A delightful twist on the classic caramel apple, these caramel apple slices are easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for fall gatherings or an after-school treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it takes all the flavor of a caramel apple—sweet, crunchy apple, rich caramel, a nutty topping—and makes it simple and sliceable. No sticks, fewer messes, and you can make a large batch in minutes. It’s ideal for kids, families, or as a snack when the apple harvest is abundant. Plus, you can swap toppings for variety or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 large Honey Crisp apples, cut into ½-inch thick vertical slices
1 cup honey-roasted peanuts, crushed
1 (1-lb) container caramel apple dip (or homemade caramel sauce)
Directions
Slice the apples vertically into ½-inch thick, apple-shaped slices.
Crush the honey-roasted peanuts by placing them in a Ziploc bag and pressing with a large can until finely crushed.
Pat the apple slices dry using a paper towel.
Spread a layer of caramel apple dip (or caramel sauce) on each apple slice.
Immediately sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the caramel-coated slices.
Serve right away and enjoy!
Servings and timing
Makes approximately 12–16 slices (depending on apple size). Prep time: about 10 minutes. No cooking required if using store-bought caramel dip; if making your own caramel sauce, add about 10–15 minutes to prep.
Variations
Use different apple varieties: Granny Smith for tartness, Gala for sweetness.
Swap the peanuts for almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or crisped rice for peanut-free options.
Drizzle with chocolate or white chocolate instead of crunchy nuts.
Use flavored caramel sauce (e.g., salted caramel, vanilla caramel) for extra depth.
Serve on a platter with a small bowl of extra caramel dip for dunking.
Storage/Reheating
These apple slices are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the caramel may soften and the apple may brown over time. There’s no reheating required or recommended for this treat. For best texture and flavor, prepare just before serving.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, crisp apples like Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, or Gala are best because they hold their shape and contrast nicely with the caramel.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes — you can melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, bring to a low boil while whisking for about 3 minutes until smooth, then use that sauce in place of store-bought caramel.
How do I prevent the apple slices from browning?
Pat the slices dry before coating with caramel, and serve immediately. If you must prepare ahead, toss apple slices lightly with a bit of lemon juice to slow browning, then proceed with the recipe.
Can I use a different topping besides peanuts?
Absolutely. You can use chopped pecans, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds for nut-free crunch, or even crispy cereal for texture.
How far ahead can I prepare this snack?
It’s best made shortly before serving. If you prepare more than 30 minutes ahead, the caramel may soften and the apple slices may release moisture, affecting texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes — children can help crush the peanuts and spread the caramel. Adult supervision is needed for slicing the apples for safety.
Can I make a larger batch for a party?
Definitely. Simply scale up the ingredients (e.g., 4 apples, 2 cups peanuts, 2 containers caramel dip) and lay out the slices on a large platter for easy sharing.
Can I serve this as part of a dessert table?
Yes, these caramel apple slices are visually appealing and easy to serve. Arrange them on a tray with extra toppings and caramel sauce on the side for guests to customize.
What if someone has a peanut allergy?
Choose alternative toppings like chopped almonds (if tree-nut safe), sunflower seeds, or crisped rice. Ensure the caramel dip is free from cross-contact with peanuts if needed.
Can I add something extra on top for variation?
Yes — you could sprinkle sea salt for a salted-caramel twist, mini chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These caramel apple slices offer the flavor and fun of classic caramel apples in a simpler, sliceable format that’s convenient and crowd-pleasing. With just three main ingredients and minimal prep, they’re a perfect snack or dessert for fall, family gatherings, or when you want something sweet and crunchy without fuss. Enjoy!
These caramel apple slices deliver all the flavor of traditional caramel apples in an easy-to-eat, mess-free format—perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun fall treat.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:12–16 slices
Category:Snack
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 large Honey Crisp apples, cut into ½-inch thick vertical slices
1 cup honey-roasted peanuts, crushed
1 (1-lb) container caramel apple dip (or homemade caramel sauce)
Instructions
Slice the apples vertically into ½-inch thick slices.
Place honey-roasted peanuts in a Ziploc bag and crush using a rolling pin or heavy can until finely chopped.
Pat apple slices dry with a paper towel to help the caramel adhere.
Spread a layer of caramel apple dip or sauce on each slice.
Sprinkle crushed peanuts immediately over the caramel-coated slices.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Use lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping apple slices in advance.
Swap peanuts for nut-free toppings like sunflower seeds or crisped rice if needed.
Homemade caramel can be used instead of store-bought dip for a richer flavor.
Best served fresh; apples may brown and caramel may soften if stored too long.
Scale easily for parties by increasing apples, caramel, and toppings.
