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Crispy Caramel Apple Nachos: The Best Easy Fall Dessert

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These Crispy Caramel Apple Nachos are the ultimate easy fall dessert, featuring warm, tender apples, a crunchy topping, and gooey caramel sauce. They come together in minutes and taste like you spent hours, perfect for sharing or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • ¼ cup rolled oats (not quick oats)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (real maple syrup)
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • ½ cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (optional garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted (optional garnish)
  • Drizzle of peanut butter, warmed (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the apples: Core the apples and slice them into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Leave the peels on. Toss the slices with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
  2. Cook the apples: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until tender but still firm. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the crispy topping: In the same skillet, combine the rice cereal, chopped nuts, and rolled oats. Toast over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Drizzle in the maple syrup and stir quickly. Sprinkle with sea salt and stir once more. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel candies, heavy cream, and butter. Stir constantly until smooth and fully melted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble the nachos: Arrange the cooked apple slices on a serving platter or sheet pan in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the apples. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over everything. If using chocolate or peanut butter drizzle, add that now.
  6. Serve immediately: These are best eaten warm, while the topping is still crunchy and the caramel is gooey.

Notes

Don’t overcook the apples; they should be tender but still hold their shape. Toast the topping in a dry pan (no oil or butter) to keep it crunchy longer. Add salt at the end for a pop of saltiness. Work quickly when assembling as the caramel sets fast. Double the caramel sauce for extra drizzling. For best results, serve immediately. Store components separately if making ahead: apples in the fridge for up to 3 days, topping in a sealed bag at room temperature for a week, caramel sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple nachos, caramel apple nachos, easy fall dessert, crispy apple dessert, quick dessert, apple recipe, fall dessert

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-caramel-apple-nachos-the-best-easy-fall-dessert/