If you’re craving a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert that wraps up all the goodness of fall flavors in a single bite, Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are your new go-to. Imagine flaky biscuit dough stuffed with sweet apple pie filling and gooey caramel, fried until golden and tossed in warm cinnamon sugar. These sweet little bombs explode with flavor and comfort, perfect for cozy nights or last-minute dessert needs.
What makes them even better? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes with store-bought ingredients—no rolling pie crusts or fancy equipment required. Whether you’re feeding a party or satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, these little delights deliver big.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe for another cozy dessert idea!
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What Are Caramel Apple Pie Bombs?
A Sweet Twist on Classic Apple Pie
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are a playful, poppable take on the classic American apple pie. Instead of a traditional slice, you get a hand-held dessert filled with gooey apples and melted caramel. Think of them as deep-fried apple turnovers—only easier, faster, and more indulgent. The biscuit dough crisps beautifully in hot oil, while the inside stays warm and soft, bursting with spiced apple and rich caramel flavor.
These pie bombs are especially popular in the fall, but there’s no reason to limit them to one season. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream in summer or drizzle with caramel for a warm holiday treat. Either way, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why They’re Called “Pie Bombs”
The name says it all—they’re small, self-contained bombs of pie flavor. Each one packs in the essential elements of an apple pie: fruit, cinnamon, flaky pastry, and sweetness. But instead of baking in a dish, they’re sealed into dough balls and flash-fried for that crispy exterior. The result is a flavor explosion with every bite—hence the “bomb” part of the name.
They’re also incredibly easy to personalize. Want more spice? Add nutmeg or clove. Prefer chocolate? Swap caramel for chocolate chips. You can even roll them in crushed graham crackers for a twist on s’mores.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Biscuit Dough vs. Homemade Dough: What Works Best?
While you could make your own dough, this recipe shines because of its simplicity. Refrigerated biscuit dough is ideal—it’s soft, easy to work with, and holds up well during frying. Great Value brand or Pillsbury both work, but opt for smaller biscuits if possible for better portion control and ease of sealing.
Check out our quick guide on dough versatility in desserts in this recipe: Don’t miss our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.
Choosing the Right Apple Pie Filling
You can use canned apple pie filling, but for best results, chop the apples into smaller bits before stuffing. This helps distribute the flavor evenly and makes sealing the dough easier. Want to go the extra mile? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the spice level.
Best Caramels for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
Use soft, individually wrapped caramel candies (like Kraft) and slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them melt fully without bulging or tearing the dough. Avoid hard caramels—they don’t melt well and will throw off the gooey factor.
Optional Add-Ons That Take It to the Next Level
A drizzle of caramel sauce or scoop of vanilla ice cream will push these over the edge. You can also mix in a pinch of sea salt before sealing for a sweet-salty combo. For more elevated flavor pairings, check out our Apple Crumb Cake Recipe.
Another tasty tip: try adding a few chopped nuts for crunch or a dash of bourbon caramel for a grown-up twist.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Step-by-Step
Crafting these warm, gooey delights is easier than you’d think. In just 25 minutes, you’ll go from simple ingredients to irresistible treats that taste like they came from a fairground bakery.
Preparing the Dough and Filling
Start by flattening each biscuit dough piece into a circle. You can use your fingers or a rolling pin, but if the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour on your surface. The goal is to make it wide enough to hold both the apple filling and caramel while still being easy to seal.
Place one tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center. Then, add half a caramel piece right on top. This layering ensures that each bite has a perfect ratio of fruit and gooey goodness.
Shaping the Bombs Without Leaks
Seal the dough by pinching the edges tightly. Once it’s closed, gently roll the filled dough into a ball. Be careful not to stretch it too thin—doing so could cause leaks during frying.
Want a pro tip? Lightly wetting the edge of the dough with water before pinching can help it seal more securely. If you’re planning to serve these at a party, you can prep all the bombs in advance and refrigerate them for up to an hour before frying.
Learn more about sealing and shaping techniques in our Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream —a similarly rich dessert with balance in every bite.
Frying to Golden Perfection
Fill a deep saucepan halfway with vegetable oil and heat it on medium. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of dough dropped in sizzles and rises to the top with bubbles.
Fry two pie bombs at a time. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently so they cook evenly on all sides. Each should take about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll drop the oil temperature and risk greasy results.
Keep an eye on the heat—too hot and they’ll burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool and they’ll soak up oil and become heavy.
Coating in Cinnamon Sugar
Right after removing the bombs from the oil, place them into a cinnamon sugar mixture (1 cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp ground cinnamon). Coat them thoroughly while they’re still hot so the sugar sticks.
Let them cool for a couple of minutes on a paper towel or wire rack before serving. If you like extra indulgence, drizzle with warm caramel sauce or serve with vanilla bean ice cream.
For more deep-fried dessert inspiration, check out our Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe —a grown-up apple treat that pairs surprisingly well with these bombs.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Texture and Flavor
How to Avoid Undercooked Centers
One of the most common mistakes is frying on too high of a heat. While the outside might look done, the inside can stay doughy. Keep your oil at a consistent medium temperature and rotate each bomb often for even cooking.
If you’re unsure, use a food thermometer—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of about 190°F.
Best Oil Temperature for Frying
Vegetable oil or canola oil is perfect for this recipe. Both have a neutral taste and high smoke point. Ideal frying temp? 350°F to 360°F. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer if possible.
If the dough browns too fast, reduce the heat immediately.
Storage and Reheating Advice
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
To reheat, place them in an oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll become soggy. You can also freeze them before frying if you want to prep ahead. Just thaw before cooking.
Need more apple-based treats with excellent reheating value? Check out our Apple Butter Latte Recipe for a drink that holds flavor just as well.
Variations to Try Beyond Apple Pie
If you’re the type who loves to customize, these apple pie bombs are a great starting point. Swap out ingredients, adjust the spices, or change the cooking method to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Using Different Fruit Fillings
Apple is classic, but don’t stop there. Cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings make fantastic substitutes. Just be sure to chop any large fruit chunks for easier sealing.
Love tart flavors? Try raspberry preserves mixed with lemon zest for a bright twist. Or go tropical with pineapple and shredded coconut.
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
If you’re avoiding fried foods, the air fryer offers a lighter option. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but you’ll still get a golden exterior and warm center.
Spray the pie bombs with cooking oil to help them crisp up better.
Kid-Friendly and Adult-Only Versions
For kids, skip the caramel and add mini marshmallows inside for a s’mores-style filling. For adults, spike your apple filling with a splash of bourbon or use whiskey caramel for a rich, complex finish.
You can also stuff them with chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even Nutella if you’re feeling adventurous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with different pie fillings?
Yes! You can easily substitute apple pie filling with cherry, blueberry, peach, or even pumpkin. Just make sure the pieces are small enough to wrap easily inside the dough. If you want extra depth of flavor, consider mixing in spices or extracts like vanilla or almond.
What kind of biscuits should I use?
Refrigerated canned biscuits are the best and most convenient option. Great Value or Pillsbury work well—just choose smaller sizes so the dough isn’t too bulky. Flaky layers aren’t necessary and may separate during frying.
Can I air fry Caramel Apple Pie Bombs instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Air frying is a great lower-fat option. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, spray the dough balls lightly with oil, and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get the same deep-fried crispness, but the flavor remains spot-on.
How do I prevent them from falling apart when frying?
Seal the dough properly by pinching the edges tightly. You can moisten the edge with a bit of water for a stronger bond. Also, make sure the oil isn’t too hot—extreme heat can cause quick expansion and rupture.
Conclusion: Why These Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Are Worth the Hype
If you’re short on time but big on flavor, Caramel Apple Pie Bombs check all the boxes. They’re quick, versatile, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just need something indulgent after dinner, these little golden beauties bring all the flavor of a homemade pie—without the hassle.
Plus, the crispy outside, gooey inside, and warm spice combo is pure comfort food magic. Top them off with ice cream or caramel drizzle, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both impressive and insanely easy to pull off.
Discover great ideas like these in our Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes for another warm, comforting dessert!
PrintCaramel Apple Pie Bombs
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs are deep-fried biscuit dough balls filled with gooey apple pie filling and soft caramel, coated in warm cinnamon sugar. A quick and delicious fall-inspired dessert ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (7.5 oz) can of biscuits (Great Value or similar)
- 1 (21 oz) can of apple pie filling, chopped
- 10 individually wrapped soft caramels, halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Caramel sundae topping (optional)
Instructions
- Flatten each biscuit using fingers or a rolling pin.
- Place 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of the dough circle.
- Top with half a caramel candy piece.
- Pinch the edges to seal and roll into a ball.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Fry 2 dough balls at a time, turning to cook evenly until golden brown.
- Remove and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on paper towels or a cooling rack and repeat with remaining dough balls.
- Drizzle with caramel sundae topping if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Wet the dough edges before sealing to prevent leaks.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350–360°F.
- Chop pie filling fruit for easier sealing and better consistency.
- Air fryer option: 350°F for 6–8 minutes, flip halfway.
- Best served fresh, but can be reheated in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
