Caramel Apple Slices are a delicious twist on a fall classic that is easier to eat and enjoy at parties or just for fun!
*UPDATE 2017: I have a new post filled with Caramel Apple Slices Tips and Tricks You Need to Know with over 10 tips to ensure your Caramel Apple Slices turn out perfectly every time! And a recipe for S’mores Apple Slices!
**UPDATE 2018: This 2015 recipe reached 1 million Pinterest pins in 2017, so to celebrate I have updated the pictures but kept this tried and true recipe the same!
It’s caramel apple season again!!
Woohoo!!!
I love caramel apples, but I always have to use a knife to cut them because they are so hard to take bites out of when they are topped with caramel and other goodies.
And of course, that can be a frustrating and sticky mess.
While Mini Caramel Apples are really cute, I just don’t have the time or patience to deal with the gravity and those little caramel apple balls.
And I know you don’t either!
Plus, they are so 2013. Right?
But I still desire to eat my caramel apples with ease and enjoyment.
My inspiration for these caramel apple pops was from a picture of a sprinkle and chocolate-covered apple slice, but when I clicked through it showed a candy apple recipe and the picture was nowhere to be found in the article.
I didn’t even bother looking at the recipe, I was pretty upset by the deception.
So I decided to fix the situation by doing some caramel apple slice testing and I was determined to come up with a solution that would make eating caramel apples so much easier.
With a little trial and error, of course.
One of the perks of blogging is that I get to do a lot of testing and experimenting in the kitchen.
So luckily I had already learned from my experiences with Mini Caramel Apples that I couldn’t simply cover the apple slices in caramel because it would weep right off of the exposed apple without setting.
So I decided to test one of the ideas I mentioned in my Mini Caramel Apple’s Revisited post with these dark chocolate melting wafers (YUM!) and butterscotch chips.
Everything began smoothly.
I cut a few of the apple slices a little too thin and the sticks popped out.
Oops! But that is what the testing stage of a recipe is for, smoothing out the kinks and perfecting the recipe!
The chocolate apple slices hardened within a few minutes, but the butterscotch apple slices took about 10-15 minutes to harden.
I decided to let them sit for an extra hour because I wanted to see if they would weep through and cause the coating to fall off before I proceeded with the caramel.
Plus I needed to run to the store to buy peanuts, sprinkles, and a few other things.
When I got home I noticed a few tiny drops of apple tears from the chocolate-dipped apple slices, which was no big deal. But the butterscotch covered apple slices seemed to be weeping quite a bit more.
I wiped up all the liquid, set to the side the apple slices that were too weepy and falling apart, and proceeded to the caramel step.
And that’s when I realized my original plan was not going to work.
The first one was my fault, I poured hot caramel on top of my chocolate apple…
Majorly bad idea!
Seriously, what was I thinking??
So then I popped my apple slices in the freezer for 5 minutes while I let my caramel cool and thicken. I then tried again with the same results.
I then decided to do the next best thing, drizzle lots of caramel on top of my apple slices.
And guess what? This worked!
So I continued with this caramel process on all of my apple slices and topped them with my favorite toppings.
I even drizzled a few with these white chocolate melting wafers to create a nice color contrast.
So success was mine!
The problem was that it was too late in the afternoon to take correctly lighted pictures and my husband was on his way home and I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist these Caramel Apple Slices.
So I quickly made up a few extra caramel apple pops with the apple slices I had cut too thin and set them aside for my husband and me for a fun after-dinner fall dessert.
I decided to leave my pretty apple caramel slices in the fridge overnight for safekeeping with the hopes that they would last overnight (and not weep/fall apart) so that I could take pictures of them in the morning.
And now I know these Caramel Apple Slices will last overnight and can be made ahead of time (although I recommend making and eating them the same day)!
They have now sat on my table for about 2 hours, after having spent the night in my fridge, and while the majority have held up, a few have started to weep, causing pieces of the coating to slide off.
That’s pretty amazing! Right?
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So here are 5 recommendations to help ensure perfect Caramel Apple Slices:
- Cut thick apple slices so that the stick stays secure. Approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick works great.
- Make sure to pat down each apple slice really well with a towel to soak up any extra apple juice.
- Allow some of the Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers to drip off of the apple slice and onto the stick. This will act as a sort of edible glue that holds the stick and apple together.
- Drizzle slightly cooled melted caramel bits on your Caramel Apple Slices so that the chocolate doesn’t melt off.
- I also recommend that you make them and eat them on the same day. The longer they sit the greater the chance for a weeping caramel apple slice, which will cause the yummy coating to break or slide off in some areas.
Caramel Apple Slices
Caramel Apple Slices are the easiest way to enjoy your favorite treat this fall!
Ingredients
- Apples
- White or Wooden Lollipop Sticks
- Melting Chocolate (*1)
- Caramel
- Toppings – optional
Instructions
- First, wash and slice your apples, remove the seeds, insert the stick at the bottom, and pat the apple slices dry.
- Cover each apple slice in melted chocolate and place on a piece of wax paper to harden. Continue this process until all of your apples are covered in chocolate and have hardened.
- Next, drizzle the caramel and other toppings on top of your apple slices.
- Let harden and enjoy! (*2)
Notes
- *1. You could alternatively use butterscotch on your thicker slices of apples, but you should be aware that the butterscotch does not harden as well as the chocolate and could result in weeping apples and the butterscotch falling off.
- *2. These Sliced Caramel Apples can be made the day before and left in your fridge on wax paper until you need them the next day. Just don’t forget to note the 5 tips below.
More Tips
- 1. Cut thick apple slices so the stick stays secure in the slice. Approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick works great.
- 2. Make sure to pat down the apple slices to soak up any extra apple juice.
- 3. Allow some of the chocolate to drip onto the stick, this will act as a sort of edible glue that holds the stick and apple together.
- 4. Use slightly cooled caramel so that the chocolate doesn’t melt off the apple slices.
- 5. I also recommend that you make them and eat them on the same day. The longer they sit the greater chance for a weeping caramel apple slice, which will cause the yummy coating to break or slide off in some areas.
I’ve decided that these Caramel Apple Slices are the easiest way to enjoy this classic fall dessert!
They make great party treats and are a simple twist on a favorite fall recipe that everyone can enjoy!
If you make these Caramel Apple Slices this fall be sure to share a picture and tag @DomesticallyBlissful on Instagram so that we can all see your delicious fall treat!
And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter below so that you don’t miss out on another blissful bite!
What is your favorite Caramel Apple Slices topping?
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With love, Giusti
May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Original photos:
These are great! I already made twice and each time perfect them. These are our new fave!!!!! I learned from first time I made these, DO NOT USE APPLES FROM FRIDGE THAT ARE COLD. The chocolate WILL NOT stick and will turn hard if use cold apples.
★★★★★
Hi Missy,
Thank you so much for sharing your success.
I am so happy that you enjoyed your Caramel Apple Slices and that you’ve already enjoyed them twice!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Giusti
Thanks for sharing! How far ahead of time can I make them?
Hi Vanessa! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I have a list of tips and talk all about how far ahead you can make these above in this post. I also wrote a second post with even more tips that you can read by clicking here. I hope that helps! If you do make these I’d love to see them, just tag @domesticallyblissful on Instagram.
I hope you have a blissful week!
Hi there do you peel the apples first before starting?
Hi Rose! No, I don’t peel the apples before starting, that would be one more wet surface that would need to be patted dry before starting. I hope that helps & that you enjoy your Caramel Apple Slices! 🙂
This looks so good! It would be fun to make with kids!
Thanks, Suzanne! I hope you get a chance to make them this fall! If you do I’d love to see them, just tag @domesticallyblissful on Instagram.
I hope you have a blissful week!
Thanks for sharing! This would be fun to have out at a party so people can make their own!
Thanks, Vanessa!
I hope you get a chance to make them at a party this fall & if you do I’d love to see them! Just tag @domesticallyblissful on Instagram.
Have a blissful week!
These look so good! It would be fun to decorate them with kids!
Thank you, Suzanne!
I hope you get a chance to make them with kids fall & if you do I’d love to see them! Just tag @domesticallyblissful on Instagram.
Have a blissful week!
Hello! I love your site and this recipe! I included it in a round-up for kid-friendly fall recipes! 🙂 You can see it here: http://momenvy.co/2017/08/kid-friendly-fall-recipes.html
Thank you, Laura, for sharing my recipe!
I hope you have a blissful day! 🙂
Hi there!
I had a question: You said to make certain the apples are about 1/2′ thick. About how many apples would you suggest for 30 people. Also, are granny apples the preferred apple or does it matter the type of apple for this particular recipe?
Thank you so much for your reply!
You can use whichever apple you prefer & the number of apples you will need will depend on the size of the apple. I hope you enjoyed your Caramel Apple Slices. 🙂
These look great! I NotiCed yiu say make and eat them in the same day. Do yOu think i coUld make them, put them in a cello bag tied with a ribbon and pass them out at work the Next day?
I made them one day & took pictures of them the next day. So they do have the ability to last a day after making them, but to ensure they hold up properly I recommend doing it all in the same day.
But there is no harm in doing a test & trying it out! 🙂
I hope you have a blissful week! 🙂
Hi!
Just wondered how this would work with apple wedges? as long as they are dry enough…. Thanks! Just don’t want to mess it up!
Hey Tammy!
Yes, apple wedges should definitely work!
I hope you have a blissful day!
im sorry but i dont get how to make these with out the core in the middle…i sliced it and i got the core…how is it any good with the core…thank u
Hey Marylou,
Just place the apple right side up when cutting, instead of on its side.
I hope that helps!
This may seem silly, but I tried making these with my kids tonight and the chocolate kept sliding right off of the apple. We had to put the chocolate on really thick to get it to stick. Although they were still good there was way to much chocolate. Do you have any suggestions? Were my apples to wet?
Oh no, Jacquetta! I’m so sorry your chocolate slid off!
My first 2 thoughts are that the apples could have been too wet (so just pat it down real good first) or that the chocolate was too hot, causing it to slide off.
I hope that helps & that you get a chance to try this recipe again! 🙂
These were just wonderful! Thanks for a great recipe. I only wish I had white chocolate to make them more colorful 🙂 I used chocolate chips (nestle milk chocolate) and the kraft caramel bits, and added some crushed roasted and salted peanuts. Divine! Thank you.
Thank you Crystal for the feedback!
I’m so incredibly happy that you loved your Caramel Apple Slices!! 🙂
I hope you have a blissful week! <3
I have a few questions. I was hoping to make this for a bake sale on Friday.
1) Do i need to remove the seeds?
2) I read through the comments and wasn’t able to determine if it would still work with normal semi-sweet chocolate chips melted down or not.
Thanks!
Hello Catherine!
Removing the seeds is always a good idea, or you can simply not use the center piece for this recipe. Then when you are finished making your Caramel Apple Slices you can cut the middle pieces into wedges to scrape up the extra chocolate, caramel, & butterscotch. So you make a treat & get a treat!
I have never used normal semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe, but I believe I have had someone tell me that they have & it works. I personally prefer the melting chips because they melt so easily & quickly, plus they taste delicious!! 🙂
I hope that helps & that you have a blissful week! 🙂
For the chocolate, did you dip the apples in chocolate, spread it evenly, and then place it on wax paper? Or was it more you took as scoop of chocolate and spread with a knife all around? Also, are both sides with chocolate or just one? I am sorry for all these tedious questions!
Hey Jackie!
Thank you for your message, I’m happy to help! 🙂 I dipped the apple slices in the chocolate to evenly coat it on both sides & then let the excess drip off.
I hope that helps & that you have a blissful week! 🙂
I’m going to do these just with using an apple slicer and use the wedges! This is awesome! Great idea!!
Thanks AmyLyn!
I hope you enjoyed your yummy fall treat!
Have a blissful week! 🙂
My family dislikes chocolate. Did you use Butterscotch chips or are there butterscotch melting discs?
Hey Gayle!
I used butterscotch chips, but you could try melting discs instead! I’d love to hear how it works for you!
I hope you have a blissful week! 🙂
What an idea! I’m making these for a girls’ night with my bible study group. i already shared this with my sister and she is thinking of making them for a baby shower. we agree that caramel apples have too much apple and not enough topping. 🙂
Thank you, Jennifer!!
I hope you had a wonderful girl’s night with your bible study group & that you all enjoyed this yummy fall treat!
Happy fall! 🙂
What do you think of the idea of baking the apple slices on parchment paper for a few minutes. Not long enough that they get dry and hard but long enough that they are surface dry?
Hey Nancy!
I’d be a little worried about them becoming mushy, but you could give it a try! 🙂
Thanks for your comment! I hope you have a blissful week! 🙂
If you tried baking them, I’d love to know how it turned out. (Sorry if thisis in all caps… wont let me change it)
I’d be slightly worried it would become soggy unless you dried them completely. But it is a very interesting idea! If you try it I’d love to hear how it turns out!
I hope you have a blissful week! 🙂
I tried doing this quite a few years ago and when I dipped the apple slices in the chocolate, the moisture from the apples seized the chocolate. I don’t think I patted them dry though- and I didn’t use melting discs, I used regular chocolate. I will definitely give this another try!
Hello!
Thank you for your comment! Patting the apples dry will definitely help with the moisture problem & I love how well the melting discs work for this recipe, plus I love how they taste!
I hope you get a chance to make these Caramel Apple Slices!
Have a blissful day!
This is a great! I always hate trying to bite into caramel apples. It is a sticky mess. I am going to try and do this with just arranging the slices on a plate and only covering the top side of the slice. Maybe on a plate covered with a lemon sugar mix to keep them from turning ugly brown on the bottom. I am usually lazy enough that we just have apple slices with caramel dip, but this way you have the chocolate and the nuts and toppins, etc. Love your apple slices
Thank you Mary!
I completely agree! I think it takes a certain talent to eat a caramel apple the normal way, & I definitely lack that talent!
That is a great idea! I’d love to hear how your lemon sugar mix works with keeping the apples from turning brown when using this recipe! It sounds delicious even without the apples! I have a major sweet tooth… 🙂
I hope you enjoy your Caramel Apples Slices & that you have a blissful day!
You should try to dip it in caramel first. The caramel sticks to the Apple and makes it easier for the CHOcolate to stick to the Apple. Just a suggestion.
Hey Tiffany!
I’ve done quite a bit of recipe testing/development with exposed apples & caramel & the best results are when there is a base of chocolate before the caramel. The caramel tends to weep off of the exposed apple, even after being patted down repeatedly with a towel to remove some of the liquid. You can read more & see examples of some of my recipe testing/development in my posts Mini Caramel Apples & Mini Caramel Apples Revisited. You could always try it, maybe you will have better luck! 🙂
All I know is that the many times I have tested & tried to make caramel set & harden to exposed apples I have been frustrated & disappointed by the results. 🙁 However, chocolate worked great & is the winning ingredient I have chosen to use whenever I make this recipe.
I hope you have a blissful weekend! 🙂
What about putting like graHam cracker crumbs on the apple to help soak up the apple juices then dip in chocolate or caramel. Or do the Graham crackers, chocolate and Marshmellows for apple smores.
Hello Swayze,
Thanks for your suggestion!! In my Mini Caramel Apples Revisited post (which you can read by clicking here) I shared how I coated the exposed apple with varying amounts of cornstarch to soak up the apple juices & how it didn’t have the desired effect.
If you decide to try to soak up the apple juices with graham cracker crumbs when you make your Caramel Apple Slices I’d love to hear the results! 🙂
Thanks again for your comment!
So I don’t want chocolate on mine, only caramel. You say that’s not going to work?
Hey Maria!
I’ve done quite a bit of recipe testing/development with exposed apples & caramel & the best results are when there is a base of chocolate before the caramel. The caramel tends to weep off of the exposed apple, even after being patted down repeatedly to reduce the liquid. You can read more & see examples of some of my recipe testing/development in my posts Mini Caramel Apples & Mini Caramel Apples Revisited. You could always try it, maybe you will have better luck! 🙂
All I know is that the many times I have tested & tried to make caramel set & harden to exposed apples I have been frustrated & disappointed by the results. 🙁 However, chocolate worked great & is the winning ingredient I have chosen to use whenever I make this recipe.
I hope you have a blissful weekend! 🙂
I like the idea of slices. I like caramel apples enough, but have always hated biting into them. This is a wonderful alternative. 🙂
I love caramel apples too, but biting into them is always so difficult & I’m sure I look hilarious trying! 🙂
I’m so happy you like this idea & I hope you get a chance to try them this fall!
Hope you have a blissful weekend Carole! 🙂
These look amazing! What are great idea. I’m going to try these this weekend.
Thanks Samantha!! I hope you enjoy your Caramel Apple Slices! 🙂
What a great idea Giustina! Here’s the thing, I really like caramel apples, but I never cared for consuming the entire apple. I always felt like the caramel and peanuts to apple ratio was way off. 🙂 Following this method, I can get a fair amount yummy topping with the apple.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tiffany!
I completely understand what you mean!
Sometimes I even wish there wasn’t an apple inside, but let’s just keep that between us. 😉
I hope you get a chance to make Caramel Apple Slices this season.
Happy fall!
What caramel and chocolate did you use? I can’t wait to try these for a party next weekend! They look amazing!
Oh no! I can’t believe I never mentioned the brand of caramel!
I use Kraft Caramel Bits & Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers.
I hope you enjoy your Caramel Apple Slices Erica! 🙂
thank you!!! I was looking for this exact post!!!!
Thanks Erin!! I’m so happy I could help! 🙂
I hope you have a blissful weekend!
This looks delicious! I love this for a fall project with the kiddos!
Thanks Barrie!!
I hope you & your kids enjoy your Caramel Apple Slices!! 🙂