Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it balances freshness with indulgence. The apples add a natural crunch and tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with smooth chocolate and caramel. It’s a dessert I can prepare quickly and still impress anyone I serve it to.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
▢2 very large Fuji apples
▢3 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips I used Nestle
▢1 tablespoon coconut oil I used refined coconut oil so it doesn’t taste like coconut.
▢1 cup caramels, melted I used Kraft caramels
▢½ cup Chopped pecans
Directions
- I start by washing and drying the apples thoroughly, then slicing them into thick rounds about ½ inch wide. I remove the seeds and core from the center of each slice.
- I line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the apple slices.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
- I dip each apple slice into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s coated well on both sides, then place them back on the parchment.
- Once the chocolate is set slightly, I drizzle the melted caramel over the top.
- I sprinkle chopped pecans onto each slice while the caramel is still soft so they stick.
- I let the apple slices set until the chocolate and caramel are firm before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings, depending on how large the apple slices are. It usually takes me about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill before they’re ready to eat.
Variations
Sometimes I use Granny Smith apples when I want a more tart flavor. I’ve also swapped semi-sweet chocolate for white or dark chocolate to change the taste. For a fun twist, I add a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzle white chocolate over the top for extra decoration.
Storage/Reheating
I keep these apple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I don’t reheat them since the apples can get soft, but I like to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the chocolate isn’t too hard.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, I can use any apple variety I like, but Fuji and Granny Smith work best for this recipe.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
I dip the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water before coating them to help prevent browning.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I make them a few hours before serving and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Do I need to refrigerate the slices?
Yes, I keep them chilled because of the fresh apples and melted chocolate.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Absolutely, I sometimes use homemade caramel, and it makes the slices even richer.
What can I use instead of pecans?
I sometimes use walnuts, almonds, or even crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
Can I melt the chocolate on the stove instead of the microwave?
Yes, I use a double boiler on the stove if I prefer more control while melting.
How thick should I slice the apples?
I usually slice them about ½ inch thick so they hold up well under the chocolate and toppings.
Can I freeze chocolate turtle apple slices?
I don’t recommend freezing because the apples become mushy when thawed.
How do I make the caramel easier to drizzle?
I stir in a small splash of milk or cream when melting the caramels to get a smoother drizzle.
Conclusion
I love making these chocolate turtle apple slices because they feel special without being difficult. The combination of crisp apples, rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans is a perfect treat for sharing or keeping all to myself.
PrintChocolate Turtle Apple Slices
Crisp Fuji apple slices coated in smooth chocolate, drizzled with caramel, and topped with crunchy pecans for an easy candy-shop style treat at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 very large Fuji apples
3 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
1 cup caramels, melted
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Slice them into ½-inch thick rounds, removing seeds and core.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the apple slices on it.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each apple slice into the melted chocolate, coating both sides, then return to the parchment.
- Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate-coated apple slices.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top while caramel is still soft.
- Allow the slices to set until chocolate and caramel are firm before serving.
Notes
Use Granny Smith apples for a tart variation.
Try white or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a flavor twist.
Sprinkle sea salt or drizzle with extra chocolate for decoration.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg