There was one evening, not too long ago, when I found myself craving something sweet but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Necessity quickly turned into a happy discovery as I whipped up these apple pie bagels. They filled my kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of baked apples and cinnamon, transforming a quiet night into something cozy and special. These apple pie bagels have become a go-to treat in my baking life—something so comforting and approachable that I always feel excited to share the recipe with friends and family.
What I love about this recipe is how it brings a hint of classic apple pie goodness into the everyday bagel format. It’s like meeting two favorites halfway and ending up with a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, you don’t need to be a pastry pro to get fantastic results. After a few tries, I found the balance that works so well—the tender, slightly chewy bagel dough wrapped around spiced apple filling with just the right touch of sweetness.
If you haven’t tried baking apple pie pastry bagels before, this is the perfect place to start. They aren’t complicated, and the ingredients are straightforward. I encourage you, fellow bakers, to give this recipe a whirl—even if you’re tight on time or new to baking. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling hot, homemade apple pie bagels from your oven and knowing you made them yourself. It’s that moment that keeps me coming back again and again, sharing this comforting recipe with everyone who loves a sweet bagel recipe that tastes like a warm hug.
If you like the cozy vibe of these apple pie bagels, you might also enjoy other fruit filled bagels or sweet bagel recipes I’ve tried. Just like these apple cinnamon bagels, they all remind me how fun and versatile baking at home can be. Before we jump into the recipe, you might want to peek at a vegan apple pie stuffed bagels option. It’s an interesting twist that shows this flavor combo works in many forms.
Now, let’s gather everything you need to start making your own homemade apple bagels with that classic apple pie charm baked right in.
What You’ll Need for This apple pie bagels:
Here’s the heart of this delicious recipe—simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to make these apple pie bagels shine.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (You can swap half for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor in your apple pie bagels)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast (Found at most grocery stores and perfect for that chewy bagel texture)
- 1 cup warm water (Not too hot, about 110°F, to wake up the yeast for your apple cinnamon bagels)
- 1 tbsp sugar (I always add a bit extra to balance the tartness of the apples)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (Or another mild oil, which keeps these homemade apple bagels soft)
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully in apple pie pastry bagels)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (Adds a lovely caramel note to the fruit filling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (The star spice for apple pie bagels)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (Optional, but I think it brings depth to the flavor)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (To thicken the apple filling so it doesn’t make the dough soggy)
This recipe for apple pie bagels is affordable because it uses pantry staples and fresh apples, which you can find in any season. I like to prep the apple filling while the dough is rising—this multitasking saves time and lets the flavors blend ahead of baking.
A baking tip I’ve learned: using fresh, crisp apples keeps the filling from turning mushy in these fruit filled bagels. You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance, storing the dough wrapped tight in the fridge and the filling in a sealed container to keep everything fresh.
If you want a lower sugar option, brown sugar can be reduced or swapped for honey. If you prefer vegan apple pie bagels, check out a great alternative recipe here, which uses yogurt in the filling for moisture without the fat.
Now that you’re set with ingredients, let’s get to the fun part – making these apple pie bagels come to life!
How to Make This apple pie bagels:
Ready to start? This recipe for apple pie bagels takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours from start to finish, including rising and baking time. It’s well worth that time, and I’m with you every step of the way!
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This tells you the yeast is awake and ready to make your apple pie bagels delightfully chewy.
- Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. It should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. This is where a gentle hand makes all the difference with your apple pie bagels dough.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the apple filling: While the dough rises, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the apples soften just right. Set aside to cool.
- Shape the bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, spoon a small amount of apple filling onto the center, then bring the edges together and pinch to seal. Shape each into a round bagel with a hole in the middle or, for the less traditional shape, into a tight ball.
- Second rise: Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for another 20-30 minutes. This ensures your apple pie bagels stay light, not dense.
- Boil the bagels: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Boil the bagels in a pot of water, two at a time, for about 30 seconds on each side. This step gives them that classic bagel chew.
- Bake the bagels: Return the bagels to your baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly when this apple pie bagels is ready.
If at any point your apple pie bagels look like soft dough balls, don’t worry—you’re on the right track! Bagel dough is different from bread dough and this recipe nurtures that perfect chewy middle.
While your apple pie bagels bake, you can tidy up the kitchen or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. Trust me, the reward is worth these simple steps.
For more inspiration, you might want to check out this apple pie bagel recipe with Greek yogurt on Facebook. It’s got a lovely creamy twist if you want to try something slightly different.
Serving Your apple pie bagels:
One of my favorite ways to serve apple pie bagels is warm, right out of the oven, with a smear of cinnamon cream cheese. The creamy, slightly tangy spread pairs perfectly with the sweet spiced apple filling.
These bagels also shine alongside a cup of coffee or chai tea for an afternoon treat. If you want to get fancy, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top for a quick decoration that feels just right.
They work beautifully for brunch gatherings, fall festivals, or a cozy weekend breakfast. Whenever I bring these apple pie bagels to family and friends, they disappear fast – whether we’re enjoying a casual Sunday or a special holiday.
Leftover apple pie bagels still taste great toasted. You can slice them and spread with peanut butter or even use them to make a sweet sandwich with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese—yes, it’s delicious!
For a seasonal spin, I sometimes add diced pears or cranberries to the filling, making these fruit filled bagels even more festive. If you like variations, be sure to check out similar sweet bagel recipes that use pumpkin or maple syrup flavors, like these apple spice bagels.
Serving apple pie bagels has become a little ritual in my kitchen – it’s all about sharing something warm and homemade that everyone loves.
Common Questions About This apple pie bagels:
- Can I make this apple pie bagels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and apple filling separately and refrigerate them overnight. Just shape and boil the bagels fresh before baking for the best texture. - What’s a good substitute for cornstarch in this apple pie bagels filling?
I’ve used all-purpose flour when I ran out of cornstarch. It thickens well but needs a slightly longer cooking time. Arrowroot powder also works if you have it at home. - Can I use frozen apples for these homemade apple bagels?
Yes, but fresh apples provide firmer texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain the excess liquid to avoid soggy filling. - How can I adjust this apple pie bagels recipe for different pan sizes?
Since the dough is shaped into individual bagels, the pan size isn’t critical. Just give your bagels enough space to rise and bake evenly on a larger tray. - Can I skip boiling the bagels?
Boiling is what sets traditional bagel texture, making them chewy rather than bread-like. You’ll still get tasty apple pie pastry bagels without boiling, but expect a softer crumb. - Is there a vegan version of apple pie bagels?
Yes! I found a vegan apple pie stuffed bagels recipe that’s fat-free and uses Greek yogurt substitutes. You can check it out here. - What storage tips work best for leftovers?
Store apple pie bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for two days. For longer keeping, freeze them wrapped tightly and toast to refresh. - Can I add nuts to the filling?
Chopped walnuts or pecans add great crunch and go perfectly in apple cinnamon bagels. - How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the dough pinched firmly around the filling and don’t overfill each bagel.
If you’re interested in more savory flavors, I’ve got favorites like roasted cauliflower curry soup or steak with peppercorn sauce that pair nicely after a sweet start with these apple pie bagels.
Final Thoughts on This apple pie bagels:
This apple pie bagels recipe has earned its special spot in my collection because it feels like a warm, reliable friend on days I want something both nostalgic and fresh. It’s easy enough to make during a busy week yet comforting enough to share when friends come over.
My Top Tips for This apple pie bagels:
- Use fresh apples for the best texture
- Don’t rush the rises—they make the difference in chew and fluffiness
- Always boil before baking to get that signature bagel bite
Some of my favorite variations include adding cranberries with the cinnamon or swapping traditional all-purpose flour for a mix with rye for a subtle twist. The classic apple pie pastry bagels with a vanilla glaze stay the most requested at my table though—they’re always the star.
I hope you feel encouraged to make this your own. Maybe you’ll add a spice or two I haven’t tried yet, or try baking them with your favorite apple variety. What I love most is knowing every batch brings that joyful apple pie bagel aroma into homes like yours.
Thank you for sharing a little time with me in the kitchen. If you enjoy this, you might love my recipe for pomegranate glazed lamb chops paired with sweet finishes. Happy baking, friends!
Here’s to many delicious moments with your apple pie bagels ahead!
apple pie bagels
Delight in these warm apple pie bagels that blend the classic flavors of apple pie with a soft, chewy bagel, perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and knead into a smooth dough for about 8 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, sauté diced apple in butter over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Once dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 6 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a flat circle, spread a tablespoon of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture in the center.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling and shape into a bagel with a hole in the center.
- Place formed bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush bagels with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving; optionally dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Notes
For a richer taste, serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.