Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use canned filling in a pinch, but homemade filling really makes these bombs special. If using canned, drain excess liquid and still add some extra cinnamon for flavor boost.

What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! You can use a regular baking dish or even a muffin tin in a pinch. A baking dish won't give quite the same crispy exterior, but they'll still be delicious.

Can I make these with puff pastry instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Puff pastry creates a more delicate, flaky exterior. Cut the pastry into squares, fill, and fold corners to center to create a different look.

Why did some of my bombs open up during baking?

This usually happens when the seams aren't pinched tightly enough. Make sure to really press the edges together firmly, and consider using a fork to crimp the edges for extra insurance.

Apple Pie Bombs Recipe

Name: Apple Pie Bombs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 baking apples, cored and chopped; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon, or apple pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup water; 1 can (12 oz) Pillsbury Homestyle Butter Tastin’ refrigerated biscuits; 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

These Apple Pie Bombs are a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of apple pie but wants something quicker and more fun to make. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery biscuit filled with cinnamon-spiced apple filling that oozes deliciousness with every bite. Ready in under 40 minutes, they’re the perfect weeknight treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have time for a traditional pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Satisfaction: Get all the flavors of apple pie in a fraction of the time – no pie crust rolling or lengthy baking required!
Fun to Make: These little bombs are surprisingly simple to put together, making them perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: Watch these disappear at family gatherings, potlucks, or after-dinner treats – everyone loves the surprise of that apple filling.
Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully here, providing that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness while holding their shape during cooking.
Unsalted Butter: Creates richness in both the filling and that golden brown exterior – the secret to that irresistible flavor.
Cornstarch: This thickens our apple filling, preventing runny centers that could make the biscuits soggy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both our filling and creates that wonderful crunchy coating on the outside.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and that subtle molasses flavor that makes apple desserts sing.
Cinnamon or Apple Pie Spice: The quintessential spice for apple desserts – don’t skimp here! This is where the magic happens.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Water: Helps create the perfect consistency for our apple filling.
Refrigerated Biscuits: The shortcut that makes this recipe so accessible – no need to make dough from scratch!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Apple Options

Try mixing up your apple varieties – a combination of tart Granny Smith with sweeter Gala or Fuji creates interesting flavor complexity.

Flavor Twists

Add a tablespoon of bourbon or vanilla to the apple filling for an adult version
Include a small cube of caramel in the center of each bomb before sealing
Mix some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch
Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for extra decadence

Serving Variations

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of caramel for an over-the-top dessert
Make a maple glaze to drizzle over the still-warm bombs
Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits for a different texture

How to Make Apple Pie Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large saucepan, combine your chopped apples, 2 tablespoons butter, cornstarch, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together, then slowly add water. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still have some bite. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a 10-inch cast iron skillet and generously grease it with a tablespoon of butter. The cast iron creates that perfect crisp exterior while keeping the centers soft.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits

Take each refrigerated biscuit and flatten it into a 4-inch round using your hands or a rolling pin. Don’t worry about making perfect circles – rustic is charming!

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Place a couple tablespoons of your cooled apple filling in the center of each flattened biscuit. Carefully fold the edges up and around the filling, pinching firmly to seal completely. Place each filled bomb seam-side down in your prepared skillet, allowing a little space between each for expansion.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and pour it evenly over your arranged bombs. Then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over everything.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 16-18 minutes until the bombs are beautiful golden brown. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Filling Consistency: Make sure your apple filling isn’t too wet – drain a bit of the liquid if needed to prevent leakage.
Sealing Technique: Really pinch those edges firmly and twist slightly to ensure a good seal. Any gaps will allow the delicious filling to escape during baking.
Even Sizing: Try to flatten your biscuits to a similar thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to overstuff – about 2 tablespoons of filling is perfect.
Watch Carefully: Every oven is different, so start checking at 15 minutes. You want golden brown, not dark brown.

How to Serve

These Apple Pie Bombs shine brightest when served warm, about 5 minutes after coming out of the oven. Here are some serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top
A drizzle of caramel sauce
A dollop of fresh whipped cream
A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple finish

Complete the Meal

Serve as dessert following a cozy fall dinner like roast chicken or pork tenderloin. The warm spices complement hearty main dishes beautifully.

Breakfast Option

Yes! These can absolutely be breakfast food. Pair with a strong cup of coffee or tea for a weekend morning treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled leftover bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuit texture will soften somewhat, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked bombs. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add about 5 minutes to the baking time. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. You can use a microwave for 20-30 seconds, but the texture won’t be quite as good.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use canned filling in a pinch, but homemade filling really makes these bombs special. If using canned, drain excess liquid and still add some extra cinnamon for flavor boost.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! You can use a regular baking dish or even a muffin tin in a pinch. A baking dish won’t give quite the same crispy exterior, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I make these with puff pastry instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Puff pastry creates a more delicate, flaky exterior. Cut the pastry into squares, fill, and fold corners to center to create a different look.
Why did some of my bombs open up during baking?

This usually happens when the seams aren’t pinched tightly enough. Make sure to really press the edges together firmly, and consider using a fork to crimp the edges for extra insurance.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Bombs bring the comfort of traditional apple pie in an approachable, fun format that anyone can master. I love how they combine the convenience of ready-made ingredients with the satisfaction of homemade filling. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight family dessert or serving them at your next gathering, these little bombs of flavor are sure to create moments of pure joy around your table. Give them a try – I promise they’ll become a regular in your dessert rotation!