Easy Irresistible Caramel Apple Slices Recipe Perfect for Fall Snacking
A quick and easy fall snack featuring crisp apple slices coated in silky, buttery caramel with a hint of vanilla. Perfect for cozy afternoons, potlucks, or a nostalgic treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings (3-4 apple slices per serving) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (full-fat; can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash and dry 3 large apples. Slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds, removing the core from each slice.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for cooling the caramel-coated slices.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter until foamy.
- Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently.
- Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
- Continue cooking and stirring for another 2-3 minutes until caramel thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove caramel from heat. Quickly dip each apple slice into the caramel, coating both sides evenly. Let excess drip off and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle optional toppings such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or cinnamon while caramel is still warm.
- Allow caramel apple slices to cool completely at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate briefly to set.
Notes
If caramel thickens too much while dipping, gently rewarm on low heat to keep fluid. Let caramel fully set before handling to avoid stickiness. Stir constantly during caramel cooking to prevent burning and graininess. Adding a pinch of sea salt before caramel sets enhances flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter and heavy cream with vegan butter and coconut cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 apple slices
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: caramel apple slices, fall snack, easy caramel recipe, autumn treats, quick dessert, caramel apples, apple slices, cozy snack