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)
- 1 cup complementary variety chocolate melting wafers (optional but recommended)
Caramel Drizzle
- 8 ounces soft caramel squares (1 cup), unwrapped (such as Kraft)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Toppings
- Mini M&M’s, chopped nuts, and/or other assorted small toppings of your choosing
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside to prepare for the apple slices.
- Slice the Apples: Slice each apple from top to bottom into 4 or 5 slices about 1/2-inch thick. Use a melon baller and paring knife to remove the stem and carve out seeds and core without piercing all the way through.
- Insert Popsicle Sticks: Insert a 10 mm wide, food-grade wooden popsicle stick halfway into the bottom of each apple slice. If needed, cut a small slit in the bottom of the slice with a paring knife first.
- Melt Chocolate for Coating: Melt the milk or dark chocolate wafers in a double boiler or microwave as per package instructions. Dry the apple slices thoroughly with paper towels before dipping.
- Dip Apple Slices: Dip each apple slice fully into the melted chocolate, covering just past the stick junction, and allow excess chocolate to drip off. Arrange on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer without touching. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes until chocolate sets.
- Melt Caramel Mixture: Place caramel squares and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Melt Additional Chocolate (if using): Melt the complementary chocolate wafers as directed. Let both caramel and chocolate cool until warm but still fluid for drizzling.
- Drizzle Caramel and Chocolate: Spoon the caramel over the chocolate-coated apple slices, then drizzle extra chocolate if using. Immediately sprinkle with mini M&Ms, nuts, or other toppings. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes until set.
- Serve and Store: For best flavor and texture, serve the caramel apple slices within a few hours of assembly. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy, and avoid assembling more than a day ahead to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use apples that hold crispness well like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Dry apple slices thoroughly before dipping to ensure the chocolate sticks properly.
- You can customize toppings with nuts, sprinkles, or candy pieces for variety.
- Be careful not to overheat caramel or chocolate when melting, as too hot mixtures can cause the coatings to run together.
- Serving the slices the same day preserves the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American