Indulge in crispy golden dough balls filled with tender apple pie filling and soft, melted caramel. Coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar, these treats deliver a sweet crunch around a gooey center. Quick to make and irresistible, they are perfect for cozy desserts, festive gatherings, or anytime a warm sweet bite is needed.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar – for the cinnamon sugar coating, use fine white sugar for smooth texture
- Ground cinnamon – fresh for peak flavor and warm aroma
- Refrigerated biscuit dough – fast, fluffy dough; choose a trusted brand
- Apple pie filling – select one with visible apple chunks and a hint of cinnamon
- Soft caramels – halved for even melting inside
- Vegetable oil – neutral flavor, high smoke point like canola for frying
- Caramel sundae topping (optional) – for extra drizzle on finished bombs
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Set aside.
Flatten the Biscuits
- Open the biscuit package and flatten each dough round with hands or a lightly floured rolling pin.
- Ensure the dough remains even but thin enough to wrap the filling securely.
Add Apple and Caramel Filling
- Place about one tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Top with half a caramel piece for a gooey center.
Seal and Shape
- Pinch edges of the dough over the filling, sealing tightly to prevent leaks.
- Gently roll into a ball, tucking seams underneath for smooth, even shape.
Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, filling slightly more than halfway.
- Heat over medium flame until a small piece of dough sizzles on contact. Adjust heat as needed to maintain consistent temperature.
Fry the Pie Bombs
- Lower a few bombs at a time into hot oil using a slotted spoon.
- Gently roll and turn each until all sides are golden brown.
- Maintain medium heat to prevent burnt outsides or undercooked centers.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Remove fried bombs from oil and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Ensure each bomb is fully coated while still hot for best adhesion.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm for maximum gooeyness. Optionally drizzle caramel sundae topping over the bombs for extra decadence.
Tips for Best Results
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil and uneven cooking.
- Monitor oil temperature with a thermometer if available.
- Let bombs cool slightly before biting; caramel inside will be very hot.
- For a crispier shell, let fried bombs sit briefly before coating in sugar.
- Fresh cinnamon provides better flavor than pre-ground old spice; stir sugar if clumpy from heat.
Storage
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate and rewarm gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer option: Assemble bombs, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bag. Fry from frozen with extra cooking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use homemade sweet dough or pizza dough in place of biscuits.
- Fresh apples can be chopped, cooked with sugar and cinnamon, and used instead of canned filling.
- Soft toffee squares can substitute caramel candies.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an apple pie sundae experience.
- Add a drizzle of whipped cream or extra caramel for festive flair.
- Set out additional cinnamon sugar for guests to customize.
Cultural Context
Fried dough with sweet fillings appears in many traditions, from American fried pies to Mexican buñuelos. Caramel apple pie bombs combine nostalgic fair food flavors with the classic apple dessert found in households everywhere, delivering a playful, indulgent treat.
Seasonal Variations
- Autumn: add pumpkin spice to cinnamon sugar.
- Summer: substitute berry pie filling for a fruity twist.
- Light version: use apple butter and skip caramel for a simpler dessert.
Pro Tips
- Take care sealing the dough to prevent leaks.
- Test a small dough piece in oil to confirm temperature before frying full batch.
- Roll in sugar while still hot for best coating adhesion.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, molten caramel and tender apple center.
Recipe FAQs
How can I prevent filling from leaking?
Pinch dough edges tightly and roll into a smooth ball to secure the filling.
Can homemade dough be used?
Yes, just ensure it is rolled thin enough to wrap around the filling completely.
What oil is ideal for frying?
Vegetable oil works best due to neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can caramel candies be substituted?
Soft caramel or caramel sauce works, but candies create a more distinct molten center.
How should these be served?
Serve warm, plain or drizzled with caramel sundae topping for extra sweetness.
Caramel Apple Pie Bombs deliver a perfect balance of crisp, sweet, and gooey textures. Ideal for holidays, cozy nights, or special gatherings, these treats are simple to make yet impressively indulgent.