Description

This Caramel Apple Bar is a delightful and interactive dessert perfect for gatherings. Featuring warm homemade caramel and melted chocolate sauces accompanied by fresh apple wedges and an array of crunchy toppings, it’s an irresistible treat that balances sweet, salty, and fruity flavors. The easy-to-make caramel sauce and melted chocolate sauces are kept warm in a Crock-Pot, creating a fun and festive do-it-yourself dipping station.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Sauce

1 (10.8-ounce) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup heavy cream
Salt, optional, to taste
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Chocolate Sauce

1 cup chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)

Apple Preparation

Apples (such as Fuji, Granny Smith, or Red Delicious) – approximately 6 medium apples, sliced into wedges
1 cup room-temperature water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings (Optional)

Chopped cookies
Chopped pretzels
Chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions

Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels, water, and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract if using, to enhance the flavor.
Melt Chocolate: Place chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a wide-mouth mason jar using a spatula. Alternatively, melt the chocolate directly in the jar by microwaving in short bursts and stirring thoroughly to prevent scorching. Repeat with any different chocolate chip varieties if desired.
Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of room-temperature water with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slice the apples into wedges and soak them in the salted water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain the apples in a colander, rinse under cold water, and shake off excess water. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or directly at your Apple Bar. Before serving, pat the apple slices dry to help sauces and toppings adhere better.
Set Crock-Pot: Fill a 6-quart Crock-Pot halfway with water and set it to high heat. Place the mason jars containing the caramel and chocolate sauces into the Crock-Pot, making sure water does not enter the jars. Keep the sauces warm by stirring occasionally and adding water to the Crock-Pot as needed.
Prepare Toppings: Using a nut grinder, small food processor, sharp knife, or mini blender, finely chop cookies, pretzels, and nuts. Organize these toppings in a muffin tin lined with liners or arrange them in small bowls for easy access.
Serve: Set up your serving area with the Crock-Pot holding the warm sauces, the pre-sliced apple wedges, and the prepared toppings. Provide skewers or toothpicks to guests for dipping. Enjoy a fun and interactive dessert experience!

Notes

For the chocolate sauce, you can use different types of chocolate chips like semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate for variety.
Select firm apples such as Fuji, Granny Smith, or Red Delicious for the best texture and flavor contrast with the sweet sauces.
Suggested toppings include crushed cookies, pretzel pieces, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips to complement the caramel and chocolate flavors.
Keep the apple slices dry before dipping to ensure sauces and toppings stick better.
If you don’t have a Crock-Pot, use small warming trays or double boilers to keep sauces warm throughout serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Melting and Soaking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 1 apple wedge with caramel and chocolate sauces and toppings)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: caramel apple bar, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, apple dipping dessert, party dessert, interactive dessert, fall recipe, homemade caramel