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Cozy Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board with Toppings Bar

caramel apple charcuterie board - featured image
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A fun, interactive dessert board featuring fresh apple slices, warm homemade caramel sauce, and a variety of toppings for guests to build their own perfect bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, movie nights, or Thanksgiving appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 large apples, assorted varieties (2 Honeycrisp, 2 Granny Smith, 1 Fuji)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • Wooden skewers or small forks for dipping
  • Small ramekins for toppings
  • A large wooden board or platter

Instructions

  1. Make the caramel sauce first. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar in an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  2. Add the butter carefully. Drop in the butter pieces one at a time while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up violently. Keep whisking until all the butter is melted and incorporated.
  3. Pour in the cream. Slowly drizzle in the room-temperature heavy cream while whisking. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the apples. Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Core and slice the apples into wedges about 1/2 inch thick. Drop the pieces into the lemon water to prevent browning. Let them soak for about 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Set up the toppings bar. Place small ramekins on your board or platter. Fill each one with a different topping: crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, toasted coconut, dried cranberries, rainbow sprinkles, crushed graham crackers, and chopped pecans. Arrange them in a pleasing pattern, leaving space for the apple slices.
  6. Arrange the apples. Fan out the apple slices around the ramekins on the board. Leave a central spot for the caramel sauce.
  7. Pour the caramel. Transfer the slightly cooled caramel sauce to a small serving bowl or ramekin. Place it in the center of the board.
  8. Add the skewers. Place a small bundle of wooden skewers or appetizer picks next to the board.
  9. Final touches. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel sauce. Add a few whole nuts or a drizzle of extra caramel on the board for visual appeal. Serve immediately.

Notes

For dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For nut-free option, replace nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Caramel can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Lemon water soak is essential to prevent apple browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple, charcuterie board, fall dessert, apple board, toppings bar, no-bake dessert, party appetizer

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-caramel-apple-charcuterie-board-with-toppings-bar/