Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple Slices. Crisp Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are sliced and dipped in smooth melted chocolate, then drizzled with rich caramel and finished with your favorite toppings like mini M&Ms and chopped nuts. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a festive treat, these bite-sized delights combine tart fruit, sweet caramel, and luscious chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Slices
- 3 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, washed and dried well
- 10 ounces milk or dark chocolate melting wafers (e.g., Ghirardelli)
- 10 mm wide food-grade wooden popsicle sticks
Caramel Sauce
- 8 ounces soft caramel squares (1 cup), unwrapped (e.g., Kraft)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup complementary variety chocolate melting wafers (optional)
- Mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, and/or assorted small toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Work Surface: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the dipped apple slices from sticking when setting.
- Slice the Apples: Cut each apple vertically into 4 or 5 slices, about 1/2-inch thick or up to 3/4-inch if preferred. Use a melon baller and a paring knife to carefully remove stems and carve out the seeds without piercing through the apple slice.
- Insert Popsicle Sticks: Place a 10 mm wide food-grade wooden popsicle stick into the bottom center of each apple slice, pushing it halfway through. Make a small slit if necessary to ease insertion.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the milk or dark chocolate wafers using a double boiler or microwave according to package instructions. Make sure apple slices are well dried before dipping.
- Dip the Apples: Fully dip each apple slice into the melted chocolate up to just past where the stick meets the fruit. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place the slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: Combine the unwrapped caramel squares and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Melt Extra Chocolate (Optional): If using, melt the complementary chocolate wafers similarly, allowing both the caramel and extra chocolate to cool until warm but still fluid to prevent melting the chocolate coating on the apples.
- Drizzle and Top: Spoon the caramel over the chocolate-dipped apple slices. Drizzle with the extra melted chocolate if using. Immediately sprinkle with mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, or other toppings of your choice. Refrigerate an additional 10–15 minutes to allow toppings and caramel to set.
- Serve and Store: Serve the chocolate covered caramel apple slices within a few hours for the best flavor and texture. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy. Avoid preparing the slices the night before assembly to maintain freshness and quality.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness to balance the sweet coatings.
- Make sure apple slices are dried thoroughly before dipping to ensure chocolate adheres properly.
- Adjust thickness of apple slices according to preference, but 1/2-inch works well for easy handling and dipping.
- Use food-grade popsicle sticks for safe insertion and comfortable holding while eating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Feel free to customize toppings with sprinkles, crushed cookies, or sea salt for extra flavor contrast.
