Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These little apple pie bombs are a delicious shortcut to classic caramel apple pie flavor. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and require just a few simple ingredients. The filling bubbles with cinnamon-spiced apples and soft caramel, while the dough bakes up flaky and buttery. You can bake them in the oven or use an air fryer for extra crispness. Best of all, they’re great for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in—no forks required!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough or Crescent Roll Dough
The perfect shortcut crust—soft, flaky, and golden when baked.
Apple Pie Filling
Sweet, spiced apples that bring all the cozy fall flavor.
Soft Caramel Candies or Caramel Sauce
Melts inside for that irresistible gooey surprise.
Ground Cinnamon
Adds warmth and classic apple pie spice.
Granulated Sugar (for Coating)
Creates a sweet, crunchy finish when combined with cinnamon.
Butter (Melted)
Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives a rich, golden crust.
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar glaze, extra caramel drizzle, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the Filling:
Chop the apple pie filling into small pieces so it’s easier to wrap. - Assemble the Bombs:
Flatten each biscuit or crescent dough round slightly with your hands. Spoon a small amount of apple pie filling (about 1 tablespoon) into the center, add a soft caramel candy, and fold the dough around the filling, pinching tightly to seal. Roll gently into a ball. - Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Dip each sealed dough ball in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. - Bake:
Place the bombs seam-side down on the prepared sheet. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. - Optional (Air Fryer Version):
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking halfway through. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or glaze if desired, and enjoy warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8–10 apple pie bombs and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes prep time and 15 minutes baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Variations and Customizations
Salted Caramel Apple Bombs
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the tops before baking for a sweet-salty flavor.
Apple Cheesecake Bombs
Add a small dollop of cream cheese to the filling for a tangy, creamy twist.
Maple Cinnamon Bombs
Mix maple syrup into the apple filling for rich autumn flavor.
Nutty Caramel Crunch
Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside for texture and extra flavor.
Glazed Apple Pie Bombs
Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the warm bombs for a bakery-style finish.
Bourbon Caramel Apple Bombs
Use a touch of bourbon caramel sauce for a grown-up version.
Pumpkin Apple Bombs
Mix pumpkin purée with apple filling for a cozy fall fusion.
Mini Apple Turnovers
Flatten the dough more and fold over the filling like a hand pie instead of sealing into a ball.
Spiced Sugar Coating
Add nutmeg and allspice to the cinnamon sugar for deeper flavor.
Chocolate Caramel Apple Bombs
Add a few chocolate chips inside along with the caramel for an indulgent twist.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works perfectly—just make sure it’s thick, not runny.
Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, it gives a flakier, lighter texture similar to mini apple turnovers.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze unbaked bombs for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Do I need to use caramel candies?
You can use caramel sauce instead, but candies stay gooey inside longer.
How do I keep them from leaking?
Seal the dough tightly and bake seam-side down to prevent spills.
Can I make them bite-sized?
Yes, cut the dough smaller and use less filling for mini versions.
What’s the best apple filling to use?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp-based fillings work best—they stay tart and flavorful.
Can I make them vegan?
Use plant-based dough, vegan caramel, and butter alternatives.
What can I serve them with?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup make the perfect pairing.
Conclusion
Simple Caramel Apple Pie Bombs deliver all the magic of classic apple pie in a bite-sized, gooey, and golden package. With a buttery crust, warm spiced apples, and melting caramel inside, each bite is pure fall comfort. Whether you’re baking for a family treat, a cozy dessert night, or a holiday gathering, these sweet little bombs are guaranteed to impress. Easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable—this recipe proves that homemade dessert can feel both effortless and extraordinary.
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