Caramel Apple Dessert Board

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This glorious caramel apple dessert board is comprised of three types of apples, two types of caramel, and both mini chips and melted chocolate. It’s going to be your new fall staple!

It’s FINALLY FALL. I get that on paper it’s been fall for roughly a month now, but here in southern Oregon it has JUST cooled down. For the rest of the week, we’re expecting wind and rain plus temps in the 50’s and 60’s. It’s definitely warm up by the fire, watch your favorite festive movie, and enjoy this caramel apple dessert board kind of weather. This board is so easy, and I’ve got all of the steps laid out for you to make your very own.

What you'll need to make this caramel apple dessert board:

Apples (I chose honey-crisp, red delicious, and Granny Smith)

Caramel sauce (homemade or storebought… I’ll link my two caramel sauces for you, they are so easy!)

Mini chocolate chips, divided (some will garnish your boards, some will be melted to drizzle over your apples)

Fresh lemon juice

A food safe board or tray

Two small bowls + spoons for the caramel

Festive fall garnish like florals, pinecones, greenery, or mini pumpkins (optional but encouraged, because hey it’s fun 😉)

The Apples

Now I chose three of my favorite apples: honey-crisp, red delicious, and Granny Smith. They have three different skins (multicolored honey-crisps, dark red delicious, and bright green Granny Smiths). This differentiation allows for a visual variance in the board, but you could use all of one type of apple and it would be just as tasty. Pick your favorites, and get ready to build.

The Caramels

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: homemade caramel is not only shockingly easy to make, but it is also worlds better tasting than anything store bought. So take ten extra minutes (plus some cool down time), and MAKE THIS CARAMEL 👉🏻 (click here). This three ingredient caramel is the perfect consistency for drizzling, dripping, and dunking. It’s super creamy and perfectly sweet. The dark amber sugar soaks in the fresh butter and cream to make this liquid gold so easy and so incredibly tasty.

The second caramel I featured is the browned butter caramel that accompanies my fried cinnamon donuts that you can find right here (hey, you could add some donuts to the board too, nothing wrong with that option!). This dark and luscious caramel is thicker and better for scooping. It’s got a delicious browned butter flavor that won’t quit, and it’s the perfect balance for those cold, crisp apples.

The Prep + Putting it all Together

If you are making the caramel(s), be sure to prep those about 20 minutes ahead of time. You’ll want to allow them to cool off slightly in the refrigerator, but serving the caramel still warm is definitely recommended here.

One the caramels are ready, begin by slicing your lemons and juicing them. Lemon juice will keep your apple slices from turning brown once the are cut, and you wont be able to taste the lemon! Place the juice in a shallow bowl. Slice your apples anyway you like (large flat pieces, wedges, a combination of both… your board will look wonderful either way). Dip each apple slice into the lemon juice, ensuring that it is well coated. Shake the excess off, and dab it dry with a clean hand towel or paper towel. Repeat this with all of your apples, then set them aside.

Place your mini chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave on high for 60 seconds. Be cautious when you remove the bowl because it can be hot. Gently stir the chocolate. Microwave the chocolate in additional 30 second increments until it is smooth and lump-free. Add the chocolate to a small squeeze bottle or a piping bag with the tip cut off. Arrange apple slices on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Drizzle the chocolate onto the apples, either all or some, it’s up to you! Place apples in the freezer for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.

One the chocolate is set, arrange the apples on the board or food-safe tray. Add your bowls of caramel, and finally, fill in any gaps with some scoops of mini chocolate chips. Add any garnish you choose, and serve immediately.

Dietary Substitutions

Enjoy life has some wonderful mini chocolate chips that are dairy free and allergy friendly. You can also find several dietary substitutions for my homemade caramel recipes when you head over to those blogs!

I hope you love this sweet and simple board. It’s embodies one of falls favorite flavor combinations, and there’s no reason why you can’t add anything else you love to the board! Nuts, other fruit, additional candies, or even other dipping sauces would be great additions. Make it your own, and tag me if you do! #HHBBAKES on your socials.

Happy Fall Baking!

XO,

Heather

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