Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe

Magical Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe for Autumn Treats

Autumn’s crisp breeze carries the sweet essence of caramel apple slices dancing through bakery kitchens.

Golden apples glisten with rich, buttery caramel that promises a delectable treat for every palate.

Soft and crunchy textures meld together in a symphony of seasonal flavors that delight taste buds.

This classic dessert captures the warmth of fall’s culinary magic with simple ingredients and effortless preparation.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tart apple and smooth caramel coating that melts in your mouth.

The recipe transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary experience that sparks joy and nostalgia.

Prepare to savor a dessert that celebrates the pure magic of autumn’s most beloved sweet.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 510 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 4

Building Blocks of Caramel Apple Slices

For Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Select crisp, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for perfect tartness and structure, ensuring clean slices that hold caramel beautifully.
For Stick Support:
  • Wooden Skewers or Popsicle Sticks: Provide sturdy handle for easy dipping and elegant presentation, choose smooth wooden options without splinters.
For Coating and Decoration:
  • Caramel, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create rich, golden shell with deep, complex sweetness that clings perfectly to apple slices.
  • Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures silky smooth caramel texture.
  • Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps create glossy, spreadable caramel coating.
  • Heavy Cream: Softens caramel and creates velvety, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, comforting undertones.
  • Optional Toppings (Chopped Nuts, Sprinkles, Chocolate Chips): Provide delightful crunch and additional flavor layers for personalized decoration.

Essentials Needed for Caramel Apple Slices

  • Large Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing apples safely and cleanly.
  • Sharp Paring Knife: Perfect for precise apple cutting and removing core.
  • Wooden Skewers or Sticks: Essential for creating apple slice handles.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps measure caramel ingredients accurately.
  • Medium Saucepan: Ideal for melting and cooking caramel sauce.
  • Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring caramel and ensuring smooth consistency.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides clean surface for placing caramel-coated apple slices.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents apple slices from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Making Caramel Apple Slices, the Easy Way

  • Prep Your Apples

Clean and dry apples completely, making sure surfaces are totally dry for caramel coating.

  • Shape Apple Slices

Cut apples into neat rounds about half an inch thick, carefully removing seeds and centers with a sharp knife.

  • Insert Skewers

Gently push wooden sticks through the bottom of each apple slice, creating a handle for easy dipping.

  • Create Caramel Coating

Melt caramel in a double boiler or microwave, stirring smoothly until completely liquid and glossy.

  • Dip and Decorate

Carefully dunk each apple slice into warm caramel, twirling to ensure even coverage. Let excess drip off before placing on parchment paper.

  • Add Optional Toppings

While caramel is still soft, sprinkle with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or crushed candy if desired.

  • Chill and Serve

Place caramel-coated apple slices in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help caramel set perfectly. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Caramel Apple Slices Tips, Tweaks & Add-Ons

  • Chill Before Dipping: Refrigerate apple slices for 15-30 minutes before caramel coating to help the caramel adhere better and set quickly.
  • Perfect Caramel Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to ensure caramel reaches exactly 245-250°F for ideal thickness and coating consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap traditional caramel with vegan caramel made from coconut milk and coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Roll freshly dipped caramel apple slices in crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare apple slices up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator before caramel dipping to save time during serving.

Sharing and Serving Caramel Apple Slices

  • Dessert Plate Paradise: Arrange caramel apple slices on a beautiful platter with a drizzle of melted chocolate and sprinkle of chopped nuts for an elegant presentation.
  • Festive Party Treat: Create a caramel apple slice station where guests can customize their slices with toppings like crushed graham crackers, colorful sprinkles, or shredded coconut.
  • Brunch Companion: Serve these slices alongside a rich vanilla yogurt dip or as a sweet side to weekend pancakes or waffles for a delightful morning surprise.
  • Kid-Friendly Snack: Pack these slices in lunchboxes with a small container of extra caramel sauce for a fun and tasty midday treat that children will love.

Stash Your Caramel Apple Slices Like a Pro

  • Cool Caramel Coating Strategy: Prepare apple slices just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent browning. Refrigerate immediately after dipping in caramel to help coating set quickly.
  • Smart Refrigeration Trick: Store caramel-coated apple slices in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 2-3 days to maintain texture and flavor quality.
  • Quick Freshness Hack: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent sticking and preserve the delicate caramel surface. This method helps retain the crisp apple texture and glossy caramel finish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep apple slices up to 4 hours in advance by storing in cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Pat completely dry before caramel dipping to ensure perfect coating adhesion.
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Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe

Sweet Caramel Apple Slices Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mouthwatering caramel apple slices bring classic autumn flavors to dessert tables across North America. Sweet apple wedges drenched in rich caramel create an irresistible treat you can enjoy with friends and family.


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)
  • 1 wooden stick or skewer for dipping
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup crushed nuts (peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • ¼ cup mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup sprinkles
  • ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

  1. Apple Preparation: Thoroughly wash apples under running water, then dry completely with clean towels to create the perfect surface for caramel coating.
  2. Slicing Technique: Utilize a sharp chef’s knife to transform apples into precise half-inch medallions, removing cores to generate smooth, uniform slices for dipping.
  3. Skewering Setup: Insert wooden skewers into the edge of each apple slice, creating convenient handles for the caramel coating process.
  4. Caramel Crafting: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, construct a glossy caramel mixture, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and maintain a silky texture.
  5. Dipping Artistry: Tilt the caramel pan to create a deep pool, then immerse each apple slice, rotating gently to achieve complete, elegant coverage from rim to center.
  6. Finishing Flourish: Position caramel-coated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, quickly adorning with optional toppings like crushed nuts or miniature chocolate chips while the coating remains delicately tacky.
  7. Setting Stage: Allow the caramel-dressed apple slices to rest at room temperature, permitting the coating to solidify into a perfect, glossy shell.

Notes

  • Maintain Apple Freshness: Wash and dry apples thoroughly to ensure caramel adheres perfectly and prevents watery coating.
  • Perfect Slice Technique: Use a sharp chef’s knife and steady hand to create uniform half-inch thick medallions for consistent caramel coverage.
  • Prevent Seed Interference: Remove apple cores completely to create smooth surfaces for seamless caramel coating and easier eating.
  • Temperature Control: Monitor caramel heat carefully to avoid burning, stirring continuously for glossy, smooth texture that clings beautifully to apple slices.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 510 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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