Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Bagels To Savor

Oh, friends, where do I start with apple pie bagels? The first time I made these, it was one of those chaotic mornings when everyone was rushing out the door, and I needed something more than just a quick grab-and-go. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how my crew would take to the idea of apple pie bagels. I mean, who thinks of combining breakfast bagels with the cozy flavors of apple pie? But you know what happened? They were hooked from the first bite.

This apple pie bagels recipe quickly became our comfort food MVP. Not only did it calm the dinnertime frenzy, but it brought that warm, spiced apple aroma straight into our hectic kitchen. It’s like wrapping the family up in a warm, fuzzy hug through our stomachs. My kids exclaimed, “Mom, can we have these every day?”—and anyone who’s ever tried to get a picky eater excited about fruit knows that kind of reaction is pure gold.

Before I found my groove with these apple pie bagels, I was scrambling with how to get fruit into our meals without the whining or food fights. This recipe gave me a way to sneak in homemade bagels with fruit that felt like a sweet little treat, not a battle. Over time, I learned which spices to dial up to make it the perfect spiced apple bagel that keeps everybody begging for more.

If you’re a busy mom feeling overwhelmed with the endless cycle of snacks and meals, I get it. These apple pie bagels are here to take a little pressure off and add some warmth to your table. Trust me, you’ll want to cozy up with these sweet bagel recipes that make your family feel loved, fed, and happy without fuss. Let’s dive in and share this comfort food win with your family too!

Before we jump in, if these apple pie flavored bagels sound like your kind of cozy, you might also love checking out my take on apple fritter cake for dessert or snack time.


INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Ingredients for apple pie bagels displayed on marble surface

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (great base for apple pie bagels, gives that perfect chew)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast (for the light, fluffy bagel texture)
¾ cup warm water (temperature matters—warm, not hot, to wake up the yeast)
2 tbsp brown sugar (adds the cozy sweetness perfect for spiced apple bagel flavor)
½ tsp salt (balances all the sweet and spicy notes)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (heart of those apple cinnamon bagels, brings the spice)
1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional but I love the depth it adds)
1 medium apple, finely diced (fresh apples make these homemade bagels with fruit stand out)
1 tbsp melted butter (richness and a soft crumb after baking)

No worries if you don’t have nutmeg. I often swap in a bit more cinnamon or even a sprinkle of allspice in my apple pie bagels for extra cozy vibes. These ingredients are easy to find at your regular grocery store—no specialty shopping required, which is perfect for busy mamas.

For a budget-friendly twist, you can use frozen diced apples if fresh ones aren’t seasonal. Just thaw and drain them well before adding to keep your dough balanced. My family gets extra comfort when I add a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins into this spiced apple bagel mix—it gives a delightful crunch and sweetness without complicating the recipe.

The brown sugar and cinnamon combo is what makes this apple pie bagels recipe truly shine. If you want a touch more sweetness, a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top after baking is a family favorite comfort hack of mine. I’ve seen other sweet bagel recipes that call for cream cheese frostings, but I find simple is often best for the everyday hustle.

By the way, if you want a brilliant homemade bagel chip idea made from leftover bagels, Palatable Pantry’s homemade bagel chips are a fun way to keep things exciting. It’s perfect for after-school snacks and cuts down on waste!


Let’s Make it Happen!

1. In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. This step wakes up your yeast for that perfect rise in your apple pie bagels.

2. Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. This mixture starts infusing the dough with the warm flavors that make your home smell like fall.

3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, transfer it onto a floured surface.

4. Now for the fun part—fold in the finely diced apples gently. Don’t overwork the dough here; you want those juicy apple bits evenly spread without smushing them. This step is what truly gives these apple pie bagels their unique, sweet fruit touch.

5. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. I like to time this with my morning coffee—sometimes a little kitchen stretching helps ease into the day.

6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. This raising time is a great moment to prep the next day’s lunch or enjoy a quick chat with the kids.

7. Punch down your dough and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and gently stretch it to form your bagels. You’ll get better at this with practice—don’t worry if they’re not perfect yet!

8. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully drop the bagels in, cooking 1-2 at a time for about 1 minute per side. This boiling step is critical for that chewy crust everyone loves in apple pie flavored bagels.

9. Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want to sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top, sprinkle now.

10. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now—that’s the magic of this spiced apple bagel recipe coming to life.

Don’t rush the boiling or baking. These steps are where the texture shifts from soft dough to the comforting apple pie bagels your family will crave. While they bake, take a moment for yourself or get the kiddos set up with homework – multitasking queen!

I was nervous waiting for the first batch to cool, but the smiles from my family made every minute worth it. If you want a different sweet bagel recipes vibe, check out Apple Spice Bagels for a nice twist on this classic flavor.


How We Love to Eat This!

Close-up of finished apple pie bagels with fresh garnish

In our house, apple pie bagels are a versatile comfort pick. For breakfast, I slice one and lightly toast it, then spread a thin layer of cream cheese or butter to balance the sweet apple cinnamon notes. The kids love them with a side of fresh fruit and a glass of milk—it’s a cozy combo that’s never met with complaints.

This apple pie bagels recipe really shines when we serve it for a comforting after-school snack. Pairing it with warm apple cider or hot chocolate turns it into a little fall celebration right in our living room. Presentation makes a difference too—cutting the bagels into halves or quarters helps the kids manage their portions without overwhelm.

We often whip up a batch for weekend brunches or casual gatherings. Guests always comment on the cozy scent and how the spiced apple bagel flavor feels both nostalgic and fresh. If you want a friend-approved version, try adding a cream cheese glaze for a subtle touch of indulgence.

Leftovers? No problem. Toast them the next day, and they regain a lovely crunch. Or slice and freeze for busy mornings ahead. I even slice leftover apple pie bagels thinly and bake them into crunchy treats, inspired by this homemade bagel chips recipe. The family loves the crunch!

Depending on the season, we sometimes swap fresh apples for dried or add a handful of pumpkin seeds—a nod to pumpkin fans, inspired by recipes like these Pumpkin bagels from Redmond are delicious. The mix of spices makes these sweet bagel recipes feel right at home any time of year.

If you want to expand your cozy bagel repertoire, a savory take like my chewy protein bagels balances out the sweet perfectly on some days.


FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Is this apple pie bagels filling enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The combination of flour, apples, and the slight sweetness gives gut-filling energy. Plus, the fiber from the apples helps keep those little tummies satisfied between meals.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this apple pie bagels?
A: Try slicing it thin and lightly toasting it with a familiar spread like butter. Sometimes the fragrance and warm spices win over hesitant taste buds. Also, letting kids help with the baking can build excitement and pride in trying what they helped make.

Q: Can I meal prep this apple pie bagels for busy weeks ahead?
A: Totally! I usually bake a batch, slice, and freeze extras. Toasting from frozen works wonderfully and saves your sanity on rushed mornings.

Q: Can I substitute gluten-free flour in this apple pie bagels recipe?
A: I’ve tried a blend with decent results, but the texture shifts a bit. If you have time, experimenting with your favorite gluten-free blends works, though you might want to check out some gluten-free sweet bagel recipes for specific tips.

Q: How long do apple pie bagels stay fresh after baking?
A: About 2-3 days at room temp in an airtight container, and up to a week if refrigerated. Reheating softly restores their chewy comfort.

Q: Can I add other fruits besides apples in these homemade bagels with fruit?
A: Yes! Diced pears or dried cranberries would be lovely. Just adjust sweetness accordingly because each fruit brings its own natural sugar.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover apple pie flavored bagels?
A: I slice and freeze them individually. When ready to eat, pop in the toaster or oven. No soggy bagels here!

If you love the cozy spice in these apple pie bagels, definitely explore different sweet bagel recipes for your family at home. You might learn from Apple Butter Pie or even get inspired by other flavors.


Final Thoughts:

Apple pie bagels have become one of my family’s ultimate comfort food wins because they bring warmth with every bite and fit smoothly into our busy kitchen rhythms. These bagels are more than just a meal — they’re a cozy pause in our hectic days.

My apple pie bagels Comfort Hacks:
I add extra cinnamon for an inviting scent that fills the whole house.
Freezing leftover bagels sliced makes morning rushes effortless.
Mixing in chopped nuts adds texture and keeps the kids interested.

Our family enjoys these with slight variations—my youngest loves it straight up with butter, while my husband prefers a cream cheese spread with a drizzle of honey. It’s so easy to adjust this recipe to fit what your family loves.

I hope you give apple pie bagels a try and make them your own. These sweet bagel recipes show that feeding your family well doesn’t have to mean complicated or stressful cooking. With a little patience, some cozy spices, and fresh apples, you can bring a deliciously comforting meal to your table.

If you want more inspiration for family dinnertime wins and comfort classics, don’t miss my other recipes like apple fritter cake or chewy protein bagels. Sending warm, cozy vibes your way as you make your kitchen a happy, well-fed place!

Print

apple pie bagels

Homemade apple pie bagels on white plate

Delight in these warm apple pie bagels, a perfect blend of soft bagel texture with sweet cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling, ideal for a cozy breakfast or dessert.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 bagels
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and knead into a smooth dough for about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the apple filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are soft and caramelized, about 8 minutes. Let cool.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten slightly.
  7. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough piece. Fold dough around filling and seal well. Shape each into a bagel by poking a hole through the center and gently expanding it.
  8. Place bagels on the baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush over the top of each bagel.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Notes

For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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