Caramel Apple Slices – A Heavenly 30-Minute Treat

Caramel apples were always my favorite fall treat growing up. There was just something so irresistible about the combination of crisp apple slices coated in gooey, sweet caramel. My mom would make them every year for our family’s annual apple picking trip, and the smell would fill the entire house as they bubbled away on the stove. It was the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons and welcome in the cozy, autumnal months ahead. To this day, whenever I take that first bite of Caramel Apple Slices, it transports me right back to those childhood memories.

Why This Caramel Apple Slices Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Caramel Apple Slices

This Caramel Apple Slices recipe is truly special because it nails the balance of flavors and textures. You get the satisfying crunch of fresh apples, the rich, buttery sweetness of homemade caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt that takes the whole dish to the next level. The key is in the technique – the apples are first briefly cooked to soften them just enough, then quickly coated in the silky caramel sauce. This ensures each slice is perfectly coated without becoming soggy. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging you to make these over and over again! And the best part? This recipe yields 6 servings, so you’ll have plenty to share.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Caramel Apple Slices, you’ll need:

• 3 medium Honeycrisp apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweet and tart in each bite. The Honeycrisp apples hold their shape beautifully when cooked, while the rich caramel sauce coats them in decadence. This recipe makes 6 servings, with each serving being 1 slice.

Step-by-Step Caramel Apple Slices Instructions

Preparing Your Caramel Apple Slices

This recipe takes 30 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large skillet or saucepan, a spoon or spatula, and a serving platter or plate.

1- Core and slice the Honeycrisp apples into 1/2-inch thick pieces, yielding about 6 slices per apple. This will give you a total of 18 apple slices for the 6 servings.

2- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth and combined. Allow the caramel sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened slightly.

3- Carefully add the apple slices to the caramel sauce and cook for 15 minutes, flipping the slices occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

4- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. The caramel should now have a glossy, smooth consistency.

5- Using a spoon or spatula, transfer the Caramel Apple Slices to a serving platter or plate, arranging them in a single layer.

6- Serve the Caramel Apple Slices warm, with any remaining sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor and texture – they hold up beautifully when cooked.
• Be sure to slice the apples evenly, about 1/2-inch thick, so they cook at the same rate.
• Keep a close eye on the caramel sauce to prevent it from burning. Stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed.
• Don’t overcook the apple slices – you want them to be tender but still hold their shape.
• For a fun presentation, you can serve the Caramel Apple Slices with additional toppings like chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving and Storing Your Caramel Apple Slices

Perfect Pairings for Caramel Apple Slices

These Caramel Apple Slices make a wonderful dessert or sweet snack, especially during the fall and winter months. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. Each serving is 1 slice, and this recipe yields 6 servings in total.

To complete the experience, consider serving the Caramel Apple Slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of apple cider or a rich, creamy hot chocolate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Caramel Apple Slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the slices in a skillet over medium heat and warm for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the caramel sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the apple slices, and follow the remaining steps.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Caramel Apple Slices

Creative Caramel Apple Slices Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a unique spin on this classic Caramel Apple Slices recipe. Try using a variety of apple types, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, for a mix of flavors and textures. You can also experiment with different spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, to add warmth and depth to the caramel sauce.

For a festive touch, consider drizzling the Caramel Apple Slices with melted dark chocolate or rolling the slices in chopped nuts before serving. You can even turn them into bite-sized caramel apple skewers by threading the slices onto wooden skewers.

Making Caramel Apple Slices Diet-Friendly

To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try substituting the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. For a lower-carb version, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the brown sugar.

These adaptations will still yield 6 servings, with each serving being 1 slice, so you can enjoy the indulgent flavors of Caramel Apple Slices without the guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of apple?
A: While Honeycrisp apples are the best choice for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other firm, tart-sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 slice of Caramel Apple Slices.

Q: Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make the caramel sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the apple slices according to the recipe instructions.

Q: How do I know when the apples are cooked through?
A: The apples should be tender but still hold their shape when pierced with a fork. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your apple slices, so keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed.

Q: Can I freeze leftover Caramel Apple Slices?
A: While you can freeze the caramel sauce separately, we don’t recommend freezing the full Caramel Apple Slices. The texture of the apples can become mushy and unappetizing after being frozen and thawed. For best results, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Slices are the ultimate fall treat, capturing all the cozy, comforting flavors of the season. With their perfect balance of crisp apple, rich caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, this recipe makes 6 servings, so you’ll have plenty to share with your loved ones.

I hope you’ll give this Caramel Apple Slices recipe a try and experience the same joy I do when taking that first delicious bite. Let me know in the comments what you think, and feel free to share any variations or adaptations you come up with. Enjoy!