Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe

Heavenly Caramel Apple Slices Recipe: Sweet Autumn Treats!

Sweet, crisp apples find their perfect match in a luscious caramel apple slices recipe that turns ordinary fruit into an irresistible treat.

Drizzled with golden, rich caramel, these slices promise a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance between tart apples and smooth, buttery caramel.

The simple preparation makes this dessert accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Crunchy apple wedges coated in glossy caramel create a mouthwatering visual and taste sensation.

Serve these delectable slices at gatherings or enjoy them as a special personal indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every decadent morsel of this classic autumn dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5-10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Caramel Apple Slices

For Apple Preparation:
  • Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for perfect caramel coating and balanced sweetness.
  • Wooden Skewers: Essential for easy handling and creating a classic carnival-style treat.
For Caramel Coating Surface:
  • Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for cooling caramel-coated apple slices and prevents sticking.
  • Cooking Spray: Lightly grease the parchment paper to ensure smooth release of apple slices.
For Caramel and Toppings:
  • Granulated Sugar: Transforms into rich, golden caramel with deep, complex flavor.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures smooth, glossy caramel texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create silky, spreadable caramel.
  • Unsalted Butter: Enhances caramel's depth and provides a velvety finish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Contributes warm, aromatic undertones to the caramel.
  • Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Optional Toppings (Chopped Nuts, Sprinkles, Chocolate Chips): Adds crunch, texture, and visual appeal to caramel apple slices.

Tools To Prep Caramel Apple Slices

  • Large cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing and preparing apples.
  • Paring knife: Sharp tool for precise apple cutting and core removal.
  • Wooden skewers or sticks: Essential for creating apple slice pops.
  • Small cookie cutter (optional): Helps remove apple cores neatly.
  • Sharp knife: Ensures clean, even apple slice cuts.
  • Plate or tray: Holds prepared apple slices before caramel coating.

Steps To Make Caramel Apple Slices

  • Prep Apples

Clean your apples under cool water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. This helps the caramel cling perfectly.

  • Slice and Skewer

Carefully cut apples into thick, even rounds using a sharp knife. Pop out the center seeds with a small cookie cutter or knife tip. Gently push a wooden stick into the bottom of each slice.

  • Create Caramel Coating

In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt caramel pieces or unwrapped caramel candies over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. When smooth and glossy, remove from heat.

  • Dip and Decorate

Hold each apple slice by the stick and dip into the warm caramel, twirling to coat evenly. Let excess drip off. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Allow caramel to cool and harden for about 15 minutes. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for a sweet, crisp treat. Best enjoyed within a few hours of making.

Tips To Customize Caramel Apple Slices

  • Caramel Coating Perfection: Pat apple slices completely dry with paper towels to help caramel adhere smoothly without sliding off.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare apple slices up to 4 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to prevent browning.
  • Dietary Swaps: Replace traditional caramel with dairy-free or vegan caramel alternatives for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diet followers.
  • Fun Topping Ideas: Roll freshly dipped apple slices in crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or toasted coconut for extra texture and flavor excitement.
  • Kid-Friendly Trick: Use colorful paper straws instead of wooden skewers to make the treat more visually appealing and comfortable for children to hold.

Serving Caramel Apple Slices In Fun Ways

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange caramel apple slices on a decorative wooden board with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, creating an eye-catching dessert centerpiece that guests can easily grab and enjoy.
  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Top morning pancakes or waffles with these caramel apple slices, adding a delightful fruity crunch and rich caramel drizzle to your breakfast routine.
  • Ice Cream Topping Delight: Place caramel apple slices alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, transforming a simple dessert into a gourmet treat with layers of flavor and texture.
  • Kid-Friendly Snack Station: Create a fun DIY station where children can decorate their own caramel apple slices with extra toppings like colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed graham crackers.

How To Store Caramel Apple Slices Easily

  • Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate caramel-coated apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes to help caramel set faster and maintain crisp texture.
  • Fridge Storage Technique: Keep decorated apple slices in an airtight container, separated by wax paper layers, for maximum 2-3 days to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Temperature Control Method: Store in refrigerator at 40°F or below to prevent caramel from becoming too soft and apple slices from browning quickly.
  • Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare apple slices and caramel separately up to 24 hours in advance, assembling just before serving to keep fruit crisp and coating glossy.
Print
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Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe

Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade caramel apple slices bring classic fall flavors to life with crisp Granny Smith apples drenched in rich, golden caramel. Sweet and tart notes mingle perfectly for dessert lovers seeking a simple yet elegant treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
  • 1 package (11 oz/311 g) soft caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 2 tbsps heavy cream (or milk)
  • 45 wooden sticks or skewers for dipping
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed nuts (peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Sprinkles
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Sea salt
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Thoroughly wash apples under cool running water, dry completely with a kitchen towel to create an ideal surface for caramel application.
  2. Slicing: Stabilize apples on a cutting board and slice horizontally into half-inch thick uniform rounds, ensuring consistent thickness for even caramel coverage.
  3. Core Removal: Using a small circular cookie cutter or precision paring knife, carefully remove the central seed cluster from each apple disc, creating a clean circular opening.
  4. Skewering: Firmly insert a wooden skewer or decorative stick through the bottom edge of each apple slice, taking care not to split the delicate fruit.
  5. Arrangement: Position the prepared apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing to prevent potential sticking during caramel coating.

Notes

  • Wash Thoroughly: Cleaning apples meticulously ensures no wax or dirt interferes with caramel adherence, creating a perfect coating surface.
  • Slice Precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut uniform half-inch rounds, guaranteeing consistent caramel coverage and professional-looking presentation.
  • Remove Core Carefully: Extract seed clusters cleanly using a cookie cutter or paring knife to create smooth, neat apple discs without damaging the fruit’s structure.
  • Prevent Sticking: Space apple slices slightly on parchment paper to avoid caramel interconnection and maintain individual, picture-perfect treats.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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