Chocolate Caramel Apple Slices Recipe Instead of eating rock-hard caramel apples, try these beautiful and delicious Chocolate and Caramel Apple Slices! They are not only easy to make, but the whole family can help decorate them together. They are a perfect fall delicacy, especially when you bring fresh apples from the orchard.
This recipe is better than traditional caramel apples because each slice has a rich layer of chocolate, caramel, and toppings, not just on the outside. They are also extremely easy to eat and serve.
Ingredients:
- Apples: 3-5 large, crisp apples like Granny Smith (tart) or Honeycrisp (sweet-tart).
- Chocolate Melting Wafers: 10 ounces of milk or dark chocolate (Ghirardelli brand is best).
- Soft Caramel Squares: 8 ounces (like Kraft caramels), unwrapped.
- Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons (to melt and soften the caramel).
- Extra Chocolate (Optional): White or milk chocolate wafers for decorating.
- For Toppings:
- Mini M&M’s
- Chopped Walnuts, Pecans, or Peanuts
- Chocolate Chips
- Sprinkles
- Small Crushed Pretzel Pieces
- Fine Sea Salt Flakes
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Preparing the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Slice each apple from top (stem) to bottom into ½ to ¾-inch thick slices. Use a small knife or melon baller to remove the seeds and tough core from each slice.
2. Inserting Sticks:
Insert a popsicle stick or lollipop stick halfway into the bottom center of each slice. If the stick doesn’t go in easily, make a small slit first with a knife.
3. Crucial Step: Drying:
Immediately before dipping, dry each slice thoroughly with a paper towel. If the apple is wet, the chocolate will not stick.
4. Dipping in Chocolate:
Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave or double boiler. Dip each apple slice completely into the chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
5. Making the Caramel:
Combine the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
6. Decorating – The Most Fun Part!:
- Now get creative!
- Drizzle or spread the caramel over the set chocolate slices.
- If desired, you can create beautiful designs with additional melted white or milk chocolate.
- Immediately sprinkle your favorite toppings (like mini M&M’s, chopped nuts, sprinkles). They are very easy to decorate because they are on a stick.
- After decorating, place them back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow everything to set completely.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Chocolate and Caramel Apple Slices within 2-3 hours of making them. Keeping them in the refrigerator longer can cause moisture to release from the apple, which can soften the chocolate. Be sure to serve them with napkins. They are perfect for kids’ parties, family gatherings, or as a gift idea.
Key Tips and Tricks:
- Apples must be dry: The chocolate will set and stick properly.
- Use fresh caramels: Old or stale caramels become tough after melting.
- Keep toppings warm: If decorating is taking time, place the bowls of melted chocolate and caramel in a large dish filled with a few inches of hot water (a water bath). This will keep them fluid for longer.
- Prevent browning: If you plan to eat them later, brush the slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting. This will keep them looking fresh and beautiful.
- Make it with kids: This recipe is ideal to make with children as a kids’ cooking activity, letting them handle the decoration.
This easy and delicious fall treat is a great choice for both kids and adults. Make it, decorate it with your family, and enjoy the tastes of fall!
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