Why I Love These
This recipe transforms a sticky, messy classic into an easy, shareable dessert that everyone can dig into with a fork.
The roasted apples develop a deeper, more caramelized flavor while staying perfectly tender-crisp, and the toppings stick beautifully without any wrestling with wooden sticks.
I make these whenever I want that autumn fair feeling at home—they’re my go-to for cozy movie nights and last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith apples
- Honeycrisp apples
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Soft caramel candies
- Heavy cream
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Chopped pecans
- Chopped peanuts
- Flaky sea salt
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Core the apples and slice them into thick wedges about ½-inch wide, leaving the peel on for structure and color. Arrange the wedges in a single layer on the prepared sheet, making sure they don’t overlap too much so they roast evenly.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and bubbling gently, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Drizzle this buttery cinnamon mixture evenly over the apple wedges, using a pastry brush or spoon to coat them well.
- Roast the apples for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape and the edges are starting to caramelize. The exact time depends on how thick your wedges are—thinner slices will cook faster, so keep an eye on them after 18 minutes.
- While the apples roast, make the caramel sauce by unwrapping the caramel candies and placing them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramels are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and pourable, about 2-3 minutes total. If the sauce gets too thick as it sits, just reheat it briefly.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl using the same 30-second interval method, stirring until glossy and smooth. Be careful not to overheat or the chocolate can seize—stop as soon as it’s just melted.
- Remove the apples from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the hot apple wedges, letting it pool in some areas and coat the fruit. Follow with a drizzle of melted chocolate in a zigzag pattern across the pan.
- Quickly sprinkle the chopped pecans and peanuts over the top while the caramel and chocolate are still warm so they stick. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch.
- Let the pan cool for about 5 minutes so the toppings set slightly but are still gooey, then serve the apple wedges warm on a platter or directly from the sheet pan with forks or small plates for easy grabbing.
Nutrition
These caramel apples offer a satisfying balance of fresh fruit, rich dairy, and indulgent toppings, making them a treat that feels decadent but still delivers some nutritional value from the apples themselves. Each serving provides dietary fiber from the apple skins, healthy fats from the nuts, and a dose of antioxidants from both the fruit and dark chocolate. While this is definitely a dessert, the roasted apples form a wholesome base that’s far more nutritious than many traditional sweets.
To lighten the recipe, you can reduce the amount of caramel and chocolate drizzle or use sugar-free caramel and dark chocolate with a higher cacao percentage for less added sugar. The nuts contribute protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and vitamin E, so don’t skip them—they add nutritional value along with crunch. For a richer version, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.
This recipe contains dairy in the butter, cream, and chocolate, and tree nuts and peanuts, making it unsuitable for those with common allergies. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter, coconut cream in the caramel, and dairy-free chocolate chips. If nuts are a concern, swap them for toasted coconut flakes, crushed pretzels, or crunchy granola for a similar textural contrast without the allergen risk.
Tips & Variations
- Prep the apples up to 2 hours ahead and keep them in lemon water to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry before roasting—this makes party prep much easier.
- Try a flavor twist by adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the butter mixture, or swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even crushed toffee bits for different textures and tastes.
- Make it gluten-free by checking that your caramel candies are certified gluten-free (most are, but always verify), and the recipe naturally contains no wheat or gluten ingredients otherwise.
- For a fun presentation, skewer each apple wedge on a small fork or cocktail stick after topping so guests can grab individual pieces easily at parties.
Ways To Serve Them
- Serve warm alongside scoops of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience
- Pair with mugs of hot apple cider, spiced chai, or strong coffee for a cozy autumn dessert spread
- Arrange on a dessert board with extra caramel and chocolate for dipping, plus whipped cream and additional nut toppings
- Offer as a fun interactive dessert at fall parties, tailgates, or Halloween gatherings where guests can customize their own toppings
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Let the apples cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container, layering parchment paper between any stacked pieces. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, though the apples will soften and release some moisture over time, making the toppings less crisp.
- Freezer: Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the apples become mushy and the caramel and chocolate toppings don’t retain their texture well after thawing. If you must freeze, do so for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container, but expect a softer, less appealing result.
- Reheat: Warm refrigerated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to refresh them and re-melt the toppings slightly. Avoid the microwave, which can make the apples rubbery and the chocolate grainy—gentle oven heat restores the best texture.
Ingredients
Steps
Nutrition (per serving)