Get into the Fall spirit with our easy-peasy Caramel Apple Bar guide. We've got the best dips, favorite toppings, and a sneaky trick to keep those apples looking fresh and crisp all evening long! Whether it's a relaxed autumn night, a party, shower, or just 'cause you feel like it, this dessert station is a hit every single time!
Heath bar, toffee bits, miniature chocolate chips, sprinkles
Blended-up Oreos, Graham Crackers, Nilla Wafers, Pretzels
Apples
Apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Red Delicious(Note 2)
Fine sea salt & water
Instructions
CARAMEL: In a medium saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels, water, and cream. Heat on medium-low until caramels start to melt. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Remove from heat and mix in the salt and vanilla.
OTHER DIPPING SAUCES: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the chosen type of chocolate chips with oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Transfer this to a wide-mouth mason jar using a spatula. (You can also melt the chocolate directly in the mason jar. If doing so, ensure you stir thoroughly to avoid scorching the chocolate.)
APPLES: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup room-temperature tap water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt (maintain this ratio for larger quantities). Slice the apples into wedges and immerse them in the salted water for 5-10 minutes. After soaking, drain apples in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Shake off excess water. Place in an airtight container in the fridge or set out at your Apple Bar. Before using, pat them dry to help the sauces and toppings adhere better.
KEEP DIPPING SAUCES WARM: Fill a 6-quart crockpot halfway with water and set it to high. Transfer the prepared dipping sauces in mason jars and place them into the crockpot, ensuring no water gets inside the jars. Keep the sauces in the crockpot throughout your event, checking occasionally and adding more water as necessary. Stir sauces every now and again.
TOPPINGS: To get your toppings just the right size, use a nut grinder, small food processor, or a mini blender jar. Pulse down cookies, pretzels, and nuts to your desired coarseness. Once you've prepped all your toppings, grab a muffin tin and line it with muffin liners, or use miniature bowls, to organize and display each choice.
SERVING STATION: Organize your serving area with the crockpot of warm dipping sauces, pre-sliced apples, and toppings. Ensure skewers or toothpicks are available for guests to use. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Note 1: Supplies:
Wide-mouth Mason Jars –for dipping sauces. It’s important to get wide-mouth jars so it’s easy to dip apples into the sauce.
6-quart Crock-Pot – we fill it up halfway with water, turn it on high, and be amazed as it keeps the sauces warm and gooey!
Muffin Pan with liners – or, if you’re feeling fancy, grab some miniature bowls.
Skewers or toothpicks – for dipping
Optional: Grab some cute labels or signs to let everyone know what each sauce and topping is.
Optional: This nut grinder is my favorite tool when preparing the toppings for this Caramel Apple Bar! It’ll quickly chop up cookies, nuts and seeds, and candies in a whiz.
Note 2: Tart vs. Sweet Apples: Balance your dips and toppings by offering a mix of tart and sweet apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith pair well with super-sweet dips, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp complement slightly bitter dips like dark chocolate. Choose apples that are firm and crisp. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Jonagold are known for their firm textures.Note 3: Calories are for a serving of the caramel sauce.