Apple Pie Bombs Recipe
If you’re a fan of apple pie, you’re going to love these Apple Pie Bombs. They are a fun twist on the classic dessert, combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these sweet, golden delights will quickly become a favorite. With a crispy exterior, a warm apple filling, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these pie bombs are simply irresistible.
What Are Apple Pie Bombs?
Apple Pie Bombs are small, hand-held pastries filled with a delicious apple filling, flash-fried, and then baked to perfection. These treats are similar to mini apple pies but with a unique twist: they’re rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking, giving them an extra layer of sweetness and texture. The result is a dessert that’s crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, and diced into small pieces)
- ¾ cup water (180 ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16 g)
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice (7.5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
For Assembling the Pie Bombs:
- 2 containers Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8 g)
- Caramel sauce, for drizzle
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by preparing the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, combine ¾ cup of water, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick and smooth, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the diced Granny Smith apples. Stir the apples into the sauce, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the apples have softened but still retain a bit of their texture. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
While the apple filling is cooling, prepare the dough. Unroll the Pillsbury crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. The dough comes in perforated triangles, but for this recipe, you’ll need to pinch the seams together to create a smooth surface. Once you’ve sealed the seams, gently roll out the dough until it’s even and smooth.
Next, use a knife or a pizza cutter to divide the dough into squares. Each square should be about 2½ to 3 inches in size. These squares will form the outer shell of your apple pie bombs.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie Bombs
Now, it’s time to assemble the pie bombs. Place a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough square. To shape the bombs, fold up two opposite corners of the dough towards the center, covering the filling. Then, bring the remaining two corners up, overlapping the first two. Pinch the seams together tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
Step 4: Fry and Bake
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the pan—if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is hot enough.
Carefully place a few of the assembled pie bombs into the hot oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown on all sides, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
Once fried, remove the pie bombs with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. After frying, place the pie bombs on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked inside.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
While the pie bombs are still warm, roll them in a mixture of ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. The warmth of the pie bombs will help the cinnamon sugar adhere, creating a sweet and slightly crunchy coating.
Arrange the cinnamon-sugar-coated pie bombs on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle them with caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bombs
- Seal the dough well: Ensure that the seams of the dough are pinched together tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan: Fry the pie bombs in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use a candy thermometer: To keep the oil at the perfect temperature (around 350°F), consider using a candy thermometer. This will help prevent the pie bombs from becoming too greasy or burning.
Common Pitfalls When Making Apple Pie Bombs
- Overfilling the dough: Adding too much filling can cause the dough to tear or the filling to spill out during frying.
- Skipping the baking step: Baking the pie bombs after frying ensures they are fully cooked inside. Skipping this step could result in undercooked dough.
- Using too much flour on the surface: While it’s important to flour your surface to prevent sticking, too much flour can make the dough difficult to seal.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
Serve these Apple Pie Bombs warm, arranged on a platter with a small bowl of caramel sauce in the center for dipping. For a festive touch, dust the platter with powdered sugar or add a few cinnamon sticks as garnish. These pie bombs are perfect for sharing, making them an excellent choice for a dessert buffet or a cozy family gathering.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Pie Bombs
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pie bombs on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness.
Fun Variations to Try
- Cheese-Filled Bombs: Add a small cube of cheddar cheese along with the apple filling for a sweet and savory twist.
- Nutty Delight: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for a bit of crunch.
- Spiced Bombs: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling for a spicier flavor profile.
Apple Pie Bombs FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the filling? Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter filling.
Can these be made in advance? You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to use. Assemble and fry the pie bombs just before serving for the best texture.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the pie bombs at 375°F for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. However, the texture will be slightly different, and they may not be as crispy as the fried version.
conclusion
These Apple Pie Bombs are a delightful treat that combines the best parts of apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to serve at your next party or a comforting snack for a cozy evening at home, these pie bombs are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your results with us! If you loved this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas.
PrintApple Pie Bombs Recipe
Try these delicious Apple Pie Bombs! Crispy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Ready in under an hour!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (depending on the size of the dough squares) 1x
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, and diced into small pieces)
- ¾ cup water (180 ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16 g)
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice (7.5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
For Assembling the Pie Bombs:
- 2 containers Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8 g)
- Caramel sauce, for drizzle
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by preparing the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, combine ¾ cup of water, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick and smooth, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the diced Granny Smith apples. Stir the apples into the sauce, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the apples have softened but still retain a bit of their texture. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
While the apple filling is cooling, prepare the dough. Unroll the Pillsbury crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. The dough comes in perforated triangles, but for this recipe, you’ll need to pinch the seams together to create a smooth surface. Once you’ve sealed the seams, gently roll out the dough until it’s even and smooth.
Next, use a knife or a pizza cutter to divide the dough into squares. Each square should be about 2½ to 3 inches in size. These squares will form the outer shell of your apple pie bombs.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie Bombs
Now, it’s time to assemble the pie bombs. Place a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough square. To shape the bombs, fold up two opposite corners of the dough towards the center, covering the filling. Then, bring the remaining two corners up, overlapping the first two. Pinch the seams together tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
Step 4: Fry and Bake
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the pan—if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is hot enough.
Carefully place a few of the assembled pie bombs into the hot oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown on all sides, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
Once fried, remove the pie bombs with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. After frying, place the pie bombs on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked inside.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
While the pie bombs are still warm, roll them in a mixture of ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. The warmth of the pie bombs will help the cinnamon sugar adhere, creating a sweet and slightly crunchy coating.
Arrange the cinnamon-sugar-coated pie bombs on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle them with caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
Notes
Serve these Apple Pie Bombs warm, arranged on a platter with a small bowl of caramel sauce in the center for dipping. For a festive touch, dust the platter with powdered sugar or add a few cinnamon sticks as garnish. These pie bombs are perfect for sharing, making them an excellent choice for a dessert buffet or a cozy family gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert