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Caramel Apple Board
If you're hosting friends or family this fall, or looking for a way to make an after school snack or movie night special – this caramel apple board is sure to be a HIT! It's all the best parts of fondue (delicious, melty caramel dip) and charcuterie (a yummy mix of sweet + salty snacks) that come together for the perfect fall treat!
Plus, this board makes caramel apples easier to eat and enjoy for all ages. And it is so easy to customize to your family's preferences, and tailor big or small to fit your gathering.
I served my caramel apple fondue board on this AWESOME, long charcuterie board and skewered the apple slices with these fun treat sticks for dipping. But, you can serve this board on anything you have handy (even a regular ole cutting board works great), and skip the treat sticks if needed. Make this board your own!
Here's how to make a tasty, nostalgic caramel apple board:
Ingredients needed
Caramel dip:
- 11 oz package caramels or caramel bits (try to find the unwrapped bits to make your life easier!)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Apples:
- Green or red apples (you'll need roughly 1/2 to 1 apple per person)
Caramel apple toppings:
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to these toppings. Think of anything small that will stick to the caramel when you dip. Here are some ideas.
- Mini chocolate chips
- Mini M&Ms
- Sprinkles
- Crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate chip, vanilla wafers, etc)
- Crushed pretzels
- Mixed nuts (you can find these near the ice cream toppings)
- Crushed freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, pineapples)
- Toffee bits
- Crushed candy (Any of your favorite candy!)
- Bacon bits – for a savory spin!
On my board I also included a couple other dipping options and just some fun “extras” like pretzel rods, candy corn, and graham crackers.
These Caramel Apple Bites are another fun twist on this classic!
We love a good food board around here! Check these out:
Pumpkin Charcuterie Board | Halloween Buttercream Board | Charcuterie Board How-To
How to Make your Own Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board:
Start by prepping any toppings you're using by crushing, mixing, etc. Then, place in small bowls or have ready to spread onto your board.
Next, slice your apples and soak (more on that below) to avoid browning. Once apples are ready, you can add a little treat stick or just leave as finger food.
Meanwhile, prepare the caramel dip. This dip is SO good and so creamy – I definitely prefer it over plain caramel dip that you buy at the store! But, if you're short on time, feel free to grab a pre-made dip.
Creamy Caramel Apple Dip
Ingredients
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 11 oz pkg caramels or caramel bits
- ½ cup butter
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Heat on the stove on medium-low, stirring frequently until melted and well combined.
Tips for Slicing Your Apples for Your Caramel Fondue Board:
Keep in mind that your apple slices need to hold a lot of toppings, so you'll want slightly thicker slices.
I used my handy method of soaking the slices to avoid browning. You NEED to do this if your board will be served over any period of time so the apples don't get all funky. (You can skip this step if you're just preparing this for a fun sweet treat for your family to eat in the moment.)
Lastly, an important tip is to dry your apples thoroughly before plating. Sit in a colander or strainer for a few minutes and thoroughly pat dry. This keeps them from getting too soggy when you add the caramel dip.
What apples should you use for caramel apples?
You can use any kind of apple to make your caramel apples, depending on your family's tastes! Because the caramel and toppings are so sweet, you may prefer an apple on the slightly tart-er side like Granny Smith, to avoid being too sweet (if that is such a thing!).
Our favorite apple recipes
Love apples – especially during the fall? We do, too! Here are some of our favorite treats and snacks with apples at the core. (See what I did there?!)
- Crustless Apple Pie
- Apple Spinach Salad
- Slow Cooker Apple Crumble
- Crockpot Fried Applies
- Heath Bar Apple Dip
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