I’m a wife and mother who juggles the usual daily chaos, so finding a recipe that’s both easy and scrumptious is like striking gold. This recipe is one of those go-to treasures that has saved many family gatherings and cozy weekends at home. It’s perfect for when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
The magic begins with refrigerated biscuit dough, which is a true lifesaver. You don’t have to fuss over making dough from scratch, which is great when time’s not on your side. The real stars are the caramel candies tucked inside, melting into a sweet surprise with every bite, and finely diced apples that bring a touch of fruity freshness and nostalgia. It’s like a mini apple pie but with a surprise caramel center that makes you want another one—oh, who am I kidding? You’ll want two or three more!
The process couldn’t be simpler. You start with sautéing the apples with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The smell is heavenly and will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?” Meanwhile, you stretch the biscuit dough and fill it with the apple mixture and a caramel candy. The dough wraps everything up into neat little packages that bake into golden brown bites of awesomeness.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can cozy up with these little treats on a chilly evening, or serve them at a family barbecue as everyone’s new favorite dessert. And if you really want to take them over the top, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Let me tell you, these are not just desserts; they’re an experience that brings people together. And isn’t that what food is all about? Sharing love through your delicious creations.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces caramel candies
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 (16.3-oz) tube of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 apples, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Directions
- Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure to grease a baking dish adequately with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
- Start the filling by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the apple pieces are tender. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Open up the biscuit dough container and take out the dough pieces. Flatten each dough piece slightly using your fingers. Place about a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center, with one caramel candy on top of it.
- Carefully gather the edges of each dough piece around the filling and pinch to seal, forming a ball. Roll each ball gently to achieve a nice round shape.
- Arrange these dough-covered delights into your greased baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter, and if you’d like, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over them for extra flavor.
- Bake the pie bombs in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color. Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving warm. These are fantastic on their own or paired with vanilla ice cream.
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover Caramel Apple Pie Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat them slightly before serving.
Cooking Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture. If you’re a fan of nuts, a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can also be added for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Caramel Apple Pie Bombs warm for the best taste experience. Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or drizzle some caramel sauce on top for those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredient Substitutions
If caramel candies aren’t on hand, try using chocolate chips as a sweet alternative. For a different fruit twist, pears can be substituted for apples, providing they are finely chopped and cooked until tender.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall, consider using seasonal apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a tart yet sweet flavor. In the summer, try adding a handful of fresh berries to the apple mixture for a delightful fruity variation.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (biscuit dough). For dairy-free options, use a vegan butter substitute. To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free biscuit dough available in many grocery stores.
FAQ
Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can! Puff pastry will give a different texture, as it becomes flakier as it bakes. Just ensure you cut the pastry into appropriate-sized pieces to adequately encase the filling and caramel.
What type of apples should I use?
Apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith, work well because they hold their shape during cooking. However, varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also add a sweet balance to the caramel filling.
How can I make these pie bombs vegan?
Switch out the butter for a plant-based alternative, and check that your biscuit dough is vegan. Some store-bought doughs contain dairy, so a quick label check is recommended before purchasing.
Is it possible to make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead. Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pie bombs.
Can I freeze the baked pie bombs?
Yes, they freeze quite well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat these pie bombs?
To maintain their flaky texture and warm center, reheat them in the oven at 300 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a microwave, but the texture may change slightly.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients
- 8 caramel candies
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough 16.3 oz
- 2 apples finely diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- salt a pinch
- cinnamon sugar optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the apples are tender. Set aside to cool.
- Flatten each piece of biscuit dough with your fingers. Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center, adding one caramel candy on top.
- Gather the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching to seal and forming a ball. Roll gently to shape.
- Arrange the balls in the greased baking dish. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly and serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
