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Caramel Apple Bites Dessert Recipe
Make easy snack-size caramel apple bites with fresh apples, melted caramel and crunchy toppings in minutes.
Caramel Apple Bites are a bite-sized confection that captures the classic flavors of a full-sized caramel apple in a more convenient, party-friendly format. The recipe typically pairs crisp, tart apple segments with a warm, buttery caramel coating, then finishes each piece with optional toppings such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for added texture and flavor contrast. Ready in minutes and requiring only a handful of pantry staples, these miniature treats are most popular during autumn celebrations—particularly Halloween gatherings, fall festivals, and game-day spreads—though they fit just as well on dessert platters year-round. Their individual portions make them easy to serve, mess-free to eat, and ideal for sharing at potlucks or casual get-togethers.
Caramel Apple Bites Dessert Recipe
Think of these Caramel Apple Bites as a DIY dessert bar in miniature form—each batch invites endless mix-and-match toppings, from crushed pretzels to shredded coconut, so everyone can build their own favorite combo. Because they’re made with pre-cut apple pieces, the recipe is also a fun, quick project for kids or last-minute hosts who need a sweet crowd-pleaser in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
Refrigerated crescent roll dough, 1 can (8 oz, 8-count)
- Granny Smith apples, 2 medium
- Soft caramel candies (chewy caramels), 16 pieces
- Unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp
- Light brown sugar (packed), 3 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts, ¼ cup (optional)
- Sea-salt flakes, pinch (optional)
- Warm caramel sauce, ¼ cup (optional drizzle)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, as desired (optional serving accompaniment)
Method
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Wash apples thoroughly under running water
- Pat apples dry with a clean towel
- Cut each apple into bite-size wedges about ½ inch thick
- Remove core and seeds from each wedge
- Unwrap soft caramel candies
- Unroll refrigerated crescent dough onto a clean work surface
- Separate dough into individual triangles along perforations
- Place one apple wedge on the wide end of each dough triangle
- Add one caramel candy or a spoonful of caramel sauce next to the apple wedge
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the apple and caramel
- Roll dough tightly around the apple and caramel toward the pointed end of the triangle
- Tuck dough ends to seal the filling inside
- Arrange wrapped bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet
- Brush tops lightly with melted butter for golden color
- Sprinkle coarse sugar or crushed pecans over the buttered tops if desired
- Bake bites in the preheated oven until dough is puffed and golden, about 12–15 minutes
- Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack when bites are done
- Allow bites to cool for 5 minutes before handling
- Warm additional caramel sauce in the microwave if you plan to drizzle
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled bites for extra sweetness
- Serve caramel apple bites warm
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
2060 kcal Protein
17 g Fat
100 g Carbs
316 g Fiber
13 g Sugar
191 g
2060 kcal Protein
17 g Fat
100 g Carbs
316 g Fiber
13 g Sugar
191 g
Notes
Pat the apple pieces very dry, then chill them for 5 minutes before dipping—cold, moisture-free fruit helps the caramel set fast and stay put. For a silkier coating, stir 1–2 tsp of heavy cream into the melted caramels, then finish each bite with a whisper of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
why this recipe
This caramel apple bites recipe proves that indulgence can be both effortless and impressive, transforming simple pantry staples into gem-sized treats that capture all the nostalgia of a county-fair caramel apple without the mess or wait. Each bite layers crisp, tart apple with a silky cloak of buttery caramel and a whisper of cinnamon, striking the perfect balance of bright freshness and rich sweetness. Ready in minutes yet elegant enough for holiday platters or last-minute entertaining, these little morsels showcase how a few thoughtful touches—like finishing salts or toasted nuts—elevate familiar flavors into something unforgettable. Make them once, and they’ll become your go-to secret for instant smiles and rave reviews.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Caramel Apple Bites ahead of time, and how should I store them so the caramel and pastry stay fresh?
For best texture, bake them no more than 4–6 hours in advance; once completely cool, keep the bites in a single layer, loosely covered with foil (not airtight plastic) at cool room temperature. If you need to hold them longer—up to 24 hours—refrigerate in an uncovered container, then re-crisp by warming in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes just before serving. Because the apples release moisture over time, the caramel may start to soften after a day, so same-day serving gives the freshest snap and flavor.
How can I keep the cut apple pieces from browning if I need to prep them ahead of time?
Toss the cut apple wedges in a bowl of cold water mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 Tbsp per cup of water) for 2–3 minutes; the mild acidity slows enzymatic browning. Drain, pat the pieces very dry, and refrigerate them in a single layer wrapped loosely in paper towels until you’re ready to assemble.
Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry or homemade pie crust?
Yes—puff pastry or a rolled-out homemade pie crust both work well, but the texture will differ slightly. If using puff pastry, cut it into 3-x-3-inch squares, wrap the apple and caramel as directed, and bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for about 15 minutes until deeply golden. For pie crust, roll it thin, cut similar squares, seal firmly, and bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 18–20 minutes, brushing with a little milk or egg wash for color.