Chocolate CARAMEL APPLE slices are a fun way to make this fall dessert. Most fruits are dipped in chocolate to be used for snacks or dessert, but these chocolate caramel apple slices are made in the same way as my chocolate-covered pineapple. They are made using donut mold for easy and quick caramel apple slices. These apple slices make the perfect gifts for friends and family, they are pretty and very presentable.
What are Candy Melts?
Candy melts are sweet confectionery coating used to dip treats, mold candy, pipe, and drizzle as decorations on treats, make the ganache, and make modeling chocolate. Candy melts are also called compound chocolate, almond bark, or melting wafers. In this post, I will use candy melts and chocolate wafers or melts interchangeably.
Can I Use Pure or Real Chocolate?
The answer is yes! It is my number one choice, and they have a creamy texture and delectable flavor. Unlike the candy melt that melts and sets easily, real chocolate must be tempered properly to set well. How do you tell if the chocolate is real chocolate? The real chocolate should contain cocoa butter as one of the ingredients and when there is no mention of cocoa butter then it is not real chocolate. Candy melts on the other hand are made from palm kernel oil with added ingredients and do not contain cocoa butter.
Ingredient needed for the Chocolate Caramel Apples.
Apples (cut into slices)
Candy Melts (your favorite brand) or pure chocolate
Sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Watch How to Make the Chocolate Caramel Apple Slices
How to Melt the Chocolate Wafers
Since most chocolate wafers or candy melts are in smaller discs so they do not need to be chopped and can be melted directly. The candy melts can be melted in two ways:
Using double boiler:
When using the double boiler method, heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan on low heat and bring to simmer. Pour the candy melt into a bowl that will fit the saucepan without allowing steam out. Place the candy bowl on the saucepan and stir occasionally until melted. The heat should be low and to prevent the candy from burning. No water should come into contact with the candy melt.
By using Microwave
Every microwave is different, and the time needed to melt the candy melts will depend on the number of candy melts. Therefore, the best advice I can give is to start low and go slow, and stir often. If your microwave is at 100% power, then use a 10- 15 seconds interval for a bag of candy melts (a bag usually contains 12 ounces).
Pour the candy melts into a microwave bowl safe bowl or container. Microwave the candy melts for 15 seconds, remove and stir. The candy will not look melted, but you still must stir to prevent the candy from burning. Return to microwave and microwave for 15 seconds. The candy will start to melt more, continue stirring and microwaving the candy at 15 seconds until all the pieces are melted.
Some fault in melting chocolate wafers
It is important to use new candy melt but not very old which was not well stored. Candy melts sometimes become thick when melted and they need to be heated again and again while working with it. This can be frustrating and can be caused by a lot of factors. some of the causes are due to heating the candy at a high temperature or they are exposed to moisture when melting. Sometimes, the candy melts become thick due to improper storage (when kept in moist damp areas, direct sunlight, or in the refrigerator).
How to thin out thick candy melts
When the candy melts are thick after melting, it can be used for this recipe but in case you want to thin it out to use it for dipping or drizzling. Then I recommend using Wilton EZ or Paramount Crystal flakes to thin them out. These flakes are made with palm kernel oil just like the candy melts themselves. Others use vegetable shortening or Crisco, but I have not had any success with them, but you can still use it.
How to prepare the Apple Slices
Select a medium-size apple that will fit the mold you have and slice them into ¼ inches rounds. Cut the tough central core of the slices with a 1 ¼ inches metal circle cutter and discard. Then transfer the apple slices into a bowl of water; add lemon juice or fresh fruit protector to the water to prevent discoloration of the apples. Then transfer the apples onto a tray lined with a paper towel to blot out any excess water from the apple. Place the apple slices in the refrigerator to chill.
How to make the chocolate caramel Apple Slices
When the candy melts are melted and ready to be used as well as the apple slices, the next step is to spray the donut baking pan with non-stick cooking oil to help release the apples when they are done. If you are using silicone donut mold, then there is no need to spray but make sure it is clean and dry. Then spoon 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each mold or about 1/3 halfway, tap and turn the baking pan or mold for the chocolate to coat the mold evenly. Drop one apple slice into each mold and add the melted caramel to cover the fruit. Place the mold into the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to firm the caramel.
Add the rest of the melted chocolate to cover the caramel and the apples. You don’t want any apple or caramel showing. Place the mold into the refrigerator for about 20 – 30 minutes until the chocolate firms up. Flip the mold to release the pineapple, if they feel stuck then tap it small on the counter to help release it. Repeat the process until all the melted chocolate is used. You can check on my Chocolate Covered Pineapple for visual instructions.
How to decorate the Caramel Apple Slices
Melt white candy melt the same way that you melted the brown candy melts. Drizzle the white chocolate or candy melts on covered apple slices. Allow the chocolate to set before packaging.
Helpful Tips
- Wear food safe gloves before handling the apples especially if you are making them for others.
- Always store candy melts in a cool and dry place and do not in refrigerator or freezer.
- Do not overheat the candy melts when melting because it will lose its consistency.
- When the melted candy melts are hot, then allow to cool before using for the recipe.
- When the caramel apple is not coming out of the mold then put them back into the freezer for a few minutes and try again especially when you are using regular donut baking pan
- Dry the apple slices as much as possible since chocolate and water do not mix.
- I recommend using silicone donut mold for this recipe because it is easy to unmold than donut baking pan.
- Use rubbing alcohol and paper towel to wipe the silicone mold to get rid of any dirt.
Other Recipes
Strawberry Shortbread cookies Recipe
PISTACHIO AND BROWN SUGAR PALMIER
SWEET AND SPICY CANDIED PECANS
If you have any questions about this recipe, I will love to hear about them in the comment section below. Did you make this recipe? Snap a photo and tag me #theduchezkitchen- I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook. Find me @theduchezkitchen.
Thanks for reading. As always, know that God loves you, and stay blessed!
Happy baking and decorating!!
Linda!!
Chocolate Caramel Apple Slices
Equipment
- Baking donut mold / Silicon donut mold
- Glass bowl
- Mini bow mold
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup white candy melt
- 1 bag brown chocolate wafer
- 2 Medium size Apples
- 1 bag sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the apples into ¼ inches rounds. Cut the tough central core of the slices with 1 ¼ inches metal circle cutter and discard. Then transfer the apple slices into a bowl of water; add lemon juice or fresh fruit protector to the water to prevent discoloration of the apples.
- Then transfer the apples onto to a tray lined with paper towel to blot out any excess water from the apple slices. Place the apple slices in the refrigerator to chill.
- Melts the chocolate or candy melts either using double boiler or microwave. Spray donut baking pan with non-stick cooking oil to help release the apples when done. If you are using silicon donut mold, then there is no need to spray but make sure it is clean and dry.
- Then spoon 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each mold or about 1/3 halfway, tap and turn the baking pan or mold for the chocolate to coat the mold evenly. Drop one apple slice into each mold and add the melted caramel to cover the fruit. Place the mold into the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to firm the caramel.
- Add the rest of the melted chocolate to cover the caramel and the apples. You don’t want any apple or caramel showing. Place the mold into the refrigerator for about 20 – 30 minutes until the chocolate firms up. Flip the baking pan to release the apples if using but use your hands to unmold the apple from the silicone mold.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate, Serve and enjoy.
Notes
The chocolate caramel apple slices can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Lay the chocolate-covered apples on a paper towel in a bowl and cover them with more paper towels.
These can also be frozen for up to three months. First, freeze the pineapple donut on parchment paper individually. When the pineapples are well frozen, stack them, wrap them with wax paper, and put them in a freezer zip lock bag, and store them. When ready to eat, defrost the pineapple in the fridge for about an hour.
Kim Abbage
Had so much fun making this one with my bonus son. And I’m not sure what we enjoyed more, making them or eating our hard work! So delicious!
Linda
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and I’m glad you enjoyed making them.
Stephanie
The kids enjoyed making these so much! They impatiently waited for them to finish and gobbled them up once they were done. Definitely a hit!
Linda
Thanks for coming back to leave a comment, I really appreciate it.
Erique
Made these as an appetizer for a small gathering and these apple slices were an absolute favorite! They didn’t last more than 5 minutes.
Linda
Hi Erique,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Robin
I was immediately taken back to my childhood after eating these – I loved the fact I’m getting my sweet tooth fulfilled by a nutritious apple slice.
Linda
Thanks, Robin for leaving feedback on how you enjoyed the recipe.
Jen
I decided to make these for my niece and nephew and they absolutely loved them! They took most of them to go so I had to make more for myself!
Linda
Hi Jen,
Thanks for coming back to leave a comment. I really appreciate your feedback.
Kate
Our chocolate caramel slices were so delicious! The chocolate-caramel combo is amazing! I can’t wait to make these again!
Linda
Hi Kate, thanks for the positive feedback.
Lilly
I had so much fun making these with the kiddos! They loved it and gobbled the apple slices right up! Thanks for the fun recipe.
Linda
Thanks Lilly for your comment.
Tamara
These were such a healthy and delicious snack for me and the kiddos. They really enjoyed making them with me too! In fact, they’ve been asking to make them again!
Linda
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad they enjoyed them.
Crystal DaCruz
You had me at caramel-apple, but the top-layer of chocolate is what did it for me. This recipe is gold and I will be making them over and over again! They came out so good!
Linda
Thanks for coming back to leave a comment.
Jessica
I made these with my nieces for a fun holiday treat making activity and they absolutely loved them! My whole house is covered in sprinkles at this point but so worth it ; )
Linda
Thanks, Jessica for the feedback and I’m glad you liked it.
Chenée
What a delicious treat! The whole family loved them. Definitely making these again soon!
Linda
Thanks, Chenee for your comments!
Jazz
Simple and so tasty! We have made these apple slices twice now and they get devoured quickly each time.
Linda
Thank you Jazz for the feedback.
Britney Brown-Chamberlain
These were the perfect snack! My husband and I had these as a midnight snack after the movies! Perfect way to end the night!
Linda
Thank you Britney for your comment.