Apple Caramel Bombs Recipe – Irresistibly Gooey Dessert Treats

If you love the classic combination of apples and caramel, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Apple Caramel Bombs. Imagine warm, tender apples encased in flaky pastry, filled with melted caramel, and baked to golden perfection—each bite is pure comfort. This recipe takes the beloved caramel apple and transforms it into a cozy, oven-baked dessert that’s perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or a simple weekend indulgence. I tried these once with salted caramel instead of regular, and the balance between sweet and salty was absolutely divine. These little bombs of joy are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Caramel Bombs are incredibly simple yet deliver bakery-quality results. With minimal ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s crisp on the outside, gooey inside, and bursting with warm apple-cinnamon flavor. They’re great for serving at parties, pairing with ice cream, or enjoying on their own.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples – Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they hold their shape and provide the perfect tartness to complement the caramel filling.

Caramel candies – The heart of each bomb! As they melt inside the pastry, they create a rich, molten caramel center that oozes out deliciously with every bite.

Refrigerated biscuit or puff pastry dough – Acts as the buttery, flaky shell that wraps around the apples and caramel, baking into a golden crust.

Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the flavor of the apples beautifully.

Brown sugar – A sprinkle of brown sugar adds sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior for that irresistible glossy finish.

Butter – Melted butter gives the bombs a rich flavor and ensures the pastry turns perfectly golden and crisp.

Vanilla extract – Infuses the filling with aromatic sweetness that pairs wonderfully with apples and caramel.

Egg wash (1 egg + water) – Brushed over the dough before baking, it gives a professional shine and helps with browning.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into halves or quarters, depending on size. Flatten the biscuit or puff pastry dough slightly, then place one apple piece and a caramel candy in the center. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar, then fold the dough around the filling, pinching the seams tightly to seal. Place the bombs seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter and egg wash. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let them cool slightly before serving, as the caramel inside will be very hot. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with more caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 Apple Caramel Bombs. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is approximately 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Variations and Customizations

Salted Caramel Apple Bombs – Use salted caramel candies for a sweet-and-salty flavor contrast that’s irresistible.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Roll the bombs in cinnamon sugar before baking for a donut-like crust.

Nutty Crunch – Add crushed pecans or walnuts inside the dough for extra texture and richness.

Apple Pie Bombs – Sprinkle a bit of apple pie spice instead of just cinnamon for a more complex, cozy flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle – After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an indulgent twist.

Mini Bombs – Use smaller apple pieces and cut the dough smaller to make bite-sized treats for parties.

Maple Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup for a luscious glaze to brush on top after baking.

Caramel Sauce Filling – Instead of candies, use a thick caramel sauce for a smoother, creamier center.

Air Fryer Version – Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden; perfect for smaller batches.

Vegan Adaptation – Use plant-based pastry, vegan caramel, and butter alternatives for a dairy-free version that’s equally delicious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of candies?

Yes, but be sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t leak during baking.

What type of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on if preferred.

Can I freeze these bombs?

Yes, freeze unbaked bombs for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pastry dough.

How do I prevent caramel from leaking out?

Seal the edges tightly and make sure the dough isn’t too thin.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, pears or peaches make a lovely substitute for apples.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be golden brown and puffed, with caramel just starting to bubble out slightly.

Conclusion

Apple Caramel Bombs are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves gooey caramel and tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for a weeknight treat. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these sweet, buttery bites are sure to become a family favorite. Once you make them, you’ll want to bake them again and again—especially when the weather turns crisp and cozy.

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