Gooey Caramel Apple Bombs

Featured in: Sweet Endings and Treats

These delicious hand-held dessert bombs combine the classic flavors of apple pie with gooey caramel in bite-sized portions. Tender Granny Smith apples are sautéed with cinnamon and brown sugar, then wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough with caramel sauce. After baking to golden perfection, they're drizzled with more caramel for an irresistible treat that's significantly easier than making a traditional pie. Serve warm with ice cream for maximum enjoyment!

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Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 15:47:20 GMT
Three pastries with powdered sugar on a plate. Pin it
Three pastries with powdered sugar on a plate. | tasteofcook.com

There is something irresistible about caramel apple pie bombs They take the cozy flavors of classic apple pie and wrap them up into a warm handheld treat These are perfect for when you crave pie without making a full crust and they never fail to impress at gatherings or as a fun weekend dessert

The first time I made these was for a movie night I was surprised at how quickly they disappeared Everyone keeps asking for them ever since

Ingredients

  • Granny Smith apples: Give a tart flavor that balances the sweetness Choose apples that feel firm with smooth skin
  • Lemon juice: Brightens up the apple filling and prevents browning Use freshly squeezed juice if possible
  • Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the apples Choose fresh ground cinnamon for better flavor
  • Brown sugar: Melts into the filling for a caramelized gooey texture Light or dark brown sugar both work
  • Butter: Gives the filling richness and helps the apples cook evenly Use real unsalted butter for best results
  • Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Creates a soft flaky shell Make sure the dough is kept cold until use for easier handling
  • Caramel sauce: Delivers that classic pie bomb sweetness Pick a thick store bought caramel or make your own if you like
  • Egg for egg wash: Gives the crust a glossy finish Use a large egg
  • Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant flavor to the apple filling Go for pure vanilla if possible
  • Granulated sugar for sprinkling: Gives the tops a delicate crunch Use a fine white sugar
  • Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Takes these to the next level Look for high quality when possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat Stir in diced apples lemon juice brown sugar and cinnamon Let cook five to seven minutes until apples are soft and juices are bubbling Remove from heat and allow to cool a little to avoid melting the dough
Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Make sure to give it time to reach the proper temperature
Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean floured surface Separate it into triangles using the lines from the package Keep the rest covered with plastic so it does not dry out
Fill and Roll:
Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough triangle Drizzle a little caramel sauce over apples Take care not to add too much or it will be hard to seal the dough Roll from the wide end up tucking edges and pinching closed to form a round shape
Egg Wash:
Beat the egg with a splash of water in a small bowl Brush this mixture gently over the tops of each dough ball so you get a beautiful golden color after baking
Sprinkle and Bake:
Move the filled bombs to a parchment lined baking sheet Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar across the tops Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until they are puffed and golden brown
Serve:
Let your pie bombs cool a few minutes Drizzle more caramel sauce before serving For a special touch add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy while still warm
Three pastries with white icing and drizzled with caramel. Pin it
Three pastries with white icing and drizzled with caramel. | tasteofcook.com

My favorite part of these is the caramel apple filling When I made these last fall the smell filled the whole house and my family could not wait to dig in It really reminds me of baking pie with my grandmother on chilly afternoons

Storage Tips

Let pie bombs cool completely before storing Place them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for one to two days For longer freshness refrigerate up to four days and warm in the oven to crisp up To freeze wrap each in plastic and keep in a freezer bag They reheat beautifully for up to one month

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any firm tart apple if you do not have Granny Smith Try Honeycrisp or Braeburn Crescent roll dough can be swapped for biscuit dough for a fluffier shell If you need a quick caramel sauce try melting soft caramel candies with a splash of cream

Serving Suggestions

For gatherings set out a platter and let guests drizzle on extra caramel or add their own toppings These are delightful with hot apple cider or even coffee For a fun brunch treat serve with scrambled eggs and sausage

Three desserts on a plate. Pin it
Three desserts on a plate. | tasteofcook.com

These caramel apple pie bombs are cozy, fun, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these caramel apple pie bombs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the unbaked bombs and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, apply the egg wash just before baking.

→ What type of apples work best for this dessert?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet caramel, and they hold their shape when cooked. Other good options include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples.

→ Can I freeze these caramel apple bombs?

Yes! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

→ What can I use if I don't have crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry makes an excellent substitute. You can also use pie crust, though the texture will be different. Cut the dough into squares, add filling to the center, then pinch corners together to seal.

→ Why did my bombs leak during baking?

This usually happens if the seams aren't properly sealed or if they're overfilled. Make sure to pinch all seams firmly closed and don't add too much filling. You can also try chilling the assembled bombs for 15 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.

→ What type of caramel sauce works best?

Store-bought caramel ice cream topping works perfectly. For an elevated version, use homemade caramel sauce or dulce de leche. Avoid thin caramel syrups as they may make the dough too wet.

Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

Buttery crescent rolls filled with spiced apples and caramel, baked until golden and drizzled with more sweet caramel sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 apple pie bombs)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups of Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
02 1 teaspoon lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon cinnamon
04 ½ cup brown sugar
05 1 tablespoon butter
06 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
07 ½ cup caramel sauce
08 1 egg (for egg wash)
09 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
10 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
11 Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 03

Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles as per the instructions on the can.

Step 04

Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each crescent triangle. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing them tricky. Roll the dough from the wide end, tucking in the sides as you go to form a neat ball. Pinch the seams to seal tightly.

Step 05

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the dough balls to achieve a beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 06

Place the filled bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the tops lightly with granulated sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 07

Allow the pie bombs to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy them warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

Notes

  1. These caramel apple pie bombs are best served warm when the filling is still gooey and the outside is crisp.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for egg wash

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (crescent roll dough)
  • Contains dairy (butter, caramel sauce)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 2 g