Caramel Apple Bites

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Caramel Apple Bites are mini love letters to fall-crisp apple slices, buttery caramel, rich cream cheese, crunchy pretzels, and peanuts.

ready-to-eat caramel apple bites served at Thanksgiving.

Mini Caramel Apple Bites

These crunchy, sweet, and salty mini Caramel Apple Bites are the perfect treat for cozy gatherings or weekday cravings. They come together in minutes-and vanish even faster.

Who doesn't love a classic caramel apple with peanuts? The only problem: there's no graceful way to eat one. Enter this little gem-built on a crunchy pretzel base with a layer of chewy caramel, crisp fall apple, a swipe of cream cheese filling, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

Lawdy. This is Fall in a snack. But truth be told, I love caramel apples all year long, and this is my favorite way to get that fix-no sticky mess required.

For one heck of a Fall dessert lineup, serve these little cuties alongside Sweet Potato Dump Cake, Sheet Pan Pumpkin Bars, and a big bowl of Sweet and Salty Snack Mix.

Caramel apple bites are topped with cream cheese dip and chopped pretzels.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese
Sugar
Vanilla
Apples -- I like the tartness of a Granny Smith apple
Lemon Juice -- mixed with water to prevent apples from browning due to oxidation
Mini Pretzels
Soft Caramels -- We like the Werther's Soft Caramels, cut in half
Peanuts, chopped

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredients needed to make Caramel apple bites.

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to to 250 degrees F.
In a small bowl, mix soft cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
Slice the apple and cut each slice into 3 pieces. Toss in lemon juice and water to prevent browning. Set aside on a paper towel to dry.
Spread pretzels on a baking sheet and top with ½ of a soft caramel. Avoid letting them touch. Bake for 5-7 minutes until caramels are soft and melted into the pretzels.
Carefully press one apple piece into the melted caramel. Spoon on cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Serve immediately.

Hint: Dry the apple pieces off before pressing into the caramel for best luck sticking.

Adding the caramel candies on to the pretzel. Then, place them in the oven to melt.

Slicing the apple slices into threes for the top of the pretzels.

Substitutions & Variations

Chocolate Caramel Apple Bites - Drizzle the finished caramel apple bites with melted dark and white chocolate for another layer of flavor.
Caramel Bits - Sprinkle with caramel bits instead of peanuts, if desired
Gluten Free Caramel Apple Bites -Select a gluten-free pretzel or cracker for a gluten-free fall snack

Storage

Caramel Apple Bites are best eaten right away. So, make a batch that fits the size of your audience. Of course, we can eat like 10 each.

Top Tips

Be sure to have your toppings prepped and ready so the apples stick to the caramel.

FAQ

Why isn't my caramel sticking to my apples?

Before slicing, wash the apples to remove any coating that could prevent them from sticking. Also, ensure the apple chunks are fully dry.

What type of apples are best for caramel apples?

Tart, green Granny Smith apples are my favorite to balance the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisps are a great red apple that provides a sweet and crisp contrast.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Caramel Apple Bites:

Have a Question?

Leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer you!

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And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

Place caramel apple bites on a wooden charcuterie board to serve to guests.

Food Safety

Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat
Never leave cooking food unattended

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.