Imagine everything you love about classic fairground caramel apples, only easier to eat, beautifully bite-sized, and bursting with flavor! That’s the pure joy of Sliced Caramel Apple Pops. Each crisp apple slice is wrapped in thick, buttery caramel and finished with a sprinkle of peanuts, chocolate, or crunchy pretzels—making them a dream for party platters, after-school snacks, or a whimsical fall dessert. If you crave that nostalgic blend of tart fruit and sweet, gooey caramel but want it in a fun, shareable form, these pops are pure magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Ingredients:
- 2 large crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 ½ cups soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels (optional)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate (optional for drizzling)
- popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks
How to Make Sliced Caramel Apple Pops
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your apples. This step isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s the secret to caramel sticking! Slice each apple vertically into generous half-inch rounds, steering clear of the core. If your slices catch any seeds or tough bits, use a small knife or even a cookie cutter to gently pop them out. You want apple “wheels” that are all about flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Add the Sticks
Time to turn apple slices into handheld pops! Take your popsicle sticks (or lollipop sticks) and insert one firmly into the base of every slice, twisting gently as you go. The stick should feel secure but don’t push so hard that the apple cracks. This is all about making every bite fun and easy to grab.
Step 3: Melt the Caramels
In a small saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream over low heat. Stir frequently—patience is your friend here—to create a smooth, creamy lake of caramel. The cream melts into the caramels, keeping them soft and perfectly dippable. Keep the heat low to avoid scorching.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
Dip each apple slice halfway into the molten caramel, letting the extra drip back into the pan. Work a little quickly now, because as the caramel cools, it sets up—this is your golden window to sprinkle on chopped peanuts, pretzels, or mini chocolate chips! Lay each finished pop on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep the bottom from sticking.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Once you’ve dipped and decorated all your Sliced Caramel Apple Pops, pop the tray into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling sets the caramel, so each pop is firm and ready to eat. If you want that extra wow factor, drizzle the pops with melted chocolate, then chill again for a few minutes until the chocolate sets.
How to Serve Sliced Caramel Apple Pops
Garnishes
Garnishing your Sliced Caramel Apple Pops adds fun and flavor. A classic combo is crunchy chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels, but don’t be afraid to get creative: try toasted coconut, colorful sprinkles, or even a dusting of sea salt for gourmet appeal. Serve on a platter with a few extra garnishes sprinkled all around for a show-stopping effect.
Side Dishes
These pops are a fantastic centerpiece for a dessert table. Surround them with bowls of fresh berries, a dish of whipped cream for dipping, or even a fall-inspired cheese board. Apples and caramel play well with sharp cheddar, spicy nuts, and salted popcorn for a diverse party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Sliced Caramel Apple Pops into edible art by standing them upright in a mason jar filled with dried beans or rice, or line them up on a wooden board layered with parchment. Want to add some festive flair? Tie a ribbon around each stick or add handwritten tags for a personal touch—kids especially love this snack on Halloween or birthday party tables!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover pops (lucky you!), lay them in a single layer in an airtight container. A sheet of parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
While freezing Sliced Caramel Apple Pops isn’t usually recommended (as apples can turn mushy and the caramel may weep when thawed), you can give it a try for a super-cold treat—just expect the texture to change. Wrap each pop individually in wax paper and freeze for no longer than one week for best results.
Reheating
These pops are meant to be savored chilled, so there’s really no need to reheat. If you want to restore their caramel gloss after a day or two, let the pops sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving to soften just slightly.
FAQs
How can I keep the apple slices from turning brown?
A quick dip in lemon water works wonders! Before drying and dipping in caramel, soak your slices for a couple of minutes in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice. This keeps them looking fresh and vibrant.
What’s the best way to melt the caramels without burning them?
Always use low heat and keep stirring! The combination of heavy cream and frequent stirring ensures your caramel stays smooth and doesn’t scorch. If you’re worried about burning, you can also melt the caramels and cream in the microwave in short bursts, stirring every 20-30 seconds.
Can I make Sliced Caramel Apple Pops in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare your pops a few hours ahead, refrigerate them until just before serving, and they’ll hold up perfectly. Just make sure they’re fully set and store them in a single layer to keep the caramel neat and glossy.
Do I need to use popsicle sticks, or are there other options?
Popsicle sticks are classic and easy to find, but you can get creative—try sturdy wooden skewers, colorful lollipop sticks, or even forked pretzel rods for an edible handle (just watch for breakage if kids are involved).
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Definitely! If you have a homemade caramel you love, go for it—the process stays the same. Just be sure your caramel isn’t too runny, so it clings nicely to each apple slice when dipping.
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of a sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crisp treat, Sliced Caramel Apple Pops are absolutely worth trying. They’re fun to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring out the smiles at your next gathering. There’s just something enchanting about these pops—once you try them, you’ll be making them on repeat all season long!
Print
Sliced Caramel Apple Pops Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 pops
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sliced Caramel Apple Pops are a fun and delicious treat perfect for fall or anytime you want a tasty dessert. Crisp apple slices are coated in creamy caramel and can be customized with your favorite toppings like peanuts, pretzels, or chocolate.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 large crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 ½ cups soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels (optional)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate (optional for drizzling)
- popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Slice each apple vertically into ½-inch thick slices, avoiding the core. Remove any seeds or hard center parts. Insert a popsicle stick into the base of each slice.
- Melt Caramels: In a saucepan, melt caramels with heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
- Dip Apples: Dip each apple slice halfway into the melted caramel, let excess drip off. Add toppings if desired.
- Chill: Place slices on parchment-lined sheet. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired and chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- To prevent browning, dip apple slices in lemon water before drying and adding caramel.
- Use firm apples for best results and avoid overloading with toppings for better caramel adherence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
