Sticky, sweet, and a little crunchy, Caramel Apple Slices are a modern twist on a fairground favorite. Instead of wrestling with a full caramel apple, these slices give you the same nostalgic flavor in easy-to-bite pieces. Perfect for parties, after-school treats, or even a festive dessert board, they satisfy cravings without the mess.
Each slice is dipped in buttery caramel, coated with your favorite toppings, and sets up quickly for immediate snacking. The best part? They’re totally customizable. Whether you go with sprinkles, crushed Oreos, mini M&Ms, or nuts, these slices are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Kind of Apples Work Best for Caramel Apple Slices?
Go for crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their firmness holds up well to slicing and dipping, and the tartness balances out the rich sweetness of caramel.
Ingredients for the Caramel Apple Slices
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Wooden sticks or skewers
- Toppings of choice (sprinkles, crushed nuts, crushed cookies, mini candies, shredded coconut)
- Lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
How To Make the Caramel Apple Slices
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Slice them into thick, even wedges and insert a wooden stick into each slice. If you’re worried about browning, brush the slices lightly with lemon juice.
Step 2: Melt the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted.
Step 3: Dip and Decorate
Dip each apple slice into the warm caramel, letting the excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle or press your toppings of choice onto the caramel while it’s still soft.
Step 4: Set and Serve
Place the decorated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or pop them into the fridge for a quicker set.
How to Serve and Store Caramel Apple Slices
These slices are best served the same day you make them, while the caramel is soft and the apples are fresh. If you’re prepping ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Layer parchment between to keep them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the caramel from sliding off the apple slices?
Make sure the apples are dry and cold before dipping. Moisture and warmth can prevent caramel from sticking.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thick enough to cling to the apple slices and cool enough to avoid slipping off.
What toppings work best?
Crushed Oreos, graham crackers, toffee bits, chopped peanuts, mini marshmallows, and rainbow sprinkles are popular choices.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep them a few hours in advance, but they taste best fresh. Longer storage may cause the apples to release moisture and soften.
Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely! Just be cautious with harder toppings if you’re serving very young kids.
Want More Dessert-on-a-Stick Ideas?
If you love these Caramel Apple Slices, you’ll probably enjoy these other whimsical sweets:
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for a cinnamon-sugar dream.
- Funnel Cake Bites to bring the fair to your kitchen.
- Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for crunch and nostalgia.
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies with a pop of color.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread if you’re in the mood for cozy slices.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with crushed pretzels or mini marshmallows? Did the kids love it?
I love seeing your twists on my treats! For more dessert fun, follow my daily posts on Pinterest @NinaDishes.
Caramel Apple Slices
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Slices are a fun, mess-free twist on the classic fair treat. With crisp apple wedges dipped in buttery caramel and topped with your favorite goodies, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or an after-school sweet. Ready in minutes and endlessly customizable!
Ingredients
3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Wooden sticks or skewers
Toppings of choice (sprinkles, crushed nuts, crushed cookies, mini candies, shredded coconut)
Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Slice them into thick, even wedges and insert a wooden stick into each slice. Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning if desired.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip each apple slice into the melted caramel and let the excess drip off.
4. Immediately add toppings of your choice while the caramel is still warm.
5. Set the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet to firm up at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up setting.
Notes
Let the apples dry completely before dipping—moisture prevents caramel from sticking.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweet caramel.
Refrigerate for a quick set, especially if serving at a party.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: caramel apple, party treats, fall dessert
