Growing up, my grandma’s Apple Pie Bombs were always the talk of the town. I can still remember the excitement I’d feel every time she’d bring a fresh batch to our family gatherings. The aroma of cinnamon and apples would fill the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. And the moment we’d sink our teeth into those golden, flaky pockets of joy, it was like being transported back to our childhood.
To this day, those Apple Pie Bombs remain one of my most cherished culinary memories. There was just something so comforting and satisfying about them – the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. I’d often find myself sneaking back for seconds (or thirds!) because I simply couldn’t get enough.
Now, as an adult, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that same magic in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, this Apple Pie Bombs recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s not only easy to make, but it also delivers all the flavors and textures you’d expect from a classic apple pie, just in a more portable and snackable form.
Why This Apple Pie Bombs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Apple Pie Bombs
The secret to these Apple Pie Bombs lies in the perfect harmony of the ingredients and the careful attention to technique. By using a combination of sweet and tart apples, along with a blend of warm spices, you’ll end up with a filling that’s both complex and deeply satisfying. And the flaky, buttery pastry dough? It’s the perfect vessel to hold all that goodness.
But the real magic happens when you bake these little bombs to golden perfection. The outside becomes crisp and irresistible, while the inside remains soft, gooey, and bursting with apple-y goodness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– All-purpose flour: The foundation of the pastry dough, providing structure and stability.
– Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the dough.
– Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes during baking.
– Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
– Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, these apples hold their shape well during baking.
– Gala apples: Lend a touch of sweetness and juiciness to the filling.
– Ground cinnamon: Warms up the filling with its signature spicy-sweet aroma.
– Ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle depth of flavor to the filling.
– Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the apples from browning.
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Bombs Instructions
Preparing Your Apple Pie Bombs
Get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Apple Pie Bombs! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tray of warm, gooey pockets of goodness ready to enjoy. This recipe takes about an hour from start to finish, and you’ll need a rolling pin, a sharp knife, and a baking sheet to get the job done.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith and Gala apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
4- Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5- Arrange the filled Apple Pie Bombs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
6- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
– Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance.
– Dice the apples into small, evenly-sized pieces for even cooking.
– Don’t overfill the dough circles, or the filling may ooze out during baking.
– Brush the tops of the Apple Pie Bombs with a beaten egg or milk for a shiny, golden finish.
– Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon-sugar on top of the baked bombs for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Pie Bombs
Perfect Pairings for Apple Pie Bombs
These Apple Pie Bombs are the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a cozy, comforting moment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Apple Pie Bombs (which is unlikely!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the Apple Pie Bombs in advance and freeze them. Simply place the unbaked bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. When ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Apple Pie Bombs
Creative Apple Pie Bombs Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping out the apples for different seasonal fruits, like pears, peaches, or even berries. You can also experiment with various spice blends, such as pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice, to create unique flavor profiles.
Making Apple Pie Bombs Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use a plant-based butter or shortening in the dough and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk. And for a lower-carb option, use a keto-friendly sweetener and low-carb flour in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple instead of Granny Smith and Gala?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other varieties, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that the filling may be sweeter or tarter depending on the apples you choose.
Q: How do I know when the Apple Pie Bombs are done baking?
A: The Apple Pie Bombs are ready when the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also do a quick test by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean, with no raw dough.
Q: Can I make the Apple Pie Bombs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the unbaked bombs and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen bombs on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How many Apple Pie Bombs does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 12-15 Apple Pie Bombs, depending on the size of your dough circles. Feel free to adjust the recipe if you need to serve a larger crowd.
Q: What if the filling leaks out during baking?
A: If you notice some of the filling oozing out during baking, don’t worry! This can happen if the dough circles were overfilled or not sealed properly. Next time, be sure to use a smaller amount of filling and crimp the edges of the dough more tightly.
Apple Pie Bombs
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12
Description
Bite-sized bursts of autumnal apple goodness, these easy-to-make Apple Pie Bombs feature a flaky pastry shell filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfect for gatherings, desserts, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
1. – In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. – Add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to come together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. – In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. – Roll the chilled dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
5. – Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. – Arrange the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash.
7. – Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
For a twist, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the finished Apple Pie Bombs. These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Get ready to experience the ultimate in apple pie indulgence with these irresistible Apple Pie Bombs! This recipe is a true game-changer, combining the classic flavors of a homemade apple pie in a portable, snackable form. With their crisp, golden exteriors and gooey, cinnamon-spiced interiors, these bombs are sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to bake up a batch of these Apple Pie Bombs. Trust me, your taste buds (and your loved ones!) will thank you. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below. Happy baking!
