Chocolate Covered Apple Slices (Caramel Turtle)

Indulge in these decadent Caramel Turtle Chocolate Covered Apple Slices! Crisp apples, rich caramel, and chocolate topped with crunchy pecans make for a sweet treat that’s totally irresistible!

If you love apple recipes you may like to try my Air Fryer Apple Chips or my Air Fryer Apple Crisp.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHOCOLATE COVERED APPLE SLICES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these candy apple slices (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Large apples (choose your favorite variety) – some of my favorite apples are granny smith apples, pink lady apples, gala apples, fuji apples, and honeycrisp apples. 
• Dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, or white chocolate. Can also use candy melts if desired or vegan chocolate.
• Coconut oil
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., chopped nuts, sprinkles, creamy peanut butter, caramel drizzle, chocolate wafers, coconut flakes, sea salt, crushed cookies)
• Lollipop sticks, popsicle sticks or skewers

HOW TO MAKE

Prepare the Apples

• Wash and dry the whole apples thoroughly. Use a sharp knife or an apple corer to cut the apples into slices, removing the seeds and core. You can choose to keep the apple peel on for extra color and nutrition.

Melt the Chocolate

• Break the chocolate into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with coconut oil. Microwave in short intervals (15-20 seconds) and stir between each interval to melt chocolate. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler.

Insert Sticks

• Insert lollipop stick or popsicle stick into the bottom of each apple slice. Make sure they are securely in place.

Dip and Decorate

• Dip each apple slice into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off before placing it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• While the chocolate is still wet, you can sprinkle your choice of toppings on the slices. Get creative with crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even drizzles of contrasting chocolate.

Chill and Set

• Place the tray of chocolate-covered apple slices in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. This step is essential for the chocolate to harden and create that perfect crunch.

WHEN TO ENJOY THE CARAMEL APPLE SLICES

Now that you’ve prepared these delectable chocolate-covered apple slices, it’s time to indulge and share them with friends and family.

• For a casual treat, enjoy these delights as an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal.
• Serve them at parties and gatherings as a fun and customizable dessert. Create a dipping station with various chocolate coatings and toppings, allowing guests to personalize their slices.
• Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon to make delightful party favors or gifts for loved ones.
• I love making these for valentine’s day, for a delicious halloween treat at a halloween party, or for a delicious treat at any time of year.

DIFFERENT VARIATIONS YOU CAN TRY

Certainly! Chocolate-covered apple slices are a versatile treat, and you can get creative with your favorite toppings and combinations. Here are some different variations to explore:

1. Caramel Apples:

• After you dip apples in chocolate, drizzle them with luscious melted caramel sauce for a sweet and gooey twist on the classic caramel apple.

2. Nutty Delight:

• Coat the chocolate-covered apple slices with chopped nuts like almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch and added flavor.

3. White Chocolate and Raspberry:

• Use white chocolate for dipping and add a pop of fruity flavor by topping with fresh raspberry pieces for candy apples.

4. S’mores Inspired:

• After dipping in chocolate, roll the apple slices in graham cracker crumbs and miniature marshmallows for a campfire-inspired delight.

5. Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt:

• Dip your apple slices in dark chocolate and sprinkle a touch of sea salt for a harmonious blend of sweet and savory.

6. Toffee Apples:

• Top the chocolate-covered apple slices with crushed toffee bits for a satisfyingly sweet and buttery experience. The chocolate coating pairs very well with crunchy toppings.

7. Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream:

• Create a peanut butter drizzle by melting peanut butter with a little oil and drizzle it over the chocolate-coated apple slices.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use Firm Apples: Go for crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well under the caramel and chocolate, plus the tart flavor balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Thick Slices: Slice your apples about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Too thin, and they’ll get lost in all that caramel-y, chocolatey goodness. Too thick, and they’ll be hard to bite into.
• Pat the Apples Dry: After slicing, pat your apple slices dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of caramel, so dry slices help the caramel stick better.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lay your dipped apple slices on parchment paper so they don’t stick to the surface. It also makes clean-up a breeze.
• Top It Off Quickly: Add your chopped pecans right after dipping in chocolate, so they stick perfectly. If you wait too long, the chocolate will harden, and you’ll miss out on that crunchy topping.
• Let Them Set: Be patient and let the apple slices set in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will ensure the caramel and chocolate firm up nicely and don’t turn into a gooey mess.

FAQS

CAN I USE ANY TYPE OF APPLES FOR THE CHOCOLATE APPLES?

Yes, you can use your favorite apple variety. Crisp and slightly tart apples, like Granny Smith, provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate, but you can use any apple you prefer.

WHAT TYPE OF CHOCOLATE IS BEST FOR THE CHOCOLATE COVERED APPLE LOLLIPOPS?

You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your taste. Dark chocolate provides a more intense cocoa flavor, while milk chocolate is sweeter.

White chocolate has a creamy, vanilla taste.

HOW TO PREVENT THE CHOCOLATE FROM SEIZING WHILE MELTING?

To prevent the chocolate from seizing, ensure that no water or steam comes into contact with the melting chocolate. 

Use dry, clean utensils and avoid overheating the chocolate. Melt it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth.

CAN I MAKE THIS EASY SNACK AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be aware that the texture of the apples may change slightly over time.

CAN I MAKE THESE WITHOUT LOLLY STICKS?

While lollipop sticks or skewers make it easier to dip and handle the slices, you can use forks to dip the apple slices in chocolate. Just be sure to let excess chocolate drip off before placing them on parchment paper or paper towel to set.

CAN I MAKE A HEALTHIER VERSION OF THESE DECORATED APPLE SLICES?

You can make a slightly healthier version by using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content and choosing healthier various toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. Additionally, you can use less chocolate for a thinner coating.

HOW DO I DIP THESE APPLE SLICES WITHOUT THEM SLIPPING OFF THE WOODEN STICK?

Make a small slit in the bottom of the apple slice with a paring knife before inserting a wooden popsicle stick. This helps the stick stay in place and prevents your apples from sliding around.

WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE SHOULD I USE?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a great alternative to milk chocolate. They have just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the tartness of the apples.

Other Chocolate Desserts You May Want To Try!

• Chocolate Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter
• Baked Chocolate Glazed Donuts
• The Best Chocolate Pecan Caramel Turtles
• Healthy Dark Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cups
• Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
• High Protein Chocolate Mousse With Cottage Cheese
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• 2-Ingredient Chocolate Protein Pudding
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
• Healthy Protein Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Bites
• Gluten Free Double Chocolate Muffins

IF YOU TRIED THIS CHOCOLATE APPLE SLICES RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS LIGHT DESSERT ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails