
Apple Caramel Bombs are my answer to that craving for a cozy dessert that is quick enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough for a fall gathering. Each little “bomb” hides a gooey caramel center wrapped in tender biscuit dough and caramelized apple filling. That magical mix of tart apple and caramel was inspired by the county fair treats I loved as a kid but is so much simpler and made at home.
The first time I made these was for a family movie night. My kids practically hovered by the oven and everyone devoured them still warm. I now get requests for “bombs” every chilly season.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This creates a soft golden pocket without making dough from scratch. Always choose a brand you like the flavor of on its own.
- Soft caramel candies: These melt perfectly for that gooey middle. Choose caramels that are soft and fresh not hard or brittle.
- Butter: Adds richness both to the apple filling and for brushing on top. Use high quality if possible.
- Apples: A tart firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp holds up best. Peel and chop them finely for the best texture.
- Brown sugar: Infuses the filling with deep molasses sweetness. Light or dark both work.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and apple pie flavor. Make sure yours is fresh for the best aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch really wakes up all the flavors. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Give your baking dish a light coating of butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks and clean up is easy.
- Make the Apple Filling:
- Melt the tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Stir often and let it cook for about five minutes until the apples turn soft and caramelized. The mixture should smell like cozy apple pie and be juicy but not watery. Spread it onto a plate to cool a bit so it is not piping hot when you fill the dough.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
- Separate the biscuit dough into eight rounds. Flatten each round gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon so you get more surface area to fill. Try to keep the dough even so it will bake uniformly.
- Fill with Apple Mixture and Caramel:
- Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture onto each dough round. Place a soft caramel candy right on top of the filling. Press it in gently without tearing the dough.
- Seal into Bombs:
- Carefully pull the edges of each dough round up and over the filling. Pinch firmly to completely seal the seams and enclose the mixture. You want to form a tight ball so none of the caramel escapes when baking.
- Arrange and Butter:
- Put each filled ball seam side down in your greased baking dish. Leave a little space so they puff up instead of sticking together. Brush the tops with the melted butter. This helps get that irresistible golden shine.
- Bake:
- Slide the dish into the oven and let them bake for thirty to thirty five minutes. The tops should become a rich golden brown and the dough should look fully cooked throughout. If the tops brown too fast, tent lightly with foil around the twenty five minute mark.
- Serve:
- Once baked, let them cool just long enough that the centers are still gooey but not scalding. Drizzle with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts if you like. Serve warm right from the baking dish.

The apples are always my star ingredient. I love walking through the orchard every fall and picking a variety of crisp tart apples. It is hard not to sneak a few bites of the filling before it even makes it into the dough, so my kids often help themselves to the apple mixture while we bake.
Flavor Boosters
Let the filling cool before sealing into the dough so the caramels do not melt prematurely. Pinch seams very firmly to avoid leaking caramel during baking. If using a different dough type, keep an eye on baking time and color to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
These are heaven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a big dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch treat, serve them alongside a mug of steaming cider or hot coffee. At our house, they sometimes get a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a festive finish.
Creative Twists
If you cannot find biscuit dough, try crescent roll dough or even homemade sweet roll dough. Use butterscotch or chocolate candies for a twist. Swap apples for pears or peaches in the summer. The recipe is flexible as long as you keep the dough to filling ratio about the same.

Apple Caramel Bombs are a true family-favorite — everyone always wants seconds. Make a double batch if you are baking for a crowd!
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you prevent the caramel from leaking out?
Seal the dough carefully, pinching the edges tightly to fully enclose the caramel and apple mixture.
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade dough works well. Make sure it’s not too sticky so forming balls is easy.
- → What kind of apples are best?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best and balance the caramel’s sweetness.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
You can assemble in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
- → Are there alternative fillings?
Try adding nuts, dried fruits, or swapping in chocolate candies for a creative twist.