Pin it Buttery puff pastry squares filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel, baked to golden perfection for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
I first made these for a family movie night, and everyone loved grabbing warm, caramel-filled bites straight from the oven. The combination of flaky pastry and spiced apples is such a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
- Fruit Filling: 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced small; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pastry and Caramel: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen); 12 soft caramel candies, cut in half; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Topping: 1 large egg; 1 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Apple Filling:
- In a bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat and set aside.
- Prepare Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 12-inch square. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Fill and Shape Bites:
- Place a spoonful of apple mixture and half a caramel candy onto each pastry square. Fold edges over filling and pinch to seal.
- Egg Wash and Sugar:
- Whisk egg and milk together. Brush sealed bites with egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Arrange bites on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool slightly before serving.
Pin it My kids always request these bites for holiday gatherings, and we love how the caramel melts into gooey pockets surrounded by flaky pastry. It's a sweet memory every autumn!
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Ingredient Swaps
Try pears instead of apples, or use cinnamon chips instead of caramel for a twist on flavor.
Pin it These puff pastry bites disappear quickly, so be sure to save a couple for yourself! The gooey caramel and crisp apple make for an unforgettable treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other apple varieties?
Yes, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well. Choose firm, tart apples for best texture and flavor balance.
- → Do I need to thaw puff pastry before using?
Yes, allow the puff pastry to fully thaw before rolling and cutting for even baking and flakiness.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Seal edges tightly and avoid overfilling. Chill assembled bites before baking for better shape retention.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble and refrigerate unbaked bites for a few hours or bake in advance and store airtight for freshness.
- → What can I use as a topping?
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar for extra crunch and shine, or dust with powdered sugar after baking.