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Caramel Apple Slices Recipe
Create caramel apple slices in minutes with crisp apples, melted caramel and fun toppings for an easy fall snack.
Caramel Apple Slices are a convenient, share-friendly variation of the classic caramel apple, featuring fresh apple wedges dipped or drizzled with melted caramel and optionally finished with toppings such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or a light chocolate drizzle. Prepared by first slicing crisp, preferably tart apples—such as Granny Smith—to balance the sweetness of the caramel, the recipe streamlines serving and eating by eliminating the need for whole apples on sticks. This quick, no-bake treat is typically enjoyed during autumn months, especially around Halloween gatherings, fall festivals, and school or office parties where bite-sized desserts are preferred.
Caramel Apple Slices Recipe
With nothing more than a bag of soft caramels and a microwave, this version skips stovetop fuss and doubles as a hands-on activity for kids or guests. After coating, each slice turns into a customizable canvas for crushed pretzels, cinnamon-sugar, or a pinch of flaky sea salt—think DIY dessert bar in minutes.
Prep Time
20 minutes
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
55 minutes
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples, 2 medium (washed, cored, sliced into ½-inch wedges)
- Soft caramel candies, 20 pieces / ~6 oz (unwrapped)
- Heavy cream, 2 tbsp
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup
- Coconut oil (or vegetable shortening), 1 tsp
- Chopped pecans, ¼ cup
- Mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup
- Rainbow sprinkles, ¼ cup
- Flaked sea salt, pinch (optional garnish)
- Wooden popsicle sticks, 8 (optional for easy serving)
Method
Wash the apples
- Dry the apples with clean towels
- Cut the apples into ½-inch thick slices
- Remove the seeds and core from each slice with a small round cutter
- Pat the cut surfaces of the slices dry with paper towels
- Insert a wooden popsicle stick into the bottom of each slice
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Arrange the prepared apple slices on the lined baking sheet
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill the slices
- Unwrap the soft caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl
- Pour a splash of heavy cream over the caramels
- Microwave the bowl for 30 seconds
- Stir the melted caramels
- Continue microwaving in 15-second bursts until the caramel is smooth
- Set the caramel aside for a minute to thicken slightly
- Remove the chilled apple slices from the refrigerator
- Hold one apple slice over the bowl of caramel
- Spoon caramel over the slice to coat both sides
- Let the excess caramel drip back into the bowl
- Lay the coated apple slice on the parchment-lined sheet
- Repeat the coating process with the remaining apple slices
- Return the tray to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set the caramel
- Place chocolate chips in a clean microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds
- Stir the partially melted chocolate
- Continue microwaving in 15-second bursts until the chocolate is smooth
- Remove the caramel-coated slices from the refrigerator
- Drizzle or dip the slices with the melted chocolate
- Sprinkle desired toppings such as nuts or candy over the wet chocolate
- Set the slices back on the parchment-lined sheet
- Chill the slices until the chocolate is firm
- Serve the caramel apple slices chilled or at room temperature
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
2500 kcal Protein
19 g Fat
113 g Carbs
373 g Fiber
26 g Sugar
301 g
2500 kcal Protein
19 g Fat
113 g Carbs
373 g Fiber
26 g Sugar
301 g
Notes
Chef’s Note: Dry the cut apples thoroughly and give them a quick dip in lemon-water or ginger ale to slow browning—any surface moisture will make the caramel slide off. If you prefer a thinner shell, stir 1–2 teaspoons of heavy cream into the melted caramels for a pourable consistency that sets glossy instead of tacky. For a grown-up twist, finish with a dusting of smoked sea salt or a drizzle of bourbon-spiked dark chocolate.
why this recipe
Caramel Apple Slices transform the nostalgic charm of a fall fair treat into an effortlessly elegant dessert you can whip up at home, marrying crisp, juicy apples with a silky sheet of buttery caramel that cracks ever so slightly under each bite. The contrast of fresh fruit against the rich, slow-cooked sweetness delivers balanced flavor without overwhelming sugar, while their convenient, share-ready slices mean no sticky hands or unwieldy whole apples. Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight supper or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, these glossy wedges prove that a few simple ingredients, handled with care, can taste—and look—extraordinary.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep the caramel from sliding off the apple slices?
Pat the apple slices absolutely dry (moisture is the main culprit) and give them a quick dip in lemon-water or ginger ale, then blot again to remove any surface juice. Chill the slices on a parchment-lined tray and let the melted caramel sit for 30–60 seconds to thicken before coating; the cold fruit plus slightly thickened caramel will help it cling instead of slide.
How far ahead can I make these caramel apple slices, and what’s the best way to store them without the caramel or chocolate becoming sticky?
For best texture and color, make the slices no more than 24 hours in advance; beyond that, the apples weep juice and the caramel begins to soften. Arrange the finished wedges in a single layer on parchment inside an airtight container, place a sheet of parchment between any layers, and refrigerate—chilled, low-humidity storage keeps the caramel and chocolate firm rather than tacky. Let them stand at room temperature 5–10 minutes before serving so the caramel regains its chew without turning sticky.
How can I make these caramel apple slices dairy-free or vegan?
Swap the soft caramels and heavy cream for a dairy-free brand (or melt 1 cup vegan caramel chips with 1–2 tbsp canned coconut cream until smooth) and use dark or semi-sweet chocolate labeled vegan. Finish with mix-ins like chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or sprinkles that are free of milk derivatives, and prepare the recipe exactly the same way.