Quick Caramel Apple Slices with 3 Easy Candy Toppings
These quick caramel apple slices with Halloween candy toppings are the perfect last-minute treat for parties, bake sales, or after-school snacks. Ready in just 15 minutes, they use simple ingredients you already have and are endlessly customizable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 11 oz bag caramel bits (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup Halloween candy toppings (e.g., crushed Butterfinger or Skor bars, mini M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, crushed Oreo cookies)
- Lollipop sticks or skewers (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Cut each apple into 6-8 wedges, removing core and seeds. Pat slices dry and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- While apples chill, prepare candy toppings: chop candy bars into pea-sized pieces, leave M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces whole, crush Oreos in a bag. Place each topping in a small bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine caramel bits and heavy cream. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and glossy (3-4 minutes). If too thick, add another tablespoon of cream.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange topping bowls and apple slices near the saucepan. Insert lollipop sticks into slices if using.
- Working one slice at a time, dip cut side into warm caramel, letting excess drip off. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat quickly; if caramel thickens, reheat gently.
- While caramel is still wet, sprinkle chosen toppings over each slice, pressing gently to adhere. Work in batches of 4-5 slices.
- Let slices sit at room temperature for 10 minutes (or refrigerate 5 minutes) to set caramel. Sprinkle with sea salt just before serving if desired.
Notes
For dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For nut-free, use M&M’s, Skittles, or crushed pretzels. Cold apples help caramel set faster. Have all toppings ready before melting caramel to avoid hardening. If caramel gets too thick, add a splash of heavy cream, not water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 2.5
Keywords: caramel apple slices, Halloween candy toppings, quick dessert, easy apple recipe, fall treat, kid-friendly, last-minute dessert