Caramel Apple Puff Pastry Bites (Printable)
Golden puff pastry squares filled with cinnamon apples and gooey caramel for a delightful dessert bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit Filling
01 - 2 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and finely diced
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
→ Pastry and Caramel
07 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
08 - 12 soft caramel candies, halved
09 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for dusting
→ Topping
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1 tablespoon whole milk
12 - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to coat the fruit and set aside.
03 - On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to approximately a 12-inch square. Cut into 24 even pieces.
04 - Place a portion of apple mixture and one caramel candy half in the center of each pastry square. Fold edges over to encase the filling, pinching seams to seal.
05 - Whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the tops of the assembled bites with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
06 - Arrange bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
07 - Allow to cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for best texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
- Quick dessert with easy prep
02 -
- Puff pastry bakes best when very cold
- Use tart apples for the perfect flavor balance
03 -
- Freeze pastry for 10 minutes before baking for extra flakiness
- Dice apples small for even cooking