.
⅓ cup granulated sugar
Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the apples.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
The heart of that classic apple pie flavor. You can add a pinch of nutmeg if you like extra warmth.
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Thickens the filling so it stays inside the dough instead of leaking out.
2 tablespoons water
Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch for smooth thickening.
For the Dough
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
The secret shortcut that makes Apple Pie Bombs quick and foolproof.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds irresistible richness.
1 cup granulated sugar
Forms the sweet outer coating.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Gives the bombs that classic snickerdoodle-like finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples evenly.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour it into the saucepan and stir continuously. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Cooling is important—it prevents the dough from becoming too soft during assembly.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
3. Prepare the Dough
Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a round about ¼-inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin.
Try to keep the dough evenly thick so it bakes uniformly and seals well around the filling.
4. Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs
Place about 1 tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each dough round. Be careful not to overfill—too much filling can cause leaks.
Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching tightly at the top to seal. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In one bowl, place the melted butter. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, coating completely. Then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully covered.
This step creates that irresistible sweet crust once baked.
6. Bake
Bake the Apple Pie Bombs for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving—the filling will be very hot.
Tips for Success
Use the right apples.
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp prevent mushy filling and add balanced flavor.
Don’t overfill.
A tablespoon is plenty. Too much filling can burst through the dough.
Seal tightly.
Pinch the dough seams well and roll gently to prevent leaks.
Let the filling cool slightly.
Hot filling can soften the dough and make sealing difficult.
Bake on parchment.
This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking if any filling escapes.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Apple Pie Bombs is how easy they are to customize:
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Add a small caramel cube to the center with the apple filling for a gooey surprise.
Cream Cheese Apple Bombs
Add a teaspoon of sweetened cream cheese for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
Nutty Apple Pie Bombs
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added crunch.
Apple Pie Bombs with Glaze
Skip the cinnamon sugar coating and drizzle baked bombs with vanilla glaze or powdered sugar icing.
Spiced Fall Bombs
Add nutmeg, cloves, or apple pie spice for deeper seasonal flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftover Apple Pie Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Bombs are fantastic on their own, but they shine even brighter with a few extras:
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Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
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Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce
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Dust lightly with powdered sugar
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Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cider
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Arrange on a platter for parties and holidays
They’re especially popular at fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, and cozy weekend brunches.
PrintApple Pie Bombs
Apple Pie Bombs are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic apple pie. Each little pastry is filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, wrapped in soft dough, and baked until golden and irresistible. With a gooey apple center and a buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating, these treats are perfect for dessert, parties, or a cozy snack. Best of all, they’re easy to make using simple ingredients and can be customized with caramel, cream cheese, or even nuts.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
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2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
For the Dough
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1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Prepare the apple filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add it to the apples and cook for 1–2 more minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. -
Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Prepare the dough
Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece to about ¼-inch thickness using your hands or a rolling pin. -
Assemble the apple pie bombs
Place about 1 tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each dough round. Fold the edges up and pinch tightly to seal, forming a smooth ball. -
Coat with cinnamon sugar
Dip each dough ball into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. -
Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. -
Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
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Best apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
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Seal well: Pinch the dough tightly to prevent filling from leaking while baking.
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Extra indulgence: Add a small caramel cube or a teaspoon of cream cheese with the apple filling.
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Serving idea: Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving – 1 Apple Pie Bomb)
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Calories: 210 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 30 g
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 9 g
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Saturated Fat: 5 g
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Sugar: 18 g
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Bombs are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to create a dessert that feels special. These little bites capture the soul of classic apple pie—warm, comforting, and nostalgic—while offering a modern, fuss-free approach that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles.
What truly sets Apple Pie Bombs apart is their versatility. They can be dressed up with caramel and ice cream for an indulgent dessert, kept simple for an afternoon snack, or customized endlessly to suit your mood or the season. They’re approachable enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve guests with confidence.