There’s something magical about the aroma of apple pie wafting through the kitchen. It brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and holiday cheer. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all those comforting flavors in a bite-sized treat?
That’s exactly what Apple Pie Bombs deliver – a burst of warm, cinnamon-spiced apple goodness wrapped in a flaky, golden crust.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Let me tell you, these little bombs of deliciousness changed my dessert game forever.
They’re perfect for when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, or when you just need a quick fix for your sweet tooth.
Ingredients and Preparation
What You Need
Before we dive into the kitchen wizardry, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up these heavenly bites:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup water
For the Dough:
- 2 containers (8 oz each) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
Additional Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil for frying (if you choose to fry)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for coating
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Making the Apple Pie Filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Place it over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. This is where the magic begins – you’ll see the mixture start to thicken before your eyes.
2. Cook the Filling: Once it’s boiling, keep stirring and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. Now, add those diced apples and let them simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy – they should still have a bit of bite to them.
3. Cool It Down: Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. Patience is key here – if you try to use hot filling, you’ll end up with a mess!
Preparing the Dough
Cutting and Shaping
1. Unroll and Smooth: Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Now, here’s a little trick I learned: pinch those perforations together to create one seamless sheet. Give it a gentle roll with a rolling pin to smooth it out.
2. Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect – rustic is charming!
Assembling the Apple Pie Bombs
Filling and Sealing
1. Add the Filling: Place about a tablespoon of the cooled apple pie filling in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill – trust me, I’ve made that mistake before, and it leads to a messy (albeit delicious) disaster.
2. Seal the Deal: Now for the fun part – fold up two opposite ends of the dough and then fold the sides over each other. Pinch all the seams together to seal in that precious filling. It’s like wrapping tiny presents, except you get to eat these!
Cooking the Apple Pie Bombs
Methods: Fried, Baked, or Air-Fried
Here’s where you can choose your own adventure. I’ve tried all three methods, and each has its own charm.
Fried Method
1. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer if you have one – temperature is crucial for that perfect golden crust.
2. Fry in Batches: Gently lower a few pie bombs into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – these little guys need space to dance. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re a beautiful golden brown.
3. Drain and Bake: Fish them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. To ensure they’re cooked through, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Baked Method
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bake to Perfection: Arrange your pie bombs on the prepared sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly puffed.
Air-Fried Method
1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
2. Air Fry in Batches: Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the pie bombs in the basket, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Cook for 8-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Finishing Touches
Coating and Serving
1. Sugar and Spice: While your Apple Pie Bombs are still warm, roll them in that cinnamon-sugar mixture we prepared earlier. This is what takes them from great to irresistible.
2. Drizzle with Delight: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. It’s like putting a bow on a perfect package.
And there you have it – your very own batch of Apple Pie Bombs! These little morsels of joy are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They’re perfect for everything from casual family movie nights to fancy dinner parties.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties or even add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of warmth. The kitchen is your playground, after all!
So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Apple Pie Bombs and watch as they disappear faster than you can say “à la mode”. Just be warned – once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one!
