Description
Delightful caramel apple bites bring nostalgic county fair magic to your kitchen, offering sweet complexity in miniature form. Crisp seasonal apples draped in golden caramel create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure autumn joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Base Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
Caramel and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 bag (11 ounces / 311 grams) soft caramels (about 35–40 caramels)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream (or milk)
Toppings and Decorations:
- Toothpicks or lollipop sticks
- Chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, almonds)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed graham crackers
- Sprinkles
- Melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit foundation by thoroughly cleansing crisp apples and transforming them into uniform, bite-sized morsels. Protect the delicate pieces from oxidation by gently coating with citrus juice, then meticulously blot dry to ensure optimal caramel adhesion.
- Delicately puncture each apple chunk with a wooden skewer or toothpick, creating convenient handles for effortless dipping and handling.
- Create a silky caramel blanket by combining soft caramel candies with rich cream in a microwave-safe vessel. Gently melt the mixture through carefully timed intervals, stirring between each warming cycle until achieving a luxurious, glossy consistency.
- Allow the molten caramel to rest momentarily, permitting subtle thickening that enhances coating potential. Position the caramel bowl at a convenient angle for smooth dipping.
- Immerse each apple piece into the golden caramel, gracefully twirling to ensure comprehensive coverage. Permit excess sauce to elegantly cascade back into the bowl.
- Immediately embellish the caramel-enrobed morsels with complementary toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers while the coating remains receptive.
- Transfer the adorned bites onto a parchment-lined tray, creating sufficient spacing between each piece to prevent unwanted merging.
- Expedite the setting process by placing the tray in the refrigerator, allowing approximately 15-20 minutes for the caramel to solidify and develop a tantalizingly glossy exterior.
- Present these decadent miniature treats on an elegant platter, ready to enchant guests with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness that cuts through the sweet caramel.
- Use room temperature apples to ensure the caramel sticks evenly and prevents immediate cooling and uneven coating.
- Prep all toppings beforehand, like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers, to make decorating smooth and quick.
- Keep caramel at the perfect consistency by warming it gently if it starts to thicken, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish for each apple bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg