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Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Caramel apple pie bombs are the perfect bite-sized desserts that combine the classic flavors of apple pie with rich caramel in a flaky pastry shell. These delightful treats offer all the comfort of traditional apple pie but in a convenient, handheld format that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something sweet without the fuss of making a full pie.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation taking only 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for last-minute dessert needs
- Individual portion control allows everyone to enjoy their own personal treat without cutting into a large pie
- Budget-friendly recipe using simple pantry staples that typically cost under $10 to make a full batch
- Versatile serving options work great for holiday parties, potluck dinners, or casual family movie nights
- Kid-friendly appeal with their fun bomb shape and sweet caramel filling that children absolutely love
Why This Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances convenience with flavor. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet caramel creates the perfect flavor profile that mimics traditional apple pie. Using puff pastry instead of traditional pie crust saves time while delivering that satisfying flaky texture.
The individual serving size makes portion control easier and eliminates the mess of cutting pie slices. Each bomb contains approximately 180 calories, making them a reasonable treat option. The cinnamon and brown sugar enhance the natural apple flavors while providing antioxidants and trace minerals.
These treats are ideal for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or any time you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The recipe scales easily, so you can make dozens for large events or just a few for intimate family dinners.
What You’ll Need for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
---|---|---|
Granny Smith apples | 2 cups, diced | Provides tart flavor and firm texture that holds up during baking |
Brown sugar | 1/4 cup | Sweetens apples and creates caramelized flavors |
Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Adds warm spice and classic apple pie flavor |
Caramel sauce | 1/2 cup | Creates rich sweetness and gooey texture |
Puff pastry sheets | 1 package (17.3 oz) | Forms flaky, buttery exterior shell |
Large egg | 1 whole | Creates golden, glossy finish when brushed on pastry |
Tools
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
Large mixing bowl | Combines apple mixture ingredients evenly |
Rolling pin | Flattens puff pastry to desired thickness |
Sharp knife | Cuts pastry into uniform squares |
Pastry brush | Applies egg wash for golden finish |
Baking sheet | Holds bombs during baking process |
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Creating these delicious treats is straightforward and requires minimal baking experience. The key is working quickly with the puff pastry to prevent it from becoming too warm and difficult to handle.
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1. Preheat | Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper |
2. Prepare filling | Toss diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated |
3. Prepare pastry | Roll out puff pastry on floured surface and cut into 4-inch squares |
4. Fill bombs | Place 1 tablespoon apple mixture in center of each square, drizzle with caramel |
5. Seal | Bring corners together over filling and pinch edges tightly to prevent leaking |
6. Finish | Brush each bomb with beaten egg for golden color |
7. Bake | Bake 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain its flaky texture and prevent tearing during assembly
- Don’t overfill the bombs as this can cause them to burst open during baking and create a mess
- Seal edges thoroughly by pressing with fork tines to ensure no filling escapes during baking
- Let bombs cool for 5 minutes before serving as the caramel filling will be extremely hot initially
- Brush egg wash evenly for consistent golden color and professional-looking finish
Serving and Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Serving Tips
Serve these bombs warm for the best experience, as the caramel will be gooey and the pastry crisp. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For special occasions, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
These treats work wonderfully alongside other comfort foods like our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete family meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
For entertaining, arrange them on a decorative platter with small dessert plates and forks. They’re perfect finger foods that don’t require cutting, making them ideal for buffet-style serving.
Mistakes to Avoid While Making Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
The most common mistake is using too much filling, which causes the bombs to leak during baking. Stick to one tablespoon of apple mixture per bomb to prevent this issue. Another frequent error is not sealing the edges properly, leading to opened bombs and lost filling.
Avoid using pastry that’s too warm, as it becomes difficult to work with and won’t hold its shape. If your kitchen is warm, chill the pastry for 10 minutes before assembly. Don’t skip the egg wash, as this creates the appealing golden color that makes these bombs visually stunning.
Overbaking is another pitfall that results in tough, dry pastry. Watch carefully during the final minutes and remove when golden brown. The pastry will continue cooking slightly from residual heat.
You Must Know
- Puff pastry must remain cold during assembly to achieve maximum puffiness and flakiness when baked
- Granny Smith apples are essential as they hold their shape and provide the right tartness to balance the sweet caramel
- Proper sealing prevents caramel leakage which can burn on the baking sheet and create smoke
- These bombs are best served within 2 hours of baking for optimal texture and temperature
Suggestions for Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
Customize these bombs by adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for extra crunch and nutrition. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the warm spice profile. For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
Consider making seasonal variations using different apple varieties or adding cranberries during the holidays. These bombs also work well with other fruit combinations like pear and ginger or peach and cinnamon.
For a lighter version, use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry, though you’ll need to brush each layer with melted butter. You can also experiment with different caramel flavors like salted caramel or bourbon caramel for adult gatherings.
Try serving them alongside our Keto Cloud Cake Recipe for a diverse dessert spread. For more apple dessert inspiration, check out this Caramel Apple Flavor Bomb Recipe or this Caramel Apple Cream Pie Recipe.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the bombs up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them before baking. This actually helps the pastry stay cold and puff better. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the pastry’s crispness. Avoid microwaving as this makes the pastry soggy and tough.
Absolutely! Freeze assembled unbaked bombs on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the cooking time.
Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold apples work well as they maintain their texture during baking. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious which become mushy.
Use thick caramel sauce rather than thin syrup, don’t overfill, and seal the edges thoroughly by pinching and pressing with a fork. Chilling assembled bombs for 15 minutes before baking also helps.
Conclusion
Caramel apple pie bombs offer the perfect solution when you’re craving apple pie but want something more convenient and portion-controlled. With their flaky pastry exterior and gooey caramel-apple center, they deliver all the comfort food satisfaction in a fun, handheld format.
This recipe proves that impressive desserts don’t require hours of preparation. In just 35 minutes total, you can create treats that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family, these bombs are guaranteed to be a hit.
The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization while maintaining the core appeal that makes them so irresistible. Try them once, and they’ll become a regular part of your dessert repertoire.
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📖 Recipe Card

Caramel Apple Pie Bombs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 minutes before serving 1x
Description
Delicious flaky puff pastry bombs filled with spiced apples and gooey caramel sauce – a perfect handheld dessert that combines all the flavors of apple pie in a convenient bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, diced Granny Smith apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets
- 1 whole large egg
Instructions
- Preheat: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Prepare filling: Toss diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated
- Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry on floured surface and cut into 4-inch squares
- Fill bombs: Place 1 tablespoon apple mixture in center of each square, drizzle with caramel
- Seal: Bring corners together over filling and pinch edges tightly to prevent leaking
- Finish: Brush each bomb with beaten egg for golden color
- Bake: Bake 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain its flaky texture and prevent tearing during assembly
- Don’t overfill the bombs as this can cause them to burst open during baking and create a mess
- Seal edges thoroughly by pressing with fork tines to ensure no filling escapes during baking
- Let bombs cool for 5 minutes before serving as the caramel filling will be extremely hot initially
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramel apple pie bombs, puff pastry dessert, apple pie, handheld dessert, caramel apple, easy baking