Save Buttery puff pastry squares filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel, baked to golden perfection for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
I made these Caramel Apple Puff Pastry Bites for a weekend brunch, and everyone kept reaching for more. The apple-caramel combo wrapped in crispy pastry reminded me of cozy fall days baking with my grandma.
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
- Prep Oven and Tray:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Apple Mixture:
- 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 smaller squares.
- Fill and Add Caramel:
- Place a spoonful of apple mixture and half a caramel candy on each piece of dough.
- Seal and Shape Bites:
- Fold edges slightly around filling and pinch corners to form a cup shape.
- Egg Wash and Topping:
- Whisk egg with milk. Brush tops with mixture and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool briefly before serving.
Save My kids love helping fill and shape the pastry squares. These little bites always disappear within minutes on family movie nights.
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooled bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up.
Variations
Try swapping caramel candies for chocolate squares, or mix in chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Save Serve these warm for the ultimate cozy treat. Even leftovers taste delicious!
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of apples works best for these bites?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, providing balance and structure to the filling.
- → How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?
Seal the pastry edges firmly and avoid overfilling. Chilling the assembled bites before baking can help reduce caramel leakage.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bites up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Bake fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- → Do I need to peel the apples before using?
Peeling apples is recommended for a smoother texture, ensuring the filling blends seamlessly with gooey caramel.
- → Is egg wash necessary for baking?
Egg wash gives the pastry a lovely golden color and slight sheen, making the bites more visually appealing and appetizing.