Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Delight in these Caramel Apple Slices, a sweet and tangy treat featuring crisp apple slices dipped in rich homemade caramel sauce, optionally drizzled with melted dark chocolate and sprinkled with chopped nuts for extra crunch. Perfect for a festive snack or dessert that balances fresh fruit with luscious caramel and chocolate flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup 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)
- Lemon juice (amount not specified, approximately 1 tablespoon recommended for tossing apples to prevent browning)
Instructions
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium pot, combine granulated sugar, water, and kosher salt over high heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the sugar melts and starts to develop a light caramel color. Remove from heat, then carefully add heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up). Return to low heat and stir constantly until the caramel sauce is smooth. Turn off the heat, add cold unsalted butter, and stir until fully incorporated. Transfer the sauce to a tall measuring cup or container. The caramel will thicken and turn a golden brown as it cools.
- Melt the Chocolate (Optional): In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in short intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Prepare the Apple Slices: While the caramel cools, wash the apples and slice them lengthwise or into individual slices. Toss the apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. Pat the slices dry on paper towels before dipping.
- Dip Apples in Caramel: If using, place apple slices on sticks. Slowly dip each apple slice into the caramel, allowing excess to drip off. Place dipped slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings and Chocolate Drizzle: After dipping all apple slices, sprinkle chopped nuts over them if desired. Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the slices to add a rich finishing touch.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the caramel apple slices immediately, or refrigerate uncovered until ready to serve for a slightly firmer texture.
Notes
- Lemon juice is used to prevent apple slices from browning and helps maintain freshness.
- Work carefully with hot caramel to avoid burns.
- Choosing firm apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji will provide the best crisp texture.
- For variations, try using white chocolate or adding sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel flavor.
- If not using sticks, handle apple slices gently to avoid breaking the caramel coating.
- Store caramel apple slices in the refrigerator uncovered to keep the caramel from becoming soggy.
Keywords: caramel apples, caramel apple slices, homemade caramel sauce, apple dessert, fall recipes, chocolate drizzle, nut topping
