Apple Pie Bombs Recipe

These sweet, pull-apart morsels of joy are everything you love about traditional apple pie—but more convenient, more fun, and arguably more addictive. Imagine tender chunks of spiced apple wrapped in warm biscuit dough, baked or fried to golden perfection, then coated in cinnamon sugar or drizzled with vanilla glaze. The filling bursts in your mouth with each bite—sweet, sticky, and satisfying.

Apple Pie Bombs are the ideal dessert for when you want something fast but unforgettable. They’re perfect for fall parties, cozy weekends, potlucks, bake sales, or as a quick Thanksgiving dessert when you don’t want to fuss with crusts and lattices. Best of all, they’re so easy to customize: bake them, fry them, stuff them with different fillings, or make them gluten-free or dairy-free.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Pie Bombs

Preparing the Apple Filling

Ingredients for Filling:

• 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji recommended)

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• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for depth and caramel notes)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (to thicken)

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform cubes about ¼-inch in size. Uniformity helps them cook evenly and fit neatly inside your dough pockets.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

4. Stir frequently, cooking for 6-8 minutes until apples soften but are not mushy. The apples should be tender but hold their shape.

5. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth to create a slurry.

6. Slowly stir the slurry into the apple mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Pro Tip: Letting the filling cool is essential to avoid dough getting soggy when wrapped.

Preparing the Dough

There are several dough options for Apple Pie Bombs. Below is the guide for using store-bought biscuit dough, crescent roll dough, or a homemade pie crust.

Option A: Using Biscuit Dough (Quick & Fluffy)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.

2. Lightly flour your workspace.

3. Open the can of biscuit dough and separate into individual biscuits.

4. Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle.

Option B: Using Crescent Roll Dough (Buttery & Flaky)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Unroll crescent dough and separate triangles.

3. Using a rolling pin, slightly flatten each triangle into a more uniform shape, about 4 inches wide at the base.

Option C: Using Homemade Pie Dough (Flaky & Traditional)

1. Prepare your favorite pie dough recipe, chill, and roll out to about ⅛-inch thickness.

2. Cut dough into 3 to 4-inch squares using a cookie cutter or knife.

Assembling the Apple Pie Bombs

1. Place one flattened dough piece on a clean surface.

2. Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center.

3. Be careful not to overfill; too much filling can cause leaks.

4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a ball or pouch.

   • For biscuit or pie dough squares, bring edges together and pinch tightly to seal.

   • For crescent dough triangles, fold from the wide base up and pinch edges.

5. Ensure seams are sealed well by pinching or pressing with a fork.

6. Optional: Brush the outside lightly with a beaten egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water) for a golden finish.

Cooking Methods

You have three main options: baking, deep-frying, or air-frying.

Method A: Baking (Healthier, Easy Cleanup)

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Arrange the pie bombs with space between them.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

4. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter.

5. Toss or brush with cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon).

Method B: Deep-Frying (Traditional, Crispy)

1. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully drop a few bombs into the hot oil; do not overcrowd.

3. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. While still warm, toss in cinnamon sugar.

Method C: Air-Frying (Low-Oil Alternative)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

2. Place pie bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden.

4. Brush with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.

Making the Glaze (Optional, But Recommended)

Basic Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and pourable.

2. Drizzle over cooled or warm Apple Pie Bombs for added sweetness and shine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Apple Pie Bombs warm, straight from the oven, fryer, or air fryer.

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

• Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.

• Sprinkle powdered sugar for a classic look.

• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or cider.