Caramel apples are a favorite fall dessert that the entire family will enjoy. Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple Slices are drizzled with date syrup, a melted caramel alternative, melted chocolate, and crushed nuts or other desired toppings. My favorites are crunchy cacao nibs and chopped cashews.
I love a chewy traditional caramel apple, but they are so messy! I always find myself cutting the caramel apple into slices to enjoy it without the mess all over my face and hands.
I decided to work on a healthier version of the traditional caramel apple and thought, how can I make them, so they are easier to eat for everyone, including kids?
Slice them thin and keep them on a stick!
I also love this recipe because there's no refined sugar like brown sugar, no corn syrup, and questionable caramel dip from the store.
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How to make caramel apple slices
When making caramel apple slices, the first step is to cut the granny smith apples into ¼ or ½ inch slices. Next, pat the apple slices with a paper towel to remove any excess apple juice. Next, take a wooden popsicle stick or white lollipop stick and push it through the bottom of the apple slice, creating a lollipop. Don't push too hard, or it may go straight through the entire apple (trust me, I did this a lot at first!)
Next, arrange the apple slices on wax paper or parchment paper on a sheet pan. Drizzle the apple slices with date syrup. Dates have a caramel-like taste and are a great alternative to caramel candy. Date syrup has a thinner consistency than melted caramel candies or caramel dip, but it is delicious, in my opinion. Place the apple slices in the refrigerator and allow them to harden slightly while the chocolate is melting.
Lastly, melt some semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop. Using a double boiler is my preferred way of melting chocolate. Melting chocolate can also be done in a microwave. Just make sure to stir the melted chocolate every 10 seconds or so.
Remove the apple slices from the refrigerator. Using a spoon or fork, drizzle some melted chocolate on top of an apple slice, then immediately place the desired toppings on top. Continue with the remaining apple slices. Since the apples will be cool so the chocolate will harden right away. For the toppings to stick, they need to be placed on melted chocolate.
Toppings for caramel apple slices
My favorite caramel apple toppings include cacao nibs and creamy cashews. Feel free to get creative and try lots of toppings! Here is a list of some other options:
- Roasted and salted almonds
- Crushed peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- White chocoalte chios
- Your favorite crushed cookies
- Shredded coconut
- Crunchy sea salt
- Dried fruit like raisins or chopped dried banana
How do you keep the apples from getting brown?
There are two options to keep apples from getting brown:
The first option is to dip the apple slice in a lemon juice and water solution for 30 seconds. Pat dry with a paper towel, and then add the date syrup, melted chocolate, and your desired toppings.
The second option is to cover the entire apple slice with melted chocolate leaving no apple flesh exposed. Next, add your desired toppings and then drizzle with date syrup.
I do not worry about browning apples when I am making this recipe. I make the apple lollipops right before serving, and they tend to disappear immediately!
How to store
These caramel apple slices will be best enjoyed the same day. After a day in the refrigerator, the chocolate will start to weep, forming droplets of water over the apple slice.
If you don't mind a little bit of weeping, cover the apple slices with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you can enjoy them.
What kind of apples do you use for caramel apples?
There are so many apple varieties out there! Some are great for baking and others for making apple sauce. No apple is equal, and each type should be used differently in cooking applications.
Granny smith apples are my go-to when making caramel apples. They are firm and sour. Using an overall mealy apple such as a macintosh, they will not stand up to all the toppings. These types of apples are great for applesauce, apple butter, and any cooking application requiring heat.
Using an overly sweet apple such as a Fuji apple or a gala apple will not give you that traditional caramel apple contrast with the sour apple and sweet toppings.
Again, granny smith apples are the best for caramel apples!
How to make caramel apple nachos
A current trending recipe is caramel apple nachos. These consist of apple slices arranged on plates similar to nachos and then topped with melted caramel, melted chocolate, nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter, then something crunchy like crushed peanuts or almonds. The apple nachos are excellent for large parties and serving a crowd.
The first step in making apple nachos is to cut an apple, such as a granny smith apple, into quarters, then cut the quarters in half, creating eight apple slices. Arrange the apple slices on a platter covering the plate. Continue with more apple slices creating multiple layers. I don't recommend placing the apple slices on a sheet pan, drizzling with the caramel and chocolate, and then trying to transfer to a platter. I recommend making and arranging the caramel apple nachos right on the platter you intend to serve them on.
Lastly, add a drizzle of melted caramel (or date syrup for paleo!), melted chocolate, and your desired toppings. Serve right away or cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Are you looking for more easy dessert recipes? Make sure to check out these No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars and Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Seed Pudding.
Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple Slices
Ingredients
- 3 granny smith apples
- ½ cup date syrup
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- your favorite toppings such as almonds, chocolate chips, etc...
- wooden popsicle sticks
Instructions
- Cut the granny smith apples into ¼ or ½ inch slices. Next, pat the apple slices with a paper towel to remove any excess apple juice. Take a wooden popsicle stick and push it through the bottom of the apple slice, creating a lollipop. Don't push too hard, or it may go straight through the entire apple.
- Next, arrange the apple slices on wax paper or parchment paper on a sheet pan. Drizzle the apple slices with date syrup. Place the apple slices in the refrigerator and allow them to harden slightly while the chocolate is melting.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop. Using a double boiler is my preferred way of melting chocolate. Take a small saucepan and fill it half way with water. Bring the water to a bowl then place a heat proof bowl that is larger then the saucepan overtop. Add the chocolate and melt. Melting chocolate can also be done in a microwave. Just make sure to stir the melted chocolate every 10 seconds or so.
- Remove the apple slices from the refrigerator. Using a spoon or fork, drizzle some melted chocolate on top of an apple slice, then immediately place the desired toppings on top. Continue with the remaining apple slices. Since the apples will be cool so the chocolate will harden right away. For the toppings to stick, they need to be placed on melted chocolate.
- Enjoy right away or place in the refrigerator covered until ready to serve
Nutrition
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