Apple Caramel Bombs
Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly autumn afternoon, and the smell of warm apples and sticky caramel fills the whole house—pure magic, right? These Apple Caramel Bombs instantly bring me back to the countless cozy weekends spent sneaking bites from my grandma’s kitchen stash. They’re these perfect little pockets of soft, cinnamon-spiced apple goodness wrapped in a golden, caramel-coated hug. Seriously, each bite has this amazing combination of sweet and tart with a satisfying crunch that just hits the spot. Plus, they’re shockingly simple to make, which means more time enjoying and less time stressing out. Friend, I can’t wait for you to try this—they’re like a warm fall hug you can eat!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, about 8 oz)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but still hold their shape. You want that tender bite, not applesauce.
Step 2:
Remove the cooked apples from heat and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3:
Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into 8 equal squares (about 3 inches each). Spoon a generous tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the center of each square.
Step 4:
Fold the pastry over to form a small pouch or triangle, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal in all that juicy filling. Brush each one with the beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden finish.
Step 5:
Bake your bombshells for about 12-15 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown on top.
Step 6:
Let the pastries cool for a few minutes, then drizzle warm caramel sauce all over the top. Serve immediately for that irresistible gooey, crunchy combo!
Variations & Tips
- Swap out apples for pears or peaches in summer—just adjust cooking time.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts inside for extra crunch.
- If puff pastry is tricky, crescent roll dough can work in a pinch.
- For a boozy twist, splash a teaspoon of bourbon or rum into the apple filling.
- Use store-bought caramel sauce to save time, or melt caramel candies with a little cream for homemade.
- Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives a beautiful shine that makes these look bakery-perfect.
How I Like to Serve It
These Apple Caramel Bombs are amazing warm, straight from the oven, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. I love serving them at fall gatherings or as a little weekend treat with a cup of hot cider or coffee. If you’re sharing, make sure to have plenty of napkins handy—things get delectably messy!
Notes
- Store leftover bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the oven to keep pastry crisp.
- If you want to prep ahead, assemble the bombs and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Closing: These Apple Caramel Bombs always bring a little harvest magic into my kitchen—warm, sweet, and delightfully simple every time.
