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Gourmet Caramel Apple Slices with Sea Salt and Chocolate Drizzle

A stack of four gourmet Caramel Apple Slices layered with green apple rings, drizzled heavily with chocolate sauce and sea salt.

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Make professional-looking caramel apple slices using crisp apples coated in a smooth, homemade vanilla bean caramel sauce, finished with flaky sea salt and dark chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (for caramel)
  • Flaky sea salt (for topping)
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash and dry the apples completely. Core them, then slice them vertically into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Immediately place the slices in a bowl of cold water mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain and thoroughly pat dry just before dipping.
  2. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once boiling begins.
  3. Cook the sugar mixture without stirring until it reaches 320 degrees Fahrenheit (medium amber color). This takes about 8 to 12 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously). Once incorporated, whisk in the butter, fine sea salt, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
  5. Let the caramel cool for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly but remains pourable.
  6. Dip the slices: Working quickly, dip each apple slice into the warm caramel, allowing excess to drip off. Place the dipped slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  7. Add toppings immediately: While the caramel is still wet, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
  8. Prepare the chocolate drizzle: Melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  9. Drizzle the melted chocolate decoratively over the set caramel slices.
  10. Allow the caramel and chocolate to set completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes) or briefly in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your apples are completely dry before dipping; moisture prevents the caramel from adhering properly.
  • If the caramel becomes too stiff while dipping, gently reheat it over low heat for a few minutes.
  • Arrange the finished slices on a platter with small bowls of extra toppings like chopped pecans or crystallized ginger for a party display.

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