Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple Slices Recipe
Delightfully sweet and crunchy chocolate covered caramel apple slices, perfect for a fun and easy dessert or snack. Crisp apple slices are coated in rich melted chocolate, drizzled with creamy caramel, and topped with colorful mini M&Ms or chopped nuts for an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 large granny smith or honeycrisp apples, washed and dried well
Chocolate Coating
- 10 ounces milk or dark chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli)
Caramel Topping
- 8 ounces soft caramel squares (1 cup), unwrapped (such as Kraft)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Drizzle and Toppings
- 1 cup complementary variety chocolate melting wafers (optional but recommended)
- Mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, and/or other assorted small toppings of your choosing
Instructions
- Prepare the Work Surface: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside to ensure that the dipped apples won’t stick while setting.
- Slice the Apples: Cut each apple vertically from top to bottom into 4 or 5 slices about 1/2-inch thick (up to 3/4-inch thick if preferred). Use a melon baller and paring knife to remove the stem and carefully carve out 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. If necessary, create a small slit in the bottom of the apple slice with a knife to make insertion easier.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the milk or dark chocolate wafers using a double boiler or microwave per package instructions. Pat the apple slices dry thoroughly before dipping.
- Dip the Apples: Fully dip each apple slice into the melted chocolate up to just past where the stick meets the fruit. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate coating 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 between each until the mixture is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Melt Extra Chocolate (Optional): If using, melt the complementary chocolate wafers in the same manner and allow both caramel and extra chocolate to cool until warm but still fluid to avoid melting the chocolate coating on the apples.
- Drizzle and Top: Spoon the caramel sauce over the chocolate-dipped apple slices, then drizzle with the extra melted chocolate if using. Immediately sprinkle with mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, or your chosen toppings. Refrigerate an additional 10–15 minutes for the toppings and caramel to set.
- Serve and Store: For optimal flavor and texture, serve the chocolate covered caramel apple slices within a few hours of assembly. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy. Avoid making them the night before, as overnight storage before assembly can affect quality.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness.
- Make sure apple slices are completely dry before dipping in chocolate to ensure proper coating adherence.
- The popsicle sticks should be food-grade and about 10 mm wide for stability.
- Adjust thickness of apple slices between 1/2 to 3/4 inch based on preference; thicker slices may be harder to handle.
- If caramel or chocolate is too hot during drizzle, it can melt the base chocolate coat, so let them cool to a warm temperature.
- Store finished slices in the refrigerator and consume within the day for best taste and texture.
- Optional toppings add extra flavor and a fun presentation.
