There was a special moment in my kitchen when the idea for these apple pie bagels truly took shape. I was craving something that felt like a warm hug on a chilly morning—a mix of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled inside a soft, chewy bagel. The first time I bit into my homemade apple pie bagels, the familiar comfort of apple pie met the unique twist of a bagel’s texture, creating a joyful surprise. It wasn’t just the flavors; it was the way the apple cinnamon filling blended perfectly with the golden, slightly crispy exterior that made this treat unforgettable.
This apple pie bagels recipe truly represents my philosophy at Carmen Wausa—making approachable, comforting meals that everyone can enjoy without fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms your kitchen into a cozy spot where creativity meets authenticity. And the best part? No fancy techniques, just feel-good ingredients and a process that rewards you with fruit-filled bagels you’ll want to make again and again.
The magic behind apple pie bagels is that they bring breakfast and dessert together in a single bite. It’s an exciting way to switch up your usual sweet breakfast bagels routine with a dessert bagel recipe that feels indulgent but still wholesome. I love how the cinnamon sugar bagels shine here, providing just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch or just treating yourself, these apple pie bagels create a moment to savor.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with fellow food lovers who value meals that bring people closer. If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love the way these apple pie bagels invite everyone to slow down and enjoy something warm, tender, and a little unexpected. Let’s get ready to make something delicious together!
Ingredients

This apple pie bagels ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (The secret to amazing apple pie bagels is using bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose works beautifully too!)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adds a touch of sweetness to the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small (I like Fuji or Honeycrisp for their natural sweetness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (this caramelizes the fruit filling beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that classic apple cinnamon bagels flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, to toss the apples and bring richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth)
- Cinnamon sugar mixture for topping (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- Water and baking soda bath solution: 4 cups water + 1 tablespoon baking soda
You’ll find the best ingredients for this apple pie bagels at your local farmers market and grocery store. For a quality upgrade, if you want to splurge on one apple pie bagels ingredient, make it the apples — fresh, crisp apples make all the difference!
If you’re avoiding gluten, you can try this recipe with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be a bit different. For a vegan twist, check out this Vegan Apple Pie Stuffed Bagels recipe from All Purpose Veggies, which swaps traditional ingredients beautifully.
Once your ingredients are prepped, store the diced apple filling in the fridge for up to a day. This step keeps everything fresh and ready to go when you’re ready to assemble your apple pie bagels.
Let’s Make This!
1. Activate your yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and foamy. This step is key to your apple pie bagels rising beautifully. Don’t worry – your apple pie bagels are going to turn out beautifully with this simple yeast trick.
2. Mix your dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes. Your dough should feel smooth and slightly elastic. Here’s a helpful tip for apple pie bagels success: kneading well builds the bagel’s chewy texture everyone loves.
3. Prepare the filling: Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The sweet, warm aroma starts to fill your kitchen here – a great moment to pause and smile.
4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size. In my kitchen, this apple pie bagels takes exactly an hour to rise perfectly.
5. Shape the bagels: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a flat circle. Spoon 2 tablespoons of apple filling in the center, then fold the dough over, pinching edges securely to seal. Shape into a circle with the filling inside. This is where your apple pie bagels transforms into something truly special.
6. Boil the bagels: Bring water and baking soda bath to a boil. Carefully drop bagels in, 2-3 at a time, boiling for 1 minute per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Add cinnamon sugar topping: Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the bagels before baking.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F and bake bagels for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and smelling incredible. While your apple pie bagels are cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your home.
If your bagels aren’t sealing well, try chilling them for 10 minutes before boiling for better results. You can also add a bit more cinnamon sugar after baking for extra sweetness. Remember, every oven is different, so check for that golden color and crisp crust to know they’re done.
Serving & Presentation

People always smile when I serve this apple pie bagels at weekend brunches or cozy breakfasts. They’re naturally hearty, so slicing them in half and warming up before serving makes the cinnamon-spiced apples shine.
For presentation, place 2 apple pie bagels on a warm wooden board, dusted lightly with powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch. Add a small bowl of cream cheese or maple butter alongside for dipping, and watch smiles grow.
These fruit-filled bagels are perfect for slow weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. I’ve also served them alongside hearty breakfast platters to balance savory dishes.
Leftovers? Toast them up and spread with warm butter or cream cheese for a quick sweet breakfast bagel you’ll love all week long.
Seasonal apple pie bagels variations I’ve tested include swapping apples for pears or adding dried cranberries to the filling for a tart surprise. Each brings a new twist that makes this dessert bagel recipe feel fresh.
If you want more comforting sweet breakfast bagels, try my Ginger Spiced Apple Holiday Bake here or Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake here. Both bring cozy apple flavors in unique forms.
FAQs
Can I make this apple pie bagels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Keep dough covered in the fridge overnight, then shape and boil in the morning. This makes busy mornings easier.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?
You can substitute white sugar mixed with a tiny bit of molasses or honey. The caramel flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
How do I know when my apple pie bagels are perfectly done?
Look for a golden brown crust and that irresistible apple cinnamon aroma. The bagels should sound hollow if you tap the bottom gently.
Can I freeze these apple pie bagels?
Yes! Freeze fully cooled bagels in a zipper bag for up to a month. Toast or warm in the oven directly from frozen.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Make sure to pinch dough edges tightly and avoid overfilling. A quick chill before boiling can also help keep filling inside nicely.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
For vegan apple pie bagels, check out this tasty Vegan Apple Pie Stuffed Bagels recipe on All Purpose Veggies. Gluten-free might be trickier due to the texture of bagels, but some blends work well if you want to experiment.
Can I get these apple pie bagels at stores?
You can find fruit-filled bagels with apple flavor at some bakeries, but homemade beats those hands down. For inspiration, check out places like Einstein Bros. Bagels menu to see how bagels are creatively offered.
What other recipes pair well with apple pie bagels?
Caramel apple bread pudding made with bagels is a sweet way to use leftovers—find a great recipe here.
Why This apple pie bagels Will Become Your New Favorite
This apple pie bagels recipe reflects everything I stand for: comfort, accessibility, and heartwarming flavor. It’s a simple recipe that rewards your effort with soft bagels bursting with sweet apple cinnamon filling. It brings new life to classic cinnamon sugar bagels, giving you a fruit-filled bagel that works for breakfast or dessert.
My apple pie bagels Success Tips:
- Knead your dough well for that perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t overfill the bagels to keep filling inside.
- Boil your bagels in a baking soda bath for a signature crust.
My favorite variations include adding raisins to the filling, using pears for a fall twist, or topping with crushed nuts for extra crunch. The classic apple cinnamon bagels version gets the most smiles, especially when served warm with cream cheese.
I encourage you to make these apple pie bagels part of your kitchen repertoire—they’re approachable, delicious, and bring joy to the table. I have every confidence you’ll find this recipe rewarding and satisfying. Please share your delicious results! It’s such a joy to see others create memories with recipes that comfort and connect, just like these apple pie bagels.
If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll also love the Samoa Caramel Apple Slices, a sweet bite of nostalgia.
Thank you for letting me be part of your culinary journey—a simple apple pie bagels can truly bring so much warmth to your home.
apple pie bagels
These apple pie bagels combine the warm, spiced flavor of classic apple pie with the soft, chewy texture of freshly baked bagels, making a delightful treat for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Optional: coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, mix chopped apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter. Set aside.
- After rising, punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a rope, about 12 inches long, then shape into a bagel by joining the ends and pressing firmly.
- Flatten the center slightly and spoon a small amount of apple filling into the middle, then pinch the dough closed to seal.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil bagels, 1-2 at a time, for 1 minute per side, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Place boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving and enjoy your apple pie bagels warm.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm bagels with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting.