These caramel apple pie bombs are a warm, comforting dessert that brings together tender biscuit dough, sweet apple filling, and melted caramel, all wrapped in a crisp cinnamon sugar coating. They are handheld, satisfying, and perfect for sharing, whether you’re recreating fair-style treats at home or simply craving something cozy and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pie bombs are quick to prepare and use simple pantry ingredients, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings. The contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, gooey center makes every bite exciting. They are fun to make, especially with family, and even more enjoyable served warm when the caramel is perfectly melted. This recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps, giving you bakery-style results at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apple pie filling – 21 ounces, thick and chunky
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
Ground cinnamon – 2 to 3 teaspoons
Canned biscuit dough – 7.5 ounces (usually 6 biscuits)
Soft individually wrapped caramels – 10 pieces, each cut in half
Vegetable oil – about 2½ quarts, for frying
Directions
Heat the oil by pouring about 2½ quarts of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet. Set it over medium heat and allow the oil to heat gradually until hot enough for frying.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly combined. Set aside so it’s ready when the pie bombs come out of the oil.
Separate the biscuit dough and gently flatten each biscuit with the palm of your hand into a disc about 3 inches wide.
Add the filling by placing 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of each flattened biscuit. Place two caramel halves on top of the filling.
Seal the dough by pulling the edges up and over the filling, pinching firmly to seal all seams. Roll gently between your hands to form a smooth ball.
Fry the pie bombs by carefully lowering one or two at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Rotate them gently so they brown evenly on all sides. Fry until deep golden brown.
Coat immediately by removing the pie bombs from the oil and rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still hot. Place on a cooling rack to rest briefly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Variations
You can add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar for a deeper spice flavor. Homemade apple filling can be used instead of canned, as long as it is thick and not watery. For a different texture, crescent roll dough can replace biscuit dough, but it must be sealed very well to prevent leaks.
Storage/Reheating
These pie bombs are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–6 minutes to restore some crispness. Refrigeration is not recommended, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, they can be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, though the exterior will be softer rather than crisp.
What kind of biscuit dough works best?
Flaky canned biscuit dough works best, but any plain biscuit dough will give good results.
Can I use homemade apple filling?
Yes, just make sure it is thick enough so it doesn’t leak during cooking.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
The oil is ready when a small piece of dough bubbles immediately and rises to the surface.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
They can be assembled a few hours ahead and fried just before serving for best texture.
Why did my filling leak out?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t sealed tightly enough. Pinch seams firmly.
Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the dough and filling changes after thawing.
Are these very sweet?
They are sweet, but the apple filling balances the caramel and sugar coating nicely.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can lightly coat them in cinnamon sugar instead of fully rolling them to reduce sweetness.
What should I serve with them?
They pair well with whipped cream, warm apple cider, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Caramel apple pie bombs are a delightful dessert that combines nostalgic flavors with a fun, modern twist. Crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside, they are perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or whenever you want a special treat made with simple ingredients. Once you try them fresh and warm, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Caramel apple pie bombs are handheld fried treats made with biscuit dough filled with apple pie filling and caramel, then rolled in cinnamon sugar. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re quick, fun, and incredibly comforting.
