Chocolate Dipped Apple Slices

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Kids absolutely love making these chocolate dipped apple slices, and they’ll steal the show on your holiday table. We start with some crisp green apples, slice ’em up, and then go wild by dipping them in melted chocolate. Next comes the gooey caramel sauce, a drizzle of white chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed cookies – all gluten-free, by the way!

The combo of crunchy apples with melty chocolate and that sticky caramel? It’s a total family favorite during the holidays. And before you serve ’em up at your next special gathering, feel free to get creative with toppings (we’ve got a bunch of fun ideas below)!

These caramel apple slices make for a sweet treat at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings or as a weeknight dessert. Kids absolutely love creating apples dipped in chocolate then enjoying with their friends.

For more gluten-free apple recipes, check out our Gluten Free Apple Cobbler, Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake, and Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donut Holes.

Ingredients

3 large green apples
2 cups chocolate chips ✅
1/2 cup white chocolate chips ✅
1 cup caramel sauce ✅
3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
1 tablespoon milk
2 gluten-free cookies, crushed

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make Caramel Apple Slices

Run the apples under hot water using your hands to wash and remove any waxy residue. Use paper toweling to dry.

Pro Tip: Drying the apples helps the chocolate to stick to the apple when dipped. If your chocolate is running off of the apple slice, it is likely because the apple was not dry enough or there was too much waxy residue left on the apple.

Slice the apples

Slice the apples from the outside in towards the core, stopping at the core. Repeat on the other side.

chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl

white chocolate chips and coconut oil in bowl

Melt the chocolate

Place the chocolate chips and 1.5 tablespoons of coconut oil into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds then stir.

If the chocolate is not melted heat in 15-second increments stirring each time until melted.

Apple slice being dipped in melted chocolate with a pan of apple slices behind it.

Apple slice being dipped in melted chocolate.

Dip the apples

Place an apple slice into the melted chocolate and use a meat fork to remove it, letting the extra chocolate drip off. Place on a parchment paper lined baking pan.

Repeat until all the apple slices are coated. Place into the freezer for 10 minutes.

caramel sauce drizzled from spoon into bowl

Prep the caramel sauce and white chocolate sauce

Add the milk to the caramel sauce and microwave for 15 seconds. Stir well. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the white chocolate chips. Heat for 30 seconds then stir.

If not melted continue to heat in 15-second increments until melted. Add additional milk to the caramel to thin it further if needed. Add extra coconut oil to the white chocolate to thin if needed.

chocolate covered apple slices on baking sheet

apple slices drizzled with caramel sauce

Top the apple slices

Using a spoon drizzle the caramel sauce across the apple slices. Next, drizzle the white chocolate sauce over the caramel sauce. Top with crushed cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

More Topping Ideas

Mini chocolate chips ✅
Butterscotch chips ✅
Mini marshmallows ✅
Gluten-free Oreos
Chopped walnuts, peanuts or pecans ✅
Cocoa nibs
Gluten-free crushed graham crackers
Sprinkles ✅
Shredded coconut ✅
Popcorn
Cinnamon
Cocoa powder
Halloween candy ✅
Gluten-free crushed pretzels

Tips and Tricks

Choose Fresh and Crisp Apples: Select green apples that are fresh and crisp. Their tartness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel.
Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. Dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used, depending on your preference.
Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the chocolate-dipped apple slices without sticking.
Uniform Slicing: Try to slice the apples uniformly to ensure even dipping and a consistent end product.
Freeze for Firmness: Placing the dipped apple slices in the freezer for a short time helps the chocolate set quickly and prevents it from becoming too messy.
Microwave in Intervals: When melting chocolate or coconut oil in the microwave, use short intervals and stir in between to avoid overheating or burning the ingredients.
Adjust Caramel and White Chocolate Consistency: If your caramel or white chocolate sauces are too thick, you can add a little more milk or coconut oil to achieve the desired drizzling consistency. Be cautious not to add too much at once; it’s easier to thin it gradually.
Topping Creativity: Get creative with toppings! Besides crushed cookies, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even mini chocolate chips for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve Fresh: While these chocolate-dipped apple slices can be prepared ahead of time, they are best enjoyed when served relatively soon after preparation to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to cut an apple?

You can cut the apple into slices as seen in this recipe or you can slice into wedges if preferred. The cut apple can be served with or without a stick. If looking to insert a stick into apple slices, ensure you slice at least 1/2 inch thick to prevent the apple from breaking.

How to melt caramel?

In the microwave in small increments while stirring in between. This is the most efficient way to melt the caramel without it becoming a sticky mess. Adding milk to the caramel will help to thin it out if needed.

What are the best apples for caramel apples?

Granny smith apples are the preferred variety for caramel apples because of their crunchiness and tart characteristics. Honeycrisps, Jonagolds, and Pink Lady apples are also great options for caramel apples.

How to store?

Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can you make in advance?

You can make up to a day in advance if the slices are stored in the fridge. Keeping this dessert at room temperature can cause the apple slices to sweat, which could result in the chocolate cracking.

Storage Instructions

To store your caramel chocolate apple slices and maintain their freshness, start by placing them on a flat tray or plate in a single layer. Loosely cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss. These slices should then be refrigerated, which will help keep the chocolate and toppings firm while preventing the apples from becoming overly soft. They will last typically 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Have a helper cut the apple into slices or wedges or even a combination.
Use oven mitts when placing and removing the bowl with melted chocolate from the microwave.
Freezing the chocolate-dipped apple slices helps to quickly harden the chocolate to the apple before the hot caramel and white chocolate is drizzled.
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes for an easy clean-up.

More Fall Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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