Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than these Apple Pie Bombs! Imagine the delightful crunch of a buttery, flaky crust surrounding a sweet and spiced apple filling – all in one bite-sized package. These little pockets of deliciousness are perfect for a cozy night in, a casual get-together, or even a special occasion. They're surprisingly quick to assemble, making them an ideal addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. This recipe offers a homemade cooking experience that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, flour, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
Assembling the Apple Pie Bombs:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut circles: Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
- Bake: Place the apple pie bombs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the apple pie bombs cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bombs:
- Use very cold butter for a flakier crust.
- Don't overmix the dough; overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple filling.
- If you want a sweeter filling, increase the sugar to your liking.
- These apple pie bombs are best served warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie Bombs: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Cranberry Apple Pie Bombs: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart and sweet twist.
- Mini Apple Pie Bombs: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make even smaller, bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a reasonable estimate is around 200-250 calories, depending on the size of the bombs. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
These Apple Pie Bombs are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious and satisfying results of this easy and rewarding homemade cooking experience. They're guaranteed to become a favorite among your family and friends!