Caramel Apple Slices
These Caramel Apple Slices on a stick are a fun fall sweet treat to make with the whole family! It starts with a tart Granny Smith apple slice stuck with a popsicle stick and covered with a gooey caramel, a drizzle of chocolate, and your favorite candies sprinkled on top.
If your childhood was like mine, you have fond memories of apples dipped in caramel at your class parties, bonfires, fairs, and special events throughout Fall. However, if you were like me, you probably took one or two apple bites, set them aside, and moved on to something easier to consume. This is the reason for our gourmet homemade caramel apple slices recipe.
Sliced apples are a perfect size! You get more caramel and chocolate in every bite, easy to eat, and waste is eliminated. Layers of gooey caramel, tiny candies, and melted chocolate make a very bite delightfully balanced between sweet and sour, soft and crunchy.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Slices
- Granny Smith Apples - The sourness of this apple pairs so perfectly with the richness of caramel and extra sweetness from candies.
- Werther’s Soft Caramels - Just the best store-bought caramels ever.
- Chocolate Chips - Semi-sweet or milk chocolate will both work.
- Paramount Crystals - Or refined coconut oil as needed.
- Mini M&Ms - The regular size will work but get a little clunky on the side of an apple and don't stick nearly as well.
How to Make Caramel Apple Slices
You will be shocked at how simple it is to make gourmet caramel apples using our recipe! They look fantastic and seem complicated, but actually, it's very easy.
Step 1 - Line your sheet pan with parchment paper. Slice your apples into ½" slices -- about three to four per apple. Pat the apples dry to remove any moisture. Cut a small slit in the apple to make an easy path for the stick, and make sure it is inserted ½"-1" into the apple.
Step 2 - Place all of the apple slices on the baking sheet.
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Step 3 - Next, melt the caramels using the microwave method we describe. Spoon the melted caramel onto each apple and let it set up for five minutes or so. Melt the chocolates in the microwave in short increments, stirring between each increment, because the chocolate will hold its shape even when melted.
Step 4 - Drizzle the melted chocolate over the apples and sprinkle on the candies while it is still wet. Place the apple slices in your refrigerator until the chocolate is set.
Variations for Gourmet Caramel Apple Slices
In place of Mini M&Ms, you can use any of these ideas to vary your results
- Mini Dehydrated Marshmallows
- Coconut
- Crushed Butterfingers, Kit Kat or another crunchy candy bar.
- Crushed Roasted Nuts
- Crushed hard Candies like butterscotch candies
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate Nibs (a little less sweet than M&Ms)
- Cereals such as Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, or Frosted Corn Flakes
- Crushed Graham Crackers
Tips for Best Results
Make a water bath. If you plan to make many of these, or you will be working with kids, your chocolate or caramel might harden again before you complete them all. To prevent this, fill a large bowl with a thin layer of super hot water, and then set the bowl of chocolate or caramel down into the water.
Keep it food safe. Use a food-safe wooden stick or one of the candy sticks which you can buy at a craft store.
Use clear plastic bags. You can purchase little plastic bags to individually wrap each apple slice at the craft store if you plan to serve them at a party or event. Wait until the chocolate is completely set up to bag the apples.
Remove the seeds. Just flick them out with a paring knife.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the caramel from sliding off apple slices?
The key here is to do a really good job patting your apple slices dry with a paper towel. Caramel slides right off a wet apple surface.
How do I keep caramel apple slices from turning brown?
If the browning of the apples bothers you, you can either dip the apple slices in lemon juice or leave the apple whole.
Can you freeze caramel apple slices?
No. The caramel and chocolate will change texture in the freezer, and apples will turn brown and eventually get mushy.
How far ahead can you make caramel apple slices?
The longer your apples sit out, the more likely they will brown on the surface. If you plan to make them well ahead, make sure to dip them really well in the lemon juice.
How do I melt caramel for apple slices?
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the caramels. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment until melted.
How long will caramel apple slices last?
They will stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days if fully covered in toppings. Any area that is exposed will brown over time, even if dipped.
More Caramel Apple Recipes to Try
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Caramel Apple Crisp
- Caramel Apple Cocktail
- Snickers Caramel Apple Pie
- Easy Caramel Apples
Caramel Apple Slices
Ingredients
- 2 granny smith apples each apple cut into 3 to 5 slices
- 1 cup Werther’s soft caramels unwrapped
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 to 2 tablespoons paramount crystals or refined coconut oil as needed
- 1 cup mini M&Ms
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Cut each apple into ½ inch thick slices. Remove any seeds in the apple slices.
- Dry both sides of the apple slices well with a paper towel before placing it on the parchment paper. If there’s any moisture on the slices of apple, the caramel won’t stick.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit into the side of the apple and slide a popsicle stick into it. Make sure the stick is ½ inch to a inch in the apple.
- Place the slices about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the caramels. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each increment until melted.
- Spoon the caramel sauce on top of the apple slices. Allow the caramel to set up for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of paramount crystals or refined coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted.
- If the chocolate isn’t a runny consistency, add additional paramount crystals or refined coconut oil to a separate microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or until completely melted.
- Add the melted paramount crystals or coconut oil to the chocolate a little at a time and stir until the chocolate becomes a runny consistency.
- Drizzle or spoon the chocolate on top of the set up caramel.
- While the chocolate is still wet, add toppings such as M&M’s, nuts, mini dehydrated marshmallows, sprinkles, etc.
- Place in the fridge until the chocolate has set up.
- Serve once the chocolate is set up.
Nutrition
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)
