CHOCOLATE COVERED CARAMEL APPLE POPS

An apple — dipped in chocolate and caramel — something magical happens! These Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple Pops are a delicious take on traditional caramel apples. Though a classic fall tradition, they're a healthy and easy recipe that you can enjoy year-round! Easily customizable and there's something about the combination of crisp, juicy apples with sticky, sweet caramel and chocolate that makes for a tasty treat that both adults and kids love. Plus, they're so much easier to eat!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Large, Fresh Apples. We love to use Granny Smith (tart) or Honeycrisp (sweet-tart), which offset the rich coatings and toppings well.
• 10oz. Wild West Chocolate Dark Horse Bars for the chocolate base
• 8oz. Soft Caramel Squares. Be sure to buy soft caramels to melt down as opposed to caramel hard candies.
• 2T Heavy Cream. You’ll need just two tablespoonfuls to mix into the caramel squares for drizzling over the chocolate covered apple slices.
• 8oz. additional types of Chocolate for Drizzle we like using a contrasting chocolate than the dark chocolate base. Try using oatmilk chocolate, white or even ruby chocolate.
• Assorted Toppings for Decorating. The sky’s the limit! See the “decorating” section below for ideas.

MAKE IT DAIRY FREE:

Use a plant-based milk of choice instead of the heavy cream

Use Wild West Chocolate - our favorite dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan chocolate to keep them allergy friendly!

Use Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels

HOW TO MAKE

1. Start with whole apples, washed and dried well. Slice each from top (stem) to bottom into 4 or 5 slices, about 1/2-inch thick (no more than 3/4-inch thick). Use a the tip of a paring knife or a melon baller to remove the stems and any seeds from the center slices.

2. Insert a 10mm width popsicle stick into the center of the bottom of each slice, pushing it about halfway into the apple. We like using flat popsicle sticks, as opposed to round candy apple sticks, for added stability. If you’re having difficulty inserting the popsicle sticks cleanly, use a paring knife to cut a slit in the apple first.

3. Dry the sliced apples very well on all sides with paper towels immediately before dipping in chocolate. If the apples are moistened with juice, the chocolate will not adhere.

4. Break chocolate bars into smaller pieces and put in a ceramic bowl. In a microwave, melt chocolate on high heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir chocolate. Repeat until any remaining pieces are melted.

5. Dip the dried apple slices into the chocolate to coat. Be sure to cover the whole slice, just past where the popsicle stick meets the apple, to seal it in and make it a bit sturdier when you’re eating it.

6. Let any excess chocolate drip off, and then lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, without touching each other.

7. Refrigerate the apples for 5-10 minutes, until the chocolate sets slightly.

8. While the chocolate is setting, prep the caramel. Combine the unwrapped soft caramel squares with heavy cream in a bowl. Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each interval, until the caramel is melted and smooth.

9. Add an extra layer of chocolate drizzles after the caramel. Mix it up! Drizzle oatmilk chocolate over a dark chocolate base (or vise versa), or white chocolate. The chocolate drizzles will help the toppings stick better.

NOTE: Before adding caramel and chocolate to the dipped apples, be sure that neither is too hot. Caramel and chocolate should be liquid enough to drizzle, but not so hot that they melt the chocolate base underneath. Letting them for about 5 minutes worked well for us.

10. Add your toppings. See below section on decorating the apples for ideas.

11. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until chocolate hardens, then serve. Keep refrigerated until served. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend serving the apples within a few hours after making.

DECORATING THE APPLES

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. These chocolate covered caramel apples are easy to customize — everyone can add their favorite toppings to their slices. Try experimenting with different combinations to find new favorites. Smaller toppings tend to stick best to the apples. Here is a list of ideas to get you started. 

• Chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
• Crushed Peanuts
• Dried fruit like cranberries or cherries
• Granola
• Chopped candy - snickers, butterfinger, heath, peanut butter cups
• Mini marshmallows
• Candy pieces like chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips and mini M&Ms
• Toffee bits
• Shredded coconut
• Pretzel pieces
• Crushed Oreos, Graham Crackers or your favorite cookie
• Cereal - Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Krispies, Corn Flakes, Golden Grahams, etc.
• Coarse Sea Salt
• Sprinkles and edible glitter is super fun for kids!