Learn how to make a fun DIY sliced caramel apple bar! Served with all sorts of fun toppings, this make-your-own caramel apple bar is the perfect dessert station for Halloween and Fall.
Core and cut each apple in 8 slices and place in a large bowl with the water and lemon juice. Let the apples soak in the lemon water for 5 minutes to help prevent browning.
Drain the water from the apples, pat them dry and place each slice on a skewer.
Dipping Sauces
In a small pot, combine the caramel bits with ½ cup of the heavy cream. Heat over medium low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until the caramel bits are almost completely melted. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Remove from the heat and continue to whisk into a smooth sauce. Pour into a heat proof serving bowl or container.
Repeat with the milk chocolate chips and then the white chocolate chips to complete all three dipping sauces.
Caramel Apple Bar
Place each of the candy toppings into shallow bowls, plates or muffin tin.
Set out the dipping sauces with the toppings and the sliced apple skewers. Dip the apple slices into the different dipping sauces and mix and match the toppings.
Notes
Recipe yields approximately 1 ½ cups of each dipping sauce which will be enough for approximately 8-10 apples.
Apples - Choose any variety of apples for the caramel apple bar. Use sweet or tart apples or a combination of both! Granny smith will give the perfect sweet and tart combination.
Sauces - Pre-made dips can be purchased from the grocery store.
Containers - Serve the dipping sauces in heat proof bowls or containers such as ceramic bowls, baking dishes or wide mouth mason jars. The sauces will stay soft enough for dipping like this for about 45 minutes to an hour. Heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, if needed.
Heating Pad - Place a heating pad covered in a towel or tablecloth under the bowls of the dipping sauces to help them stay warm during serving time.
Crock Pot - For a longer time period, place an inch of water in a crock pot on low heat and then add the dips in mason jars to the water. Make sure to check the water periodically and add to it, if needed.
Toppings - Select candy pieces that are smaller so they easily stick to the apples. Serve with small spoons so people can pour the toppings onto the dipped apples to avoid too much mess.
Apple Nachos - Serve apple slices in a bowl or on a platter. Guests can place arrange the apple slices on plates and top them with the different sauces and toppings, just like nachos! For easy serve, put sauces in squeeze bottles.
Make Ahead - Slice the apples, soak them in the lemon water, pat them dry and then skewer them 1-2 hours ahead of time. Store them on a sheet pan wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Prepare the sauces up to 2 days ahead of time. Cool them completely and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a small pot over low heat on the stove top, stirring frequently, until they are warm enough for dipping.