Crispy Apple Caramel Bombs – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
Apple Caramel Bombs are the ultimate fall comfort dessert that combines warm, cinnamon-spiced apples with gooey caramel wrapped in golden, buttery biscuit dough. These little parcels of heaven deliver everything you love about caramel apples in a handheld, bite-sized treat that’s impossibly easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, need a quick weeknight dessert, or simply craving that irresistible apple-caramel combination, these bombs take just 30 minutes from start to finish. The contrast between the crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior and the molten caramel center creates an addictive texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Table of Contents
Recipe Quick Facts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-33 minutes
Servings: 8 bombs
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine Type: American
Course: Dessert
Dietary Labels: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and quick — uses store-bought biscuit dough for a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor
- Perfect fall flavors — combines warm cinnamon apples with rich caramel in every bite
- Kid-friendly — fun to make together and impossible for little ones (and adults!) to resist
- Crowd-pleaser — ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy family movie nights
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala work best), peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the Bombs
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 8 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray for greasing
For Topping
- 1/3 cup cinnamon sugar (mix 1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Optional: crushed peanuts or powdered sugar glaze
Equipment Needed
- Medium skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Rolling pin or clean hands for flattening
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with cooking spray.
- Make the apple filling: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and golden. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the dough: Open the biscuit can and separate into 8 individual rounds. Gently flatten each biscuit with your hands or a rolling pin into a 4-inch circle.
- Fill the bombs: Place one caramel candy in the center of each flattened dough round, then add 1 heaping tablespoon of the cooled apple filling on top.
- Seal tightly: Carefully bring all edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching firmly to seal completely. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. Make sure there are no gaps or the filling will leak out.
- Prepare for baking: Place each bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Brush the tops generously with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed. The bombs should sound hollow when tapped lightly.
- Finish and serve: Let cool for 3-5 minutes (the caramel will be extremely hot!). While still warm, roll in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed peanuts if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cool the filling completely before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy and tearing
- Seal tightly and check for holes — any gaps will cause delicious filling to leak out during baking, so pinch firmly and inspect each bomb
- Don’t skip the butter brush — it creates that irresistible golden, crispy exterior
- Wait before eating — the caramel inside stays molten hot for several minutes and can burn your mouth
- Use a thermometer — if you want perfectly cooked bombs, internal temperature should reach around 190°F
Substitutions & Variations
- Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits for a flakier, more pastry-like texture
- Make it from scratch — substitute frozen bread dough balls for a homemade touch with richer flavor
- Add spices — mix in 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, ginger, or apple pie spice to the apple filling for extra warmth
- Vegan option — use vegan biscuit dough, plant-based butter, and dairy-free caramel candies
- Gluten-free — swap in gluten-free biscuit dough (texture may vary slightly)
- Fried version — deep fry the bombs in 350°F vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes until golden, then roll in cinnamon sugar
- Different toppings — try a cream cheese glaze, vanilla icing, or a dusting of powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat before serving for best texture
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container
- Freeze: Freeze baked and cooled bombs for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag; thaw overnight and reheat
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through
- Make Ahead: Prepare the apple filling up to 2 days in advance and store refrigerated. Assemble and bake fresh for best results
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert
- Pair with hot apple cider, spiced chai tea, or rich hot chocolate for the ultimate fall experience
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle with extra caramel sauce and crushed pecans or walnuts for elegant presentation
- Great alongside coffee for breakfast or brunch — they’re essentially apple fritters in bomb form!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 285 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Sodium: 380mg
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead?
You can prepare the apple filling 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate, but assemble and bake the bombs fresh for the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! The baked version at 350°F is the standard method and produces golden, crispy bombs. Some recipes offer a fried variation in 350°F oil for an even crispier exterior.
3. What can I substitute for caramel candies?
Use caramel bits, homemade caramel sauce (thickened), or even Rolo candies for a chocolate-caramel twist.
4. How do I know when they’re done?
Bombs are ready when they’re golden brown all over and sound slightly hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze cooled bombs in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thawed in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
6. How long do they last?
They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm but will keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Apple Caramel Bombs are a modern twist on classic caramel apples and apple pie, combining the best elements of both into a handheld, easy-to-eat dessert. This recipe has gained massive popularity on social media and food blogs for its simplicity and impressive results — perfect for beginner bakers who want to look like pros.
The use of refrigerated biscuit dough makes this an accessible recipe that anyone can master in under 30 minutes, while the combination of warm spiced apples and gooey caramel delivers nostalgic fall flavors that remind us of harvest festivals and autumn celebrations. These bombs work beautifully for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both comforting and fun.
