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Best Caramel Apple Slices: Easy 5-Minute Nut Bar

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These caramel apple slices are the perfect snack—ready in 5 minutes, endlessly customizable with a nut toppings bar, and ideal for parties. Crisp apple rounds topped with warm caramel and your choice of crunchy nuts, chocolate chips, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (mixed with water)
  • 1 cup soft caramel candies (about 20–25 pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup crushed peanuts (unsalted)
  • ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • ¼ cup crushed pretzels
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut (toasted)
  • 2 tablespoons sprinkles
  • Drizzle of melted white chocolate (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Cut each apple into ½-inch thick rounds, slicing perpendicular to the core. Remove seeds from the center of each round using a melon baller or small knife. Place slices in a bowl of water mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for 2-3 minutes, then pat dry completely with paper towels.
  2. Unwrap caramel candies and place in a small saucepan with heavy cream. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are completely melted and smooth (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  3. While caramel cools, set up toppings bar by placing each nut and mix-in in its own small bowl. If toasting nuts, spread each type on a separate baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully. Let cool completely.
  4. Arrange dried apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle warm caramel over each slice using a spoon or small ladle, coating the top surface. Work quickly as caramel will start to set.
  5. While caramel is still warm and sticky, sprinkle chosen toppings over each slice and press gently with fingers to adhere. For parties, leave some slices plain with just caramel and let guests add their own toppings.
  6. Let caramel apple slices rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow caramel to set. If serving later, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Transfer slices to a serving platter in a single layer. Serve immediately for best texture—apples crisp, caramel soft, nuts crunchy. Best enjoyed within an hour of assembly.

Notes

Dry apples completely to prevent caramel from sliding off. Don’t overheat caramel—low and slow is key. Toast nuts in small batches to avoid burning. Work in batches if making a lot to keep caramel from setting before toppings are added. For make-ahead, prep apple slices and toppings separately, then assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple slices, easy caramel apples, nut toppings bar, party snack, fall dessert, 5-minute recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/best-caramel-apple-slices-easy-5-minute-nut-bar/