Gooey Apple Caramel Bombs
Buttery dough packed with cinnamon-spiced apple filling and soft caramel, baked or air-fried until golden and gooey inside.
Preparation Details
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (bake) or 8–10 minutes (air fryer)
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Cool Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy
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Servings: 8 bombs
Flavor & Texture Intensity
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Sweetness:
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Apple & Cinnamon:
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Gooey Factor:
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Satisfaction Level:
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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8 soft caramels (e.g., Werther’s, Kraft)
For the Dough:
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1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
OR use homemade or store-bought crescent roll dough or pizza dough -
2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
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2 tbsp granulated sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Optional Toppings:
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Caramel drizzle
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Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
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In a small skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Add diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until apples are soft but not mushy.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), or preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C).
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Open the biscuit dough and separate into 8 rounds. Flatten each into a circle about 4 inches wide using your hands or a rolling pin.
Step 3: Fill the Bombs
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Spoon a heaping teaspoon of apple filling into the center of each dough round.
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Add one soft caramel on top of the apples.
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Carefully bring the edges of the dough up and pinch tightly to seal into a ball. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or air fryer basket).
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
To Bake:
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Brush each bomb with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
To Air Fry:
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Lightly spray air fryer basket.
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Air fry bombs in batches at 330°F for 8–10 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
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Let sit for 5 minutes before serving — the caramel will be HOT and gooey inside!
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Optionally dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Ideas
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Perfect as:
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A fall dessert
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A cozy weekend brunch treat
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A sweet finger food for parties or potlucks
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An after-school snack
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Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp and remelt the center.
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Freezing not recommended — caramel may harden and get grainy.
Nutrition Info (Per Bomb – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Tips & Variations
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Different fruits? Try pear, banana, or even chopped berries for a twist.
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Cheese lovers: Add a small cube of brie inside with the apples for a sweet-savory bomb!
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From scratch? Use homemade biscuit or yeast dough for a fully homemade version.
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Caramel swap: Use chocolate pieces, Nutella, or peanut butter chips for other fun fillings.
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Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking for easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
These Gooey Apple Caramel Bombs are everything you love about caramel apples and warm apple pie — all tucked into a handheld treat with an oozing center and crisp exterior. Whether you’re making them on a cool fall day or just craving something cozy and sweet, these bombs are guaranteed to impress