There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked apples combined with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites are the perfect treat for cozy evenings at home, a festive family gathering, or an afternoon tea with friends. These bite-sized pastries are an ideal twist on the classic apple pie, offering all the comfort and nostalgia of the original dessert in a convenient, portable form.
Inspired by the simple joys of fall baking, this recipe brings together tender apple chunks, fragrant cinnamon, and a drizzle of decadent caramel, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. The subtle touch of sea salt on the caramel adds depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples and creating a flavor experience that is truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because, these bites promise smiles with every bite.
Ingredients
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2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
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1/2 cup caramel sauce
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Apples
The first step to creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites is preparing your apples. Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing them into small, uniform pieces. Choosing apples that are firm, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, ensures that your filling will hold its shape during cooking and baking. Once your apples are ready, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. The butter provides a rich, savory base that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
Add the diced apples to the skillet along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice. The brown sugar helps to caramelize the apples slightly, while the cinnamon and nutmeg infuse them with warm, comforting flavors. The lemon juice adds a subtle tang that brightens the filling and balances the sweetness. Stir the mixture thoroughly to coat each piece of apple evenly. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still retain a slight firmness. This ensures a perfect bite when paired with the flaky pastry. Once cooked, remove the apples from the heat and allow them to cool completely. Cooling is essential to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy during assembly.
2. Preheat the Oven
While the apples are cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper is an important step, as it helps the pastry bake evenly and prevents sticking. The parchment paper also makes clean-up much easier, which is always a bonus when baking a dessert as indulgent as these bites.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Next, prepare your puff pastry. Unfold the thawed sheet onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the pastry to smooth any creases and slightly thin the dough. This step ensures even baking and a delicate, flaky texture. Once rolled, cut the pastry into 12 equal squares, or nine if you prefer larger bites. Keeping the squares uniform in size helps the bites bake evenly and look visually appealing.
4. Assemble the Pie Bites
Now it’s time to assemble your pie bites. Place a small spoonful of the cooled apple mixture in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking. Fold each square over the filling into a triangle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them and prevent leakage. To achieve a golden, glossy finish, brush the tops of the assembled bites with a beaten egg. This simple step transforms them into beautiful, bakery-quality treats.
5. Bake to Perfection
Arrange the prepared bites on the lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each to allow room for the pastry to puff. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully puffed. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bites, especially toward the end, to avoid over-browning. The smell of the baking apples and buttery pastry filling your kitchen is one of the best parts of this recipe and will make it hard to wait for them to cool!
6. Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Once baked, allow the bites to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, drizzle them generously with caramel sauce. The warm caramel melts slightly over the pastry, creating a luscious coating that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on each bite to enhance the depth of flavor and balance the sweetness. For an extra touch of elegance, you can lightly dust the bites with powdered sugar. This not only adds visual appeal but also complements the caramel and apple filling.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites. These treats are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the pastry is flaky, and the filling is tender and aromatic. They can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making them convenient for parties, potlucks, or afternoon snacks. Pair them with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fully indulgent experience. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or savoring a quiet moment alone, these bite-sized apple pies are sure to bring comfort and joy with every delicious bite.
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites
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Choose the Right Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape during cooking and offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
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Don’t Overfill the Pastry: Overfilling can cause the pastry to leak or not seal properly. Stick to a small spoonful per square for neat, bite-sized results.
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Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keeping the pastry cold until baking ensures a flaky, golden finish. If it becomes too soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 5–10 minutes.
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Caramel Sauce Tip: Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling for easier pouring. Be careful not to overheat, or it may become too runny.
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Make Ahead: The apple filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble and bake the bites the next day for a quick and impressive treat.
Variations to Try
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Add Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
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Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of allspice or ginger to the apple mixture for a warm, autumnal flavor.
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Mini Pie Cups: Press the pastry into mini muffin tins for a slightly different presentation that’s perfect for parties or brunch.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle a small amount of melted dark chocolate over the caramel for a decadent finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bites are the perfect combination of textures and flavors: tender, spiced apples wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry, finished with sweet and salty caramel. They are simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Unlike a traditional apple pie, the bite-sized portions make them ideal for sharing without the need for slicing or serving utensils.
The recipe is also flexible, allowing you to customize the filling, pastry shape, and toppings according to your taste or occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night at home, a fall-inspired brunch, or a holiday gathering, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites deliver warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence in every bite.
Storing and Freezing
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Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispness of the pastry.
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Freezing: For make-ahead convenience, assemble the bites but do not bake. Freeze on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Perfect Occasions to Serve
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Autumn Gatherings: These bites are ideal for fall celebrations, thanks to the seasonal appeal of apples and caramel.
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Family Dessert: Bite-sized pastries are fun for kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family dinners.
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Holiday Parties: Elegant enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive celebration.
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Afternoon Tea: Pair with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a delightful mid-afternoon treat.
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Potlucks and Picnics: Easy to transport and share, these bites are a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Healthier Alternatives
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Whole Wheat Pastry: Substitute part of the puff pastry with whole wheat dough for a slightly healthier option.
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Reduced Sugar: Use unsweetened apple sauce in the filling or reduce the caramel drizzle for a lower-sugar treat.
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Smaller Portions: Make smaller bites to control portion sizes while still enjoying the full flavor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.
Q: Can these be made vegan?
A: Absolutely. Use a plant-based butter and egg substitute, and choose a dairy-free caramel sauce.
Q: How long will the bites stay fresh?
A: They are best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature, but can last up to 5 days refrigerated. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, the recipe scales well. Simply prepare extra filling and puff pastry squares, and bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Description
There’s something magical about the combination of warm, spiced apples and rich, buttery caramel, all wrapped in flaky pastry. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites are perfect for cozy evenings at home, festive gatherings, or a simple afternoon treat. Inspired by classic apple pie flavors, these bite-sized pastries are easy to make, indulgent, and ideal for sharing. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors that are sure to delight family and friends alike.
Ingredients
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2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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1/2 cup caramel sauce
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender but firm. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. -
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy clean-up. -
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to smooth creases and slightly thin the dough. Cut into 12 equal squares (or 9 for larger bites). -
Assemble the Pie Bites
Place a spoonful of the cooled apple mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold into triangles or rectangles and seal the edges with a fork. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish. -
Bake to Perfection
Arrange the bites on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Monitor closely toward the end to prevent over-browning. -
Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Allow the bites to cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with hot tea, coffee, or vanilla ice cream for a complete treat.
Notes
Use firm apples for the best texture, avoid overfilling the pastry squares, and drizzle caramel while warm for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
