Next, I roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares, about 4×4 inches, making sure they’re even. Once my squares are ready, I spoon some of the apple mixture onto the center of each pastry square. The key here is to avoid overfilling; I usually use about a tablespoon of filling per square. Too much, and they really puff up and can spill out – which, trust me, is a mess!
Now comes the fun part – folding! I take two opposite corners of the square and pinch them together, forming a little package. I then seal the edges with a fork for a cute touch and give them that homemade feel. Once they are all neatly wrapped, I carefully place them onto my parchment-lined baking sheet. A quick egg wash gives them that beautiful golden finish, and a sprinkle of sugar adds a delightful crunch.
Before they go into the oven, I drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of each bomb. Oh, the smell of baking puff pastry mixed with spiced apples and caramel wafting through my kitchen is simply heavenly! I pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re perfectly golden and puffed up. When those timers beep, it’s hard not to rush to the oven to see the delightful transformation inside!
Pro Tips for Best Results
First off, I highly recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples. Your goal is to find a balance where the sweetness of the caramel balances nicely with the tartness of the apples. I tested this three ways, and trust me, using a mix enhances the overall flavor tremendously.
Another pro tip is to chill your pastry sheets for a bit before using them. If the dough is too warm, it can become sticky and harder to work with, making your life a little complicated during the assembly. I usually pop mine in the freezer for about 10 minutes while prepping my filling.
Lastly, don’t skip the egg wash! This simple step not only aids in browning but adds a lovely sheen to your Apple Caramel Bombs, making them as beautiful as they are tasty. Who doesn’t want to impress their family and friends with a dessert that’s not only delicious but pictures-worthy too?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I see is using too much filling, which leads to those delicious delights exploding in the oven! Remember, less is more. Stick to using about a tablespoon of apple-caramel filling per square; it’s just enough to give a burst of flavor without the overflow. (See the next page below to continue…)