Name: Caramel Apple Slices Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith apples; 2 cups dark chocolate chips, divided; 1 cup caramel squares; 1 teaspoon water; Mini chocolate chips; M&Ms; Sprinkles; Crushed Oreos; Chopped nuts; Melted white chocolate

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Caramel Apple Slices are an absolute dream. Imagine crisp Granny Smith apple rounds dipped in a smooth cloak of dark chocolate, drizzled with gloriously gooey caramel, and finished with a medley of playful toppings like colorful sprinkles, crunchy nuts, or melty white chocolate. This dessert is effortless to assemble and practically guaranteed to delight everyone lucky enough to take a bite. Whether you’re prepping a holiday platter or creating a hands-on snack with friends, Caramel Apple Slices will instantly become your new go-to favorite.

Caramel Apple Slices Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Caramel Apple Slices comes from just a handful of ingredients, each adding a special twist—crispness, richness, chew, or a little bit of whimsy. The beauty here is in both their simplicity and their ability to showcase bold flavors and vibrant textures in every single bite.

Granny Smith apples: Their tart, firm flesh holds up beautifully against the sweet chocolate and caramel, creating a balanced bite.
Dark chocolate chips: For that rich, bittersweet base that contrasts perfectly with tart apples and sweet toppings.
Caramel squares: Melted down, these provide that irresistibly chewy, buttery finish to every apple slice.
Water: Just a splash ensures smooth, pourable caramel for easy drizzling.
Mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, Sprinkles, Crushed Oreos, Chopped nuts, Melted white chocolate (optional toppings): Mix and match your way to the most festive, flavor-packed Caramel Apple Slices ever!

How to Make Caramel Apple Slices

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

To kick things off, line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step makes cleanup effortless and ensures your apple slices will lift off easily after chilling—no sticking or mess when it’s time to snack.

Step 2: Slice and Skewer the Apples

Cut your apples into thick rounds, aiming for about a quarter-inch per slice to keep them sturdy. To make them extra snack-friendly, insert a sucker stick into the bottom of each slice. If the apples are a bit tough, use a knife to help start a hole so the sticks slide in smoothly.

Step 3: Pat Dry for Perfect Coating

Lay your apple slices out and gently press them with a paper towel to draw out any excess moisture, then cover them with a second sheet and pat again. This extra step ensures the chocolate will cling beautifully—no slippery apples here!

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a shallow, microwave-safe bowl, heat half your chocolate chips for about 30 seconds. Stir, then continue warming in 10 to 15 second bursts, stirring each time, until the chocolate is silky-smooth and ready for dipping.

Step 5: Dip and Coat the Apple Slices

Before you start dipping, pat your apples one last time just in case. Then dunk each slice into the melted chocolate, ensuring you coat a little past the base of the stick for a sturdy grip. Spoon more chocolate over any bare spots. Scrape off excess and set the finished slices on your prepared tray.

Step 6: Repeat and Finish Dipping

Keep working through your apple slices, melting more chocolate chips as needed until every apple coin is thickly enrobed in chocolate. Arrange each one on the tray as you go, ready for the next fabulous layer.

Step 7: Melt the Caramel

In another shallow bowl, add your caramel squares and the teaspoon of water. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until the caramel is completely melted and perfectly pourable.

Step 8: Drizzle the Caramel

Grab a spoon or fork and let your creativity flow—drizzle the molten caramel over each chocolate-clad apple slice in whatever pattern makes you smile. Swirls, zigzags, dots—there’s no wrong way here!

Step 9: Add Toppings

While the caramel is still warm and glossy, scatter your chosen toppings generously. Go wild with mini chocolate chips, press on some crushed Oreos, sprinkle rainbow decor, or add a tumble of chopped nuts. Each Caramel Apple Slice becomes its own little masterpiece.

Step 10: Chill to Set

Pop your tray of finished slices into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This quick chill helps the chocolate and caramel firm up so you get crisp, satisfying bites every time.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Slices

Garnishes

Dress your Caramel Apple Slices to impress! Dust on a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt, add a final drizzle of melted white chocolate, or nestle them into pretty paper wrappers for an extra sparkly presentation. The garnish is your chance to make every slice a tiny celebration.

Side Dishes

Serve these sweet gems alongside bowls of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot apple cider, or even with a platter of fresh berries for a colorful, contrasting spread. The mix of creamy, tart, and chocolaty flavors plays beautifully off other fall and winter treats.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s something seriously festive about arranging Caramel Apple Slices in a fan on a colorful tray or setting them upright in a jar filled with candy corn for a playful touch. For parties, you can even offer a topping “bar,” letting guests dip and decorate their own slices just the way they’d like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Caramel Apple Slices (lucky you!), keep them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Placing parchment or wax paper between layers helps prevent any sticking. They’re best enjoyed within 2–3 days while the apples are still crisp.

Freezing

While it’s not usually recommended to freeze Caramel Apple Slices because the apples can become watery once thawed, you can freeze them in a pinch. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then seal them in a freezer bag. Just keep in mind the texture may change once defrosted, especially the apple’s crunch.

Reheating

These treats are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if the chocolate or caramel feels too firm straight from the fridge, let the Caramel Apple Slices sit out for about 10 minutes. This softens the caramel just enough for irresistibly chewy bites.

FAQs

Can I use a different variety of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide that iconic tart crunch, feel free to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples if you prefer something sweeter or milder. Just pick a firm apple variety for sturdy slices.

What can I use if I don’t have caramel squares?

You can substitute with homemade caramel or store-bought caramel sauce. Just be sure it’s thick enough to drizzle and set on the chocolate without running off your apple slices.

Do I have to use dark chocolate?

Nope! Milk chocolate or white chocolate chips both work beautifully for Caramel Apple Slices. Pick your favorite—or do a combination for eye-catching, layered treats.

How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

Slicing and immediately coating the apples helps, but you can also dip them in a mix of water and lemon juice before drying them. The acid helps keep the slices fresh and vibrant under the layers of chocolate and caramel.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! Caramel Apple Slices are a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Just be sure to store them chilled and assemble them within a day or two of serving for the crispiest, freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that’s joyful to create and delightful to eat, Caramel Apple Slices are simply unbeatable. Try making a batch for your next get-together—or just as a sweet project for yourself. One bite and you’ll see why this colorful, crunchy dessert has earned a spot in my heart and kitchen. Happy snacking!