Looking for a sweet, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? This Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board is everything you love about fall desserts, beautifully arranged and perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re hosting a playdate, family gathering, movie night, or just want to make snack time extra special, this board is a hit with both kids and adults. Crisp apple slices, warm caramel, and all the toppings you can imagine—think mini M&Ms, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, sprinkles… it’s like a DIY caramel apple bar right on your table. 🍎🍬
🛒 What You’ll Need
Fruits:
- 4–6 crisp apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 2 tablespoons water (to prevent browning)
For the Caramel Dip:
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon sea salt for salted caramel flavor
Toppings:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts or pecans
- Mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates
- Crushed Oreos or graham crackers
- Colorful sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
- White chocolate drizzle or Nutella
Extras (Optional):
- Pretzel sticks
- Shortbread cookies
- Cinnamon sticks
- Popcorn
👩🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Board
- Slice apples just before serving, or soak briefly in lemon water to keep them fresh.
- Warm the caramel right before serving so it’s perfectly dippable.
- Mix tart and sweet apples for variety in flavor and color.
- Serve with small skewers or toothpicks to keep hands clean.
- Let the kids help decorate the board—they love building their own combos!
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Serving board or platter
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Small bowls or ramekins for toppings
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for caramel
- Tongs or mini forks (optional for dipping)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use yogurt or chocolate sauce for an alternative dip
- Add pears or banana slices (if serving immediately)
- Make it nut-free with seeds, cookies, and candy toppings only
- Add a savory twist with sharp cheddar slices or salty pretzels
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Slice apples up to 2 hours ahead and store in lemon water in the fridge
- Prepare toppings the day before and store in airtight containers
- Caramel dip can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving
👩🍳 How to Make a Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board
1. Prep the Apples
Wash and slice apples into thin wedges. Soak in lemon water for 2–3 minutes, then pat dry.
2. Make the Caramel Dip
In a small saucepan, melt caramels and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add sea salt if using. Transfer to a heat-safe serving bowl.
3. Set Out the Toppings
Place toppings in small ramekins or directly onto the board in neat little piles.
4. Assemble the Board
Place the caramel dip in the center, then fan out apple slices around it. Fill in the spaces with toppings, cookies, pretzels, and festive extras. Add mini spoons or tongs for dipping!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover apple slices in lemon water in the fridge for 1–2 days
- Caramel sauce can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently
- Toppings should be stored in airtight containers for future snack boards
🍏 Let’s Make It Sweet & Dippable!
This Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board is a show-stopping, no-fuss way to bring everyone together around the table. It’s colorful, customizable, and oh-so fun—perfect for fall parties, Halloween, or just a cozy night in with the fam.
🍎✨ Tried it? Let me know what toppings you used or how your kiddos decorated their apple slices—drop a comment below! 💬🍬
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