
Warm, gooey, buttery dough balls filled with caramel-apple goodness and topped with crunchy nuts + caramel drizzle.
If you’re looking for a dessert thatโs soft, melty, buttery, gooey, crunchy, and addictive, these Apple Caramel Bombs are the answer. Each bomb is a warm biscuit-style dough ball stuffed with tender cinnamon apples and a molten caramel center. Once baked, theyโre drenched in caramel sauce and rolled in a buttery nut crunch topping.
Perfect for fall desserts, holiday gatherings, family nights, or anytime you want an easy, impressive treat.
๐ง Ingredients
For the Apple Caramel Filling
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2 medium apples, peeled & diced
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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8 soft caramels
For the Dough Bombs
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1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dough balls)
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2 tbsp melted butter
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ยผ cup cinnamon sugar
For the Nut Crunch Topping
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ยฝ cup finely chopped pecans or peanuts
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp butter
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Pinch of cinnamon
For the Drizzle
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ยฝ cup warm caramel sauce
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
1. Make the Apple Filling
Melt butter in a skillet.
Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Cook for 5โ7 minutes, until soft and syrupy.
Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough Bombs
Flatten each biscuit dough piece into a small circle.
Add one spoonful of apple mixture + one caramel square in the center.
Pinch edges firmly to seal into a tight ball.
Roll each ball in melted butter โ then in cinnamon sugar.
Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Bake
Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 15โ18 minutes, until golden, puffed, and slightly caramelized.
4. Make the Nut Crunch
Melt butter in a skillet.
Add chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Toast 2โ3 minutes until fragrant and caramel-coated.
Set aside.
5. Finish the Bombs
Drizzle warm caramel generously over each bomb.
Sprinkle immediate nut crunch topping so it sticks.
Serve warm for the ultimate gooey caramel center.
โญ Tips & Variations
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Add a cube of cream cheese inside the dough for a creamy surprise.
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Use pears instead of apples for a softer filling.
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Swap biscuit dough for puff pastry for a flakier version.
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Mix a splash of vanilla into the apple mixture.
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Serve with vanilla ice cream for a full dessert experience.
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Apple Caramel Bombs ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bombs, refrigerate them, then bake when ready. Add caramel and nut topping just before serving.
2. Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely โ sweet roll dough, brioche dough, or basic yeast dough all work well.
3. Why did my bombs leak caramel?
They may not have been sealed tightly. Make sure the dough edges are fully pinched closed.
4. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel squares inside?
Caramel squares melt thicker and stay gooey. Sauce may leak out more, but still works.
5. Can I air fry these?
Yes! Air fry at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 8โ10 minutes until golden.
6. What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a tart contrast.
7. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for 2 days. Reheat 10โ15 seconds in the microwave