Description
Delicious caramel apple slices dipped in rich homemade caramel sauce, optionally drizzled with melted dark chocolate and topped with chopped nuts. A perfect sweet treat that combines the crisp freshness of apples with smooth, buttery caramel and a hint of chocolate, ideal for parties, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter
Melted Chocolate (Optional)
- 6 oz. dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon oil
Apple Slices
- 6 medium apples, washed and sliced
- ½ cup chopped nuts of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium pot over high heat, combine granulated sugar, water, and kosher salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and begins to turn a light caramel color. Be careful to brush down any sugar crystals on the side of the pot with a damp brush to prevent burning.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Remove the pot from heat and carefully add the heavy cream — the caramel will bubble vigorously. Return the pot to low heat and stir constantly until the caramel sauce smooths out into a luscious golden brown liquid.
- Add Butter: Turn off the heat and stir in the cold unsalted butter until fully melted and smoothly incorporated. Transfer the sauce to a tall container suitable for dipping. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Melt the Chocolate (Optional): In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat heating in 15-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Prepare Apple Slices: While the caramel cools, wash and slice the apples lengthwise into medium-thick slices. Toss them gently with lemon juice to prevent browning, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better caramel coating.
- Dip Apple Slices: If desired, place each apple slice on a stick for easy handling. Slowly dip each slice into the caramel, letting excess drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel-covered apple slices for added texture and flavor. After topping with nuts, use a fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the slices for an elegant finish.
- Chill and Serve: Enjoy the caramel apple slices immediately, or refrigerate uncovered to set the caramel and chocolate for a firmer treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with wax or parchment paper for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Notes
- Caramel sauce can be prepared days or weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 45 days.
- To reheat caramel sauce, microwave for 10-15 seconds until pourable.
- Store caramel apple slices in an airtight container with wax or parchment paper for up to 3 days refrigerated.
- Brush down sugar crystals on pot sides with a damp brush during cooking to prevent burning.
- For a brown sugar variation, replace granulated sugar with light or dark brown sugar.
- Use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but omit additional salt if doing so.
- To thicken caramel sauce, cook it a few minutes longer after adding cream.
- In case of caramel burns on skin, rinse immediately with cold water.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, evaporated milk, or almond milk if preferred.
- Use milk, bittersweet, or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for melted chocolate.
- Pre-sliced apples from the store can be used to save time.
- Make caramel apple pops by inserting sticks and letting them dry upright on foam for an even caramel coating.
