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Caramel Apple Slice Snacks with Crushed Nuts
Quick recipe for caramel apple slices with crushed nuts, an easy fall snack ready in minutes and perfect for parties or after-school treats.
Caramel Apple Slices with Crushed Nuts is a simple, bite-size confection made by coating fresh apple wedges in a smooth caramel glaze and finishing them with a layer of finely chopped nuts—often peanuts, pecans, or almonds. The recipe relies on a short list of everyday ingredients, typically combining crisp apples, melted caramel (or caramel candies softened with a splash of cream or butter), and lightly toasted nuts for added flavor and crunch. Quick to assemble and easy to portion, these slices are popular during the autumn months—particularly at fall festivals, Halloween parties, and casual family gatherings—yet are versatile enough to serve as a sweet snack or dessert year-round.
Caramel Apple Slice Snacks with Crushed Nuts
These grab-and-go wedges deliver all the nostalgia of a full caramel apple without the sticky, hard-to-eat shell. Pre-portioned and skewer-friendly, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or any event where you need a low-mess sweet. Swap in vegan caramel, sprinkle sea salt, or drizzle chocolate to customize each batch in minutes.
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
40 minutes
Ingredients
medium apples, cored and sliced
- ½ cup smooth caramel sauce, gently warmed
- ⅓ cup finely crushed mixed nuts (such as peanuts, pecans, or almonds)
- teaspoon fresh lemon juice (to keep slices from browning)
- Optional additions:
- tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- tablespoon toasted shredded coconut flakes
- small pinch flaky sea salt
Method
Wash and dry the apples
- Cut each apple into half-inch thick slices and remove any core or seed fragments
- Press a popsicle stick into the bottom of each slice for easy handling
- Set the prepared slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Place the tray in the freezer for about ten minutes to chill the fruit
- Unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a small saucepan with a splash of cream or water
- Warm the pan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel melts into a smooth sauce
- Remove the chilled apple slices from the freezer
- Dip or spoon melted caramel over one side of each apple slice
- Immediately sprinkle crushed nuts onto the warm caramel so they adhere
- Return the coated slices to the parchment-lined tray
- Refrigerate the tray for another ten minutes until the caramel is firm
- Serve the caramel apple slice snacks right away or keep them chilled until ready to eat
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
965 kcal Protein
11 g Fat
30 g Carbs
167 g Fiber
16 g Sugar
133 g
965 kcal Protein
11 g Fat
30 g Carbs
167 g Fiber
16 g Sugar
133 g
Notes
For the cleanest coating, pat the apple wedges completely dry, then chill them in the fridge for 15 minutes—the cool surface helps the caramel set fast and stay put. Lightly toast the nuts with a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne before chopping to deepen their flavor and add a subtle, warming kick.
why this recipe
Indulgent yet remarkably simple, caramel apple slices with crushed nuts elevate the nostalgic fair-ground treat into an elegant, anytime dessert. Crisp, tart apples provide a refreshing snap that contrasts beautifully with the buttery silk of warm caramel, while the toasted nuts add a satisfying crunch and a hint of toasty richness. Prepared in minutes and requiring only a handful of pantry staples, this recipe delivers a harmony of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it an irresistible choice for weeknight cravings, festive gatherings, or a sweet culinary gift.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep the caramel from sliding off the apple slices?
Blot the cut apples completely dry, then chill the slices in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes so the surface is cool and moisture-free; caramel grips far better to a cold, dry apple. Also let the caramel cool slightly (thick, not piping hot) before dipping—if it’s too hot or runny, it will slide off.
How far in advance can I prep these caramel-nut apple slices, and what’s the best way to store them?
For the best texture, assemble the slices the day you plan to serve them, ideally no more than 4–6 hours ahead; they’ll keep acceptably for up to 24 hours, but the apple may begin to weep and soften. Arrange the finished slices in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment, cover, and refrigerate; serve straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften the caramel.
What nut-free topping alternatives can I use for allergy-friendly caramel apple slices?
Swap the nuts for crushed pretzels, nut-free granola, toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or crispy rice cereal for crunch; or go sweet with mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, toasted coconut flakes, or crushed graham crackers. All of these stick easily to the warm caramel and keep the slices completely tree-nut and peanut free.