Caramel Apple Bar

It’s always fun to buy a caramel apple in the fall—especially the gourmet, over-the-top ones. But this caramel apple bar offers even more toppings and treats for an apple, letting everyone share and try different gourmet caramel apple concoctions all at once.

Set out bowls of caramel and tangy cream cheese dip among all sorts of classic and unique caramel apple toppings so there are plenty of choices. Slice up apples for dipping, and don’t forget to include other dippers like pretzel rods, graham crackers and popcorn balls for variety. It’s like one big caramel apple charcuterie board to share with friends!

Ingredients for a Caramel Apple Bar

• Apples: Start with a mixture of green and red apple slices for more color. I like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples best here. Their tart taste is a nice balance for the dips and toppings, and their firm texture keeps the apple slices intact.
• Caramel apple dip: Pick up caramel apple dip from the store for ease. You can also mix caramel, cream cheese and marshmallow creme to make fluffy caramel apple dip for something a little more indulgent and easier to scoop.
• Cream cheese dip: Cream cheese fruit dip offers a tangy-sweet dipping option that cuts through the richness of all the sugary toppings.
• Toppings: Fill bowls with sweet toppings such as mini M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries and Halloween-colored sprinkles. Chopped nuts offer a savory option to balance out the board.
• Dippers: Add pretzel rods, popcorn balls and graham cracker squares as dippers so you and your guests don’t get apple-d out.
• Wooden skewers: Keep wooden skewers nearby so everyone can dip cleanly into the different confections. No sticky fingers!

How to Build a Caramel Apple Bar

Step 1: Prepare the dips

Prepare the cream cheese dip by beating together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add it to its own bowl and keep both dips (the cream cheese dip and caramel apple dip) covered until you’re ready to add them to the board.

Step 2: Portion out the toppings

Pour the chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini M&Ms, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and dried cranberries into small bowls. If you don’t have enough small bowls, teacups and measuring cups make great vessels.

Step 3: Arrange bowls and dippers on the board

Uncover the dips and place them on the board. Arrange the topping bowls all around the board. Add the popcorn balls, graham crackers and pretzel rods in clusters toward the sides so guests can easily grab them. Place the wooden skewers in a tall glass jar so guests can use them to skewer apples.

Step 4: Add the apple slices

Slice the apples and immediately arrange them on the board, trailing in between the bowls. It’s important to make sure the apples are reachable enough with the wooden skewers and from all sides of the boards, so they don’t favor just one side.

Step 5: Serve the caramel apple bar

Place napkins and plates out for guests to grab as desired, and add spoons to the bowls of dip to give everyone the option to scoop the dip onto their dippers instead of actually putting them into the dip. Let everyone know it’s time to dig in!

Tips for Making a Caramel Apple Bar

How far in advance can you assemble a caramel apple charcuterie board?

A caramel apple charcuterie board can be assembled a few hours in advance, but wait to slice the apples until just before serving to delay oxidation. Make the dips and keep them covered in the fridge, then portion the toppings into little bowls. Having everything ready makes it easy to organize the board whenever you’re ready.

What other toppings can you put on a caramel apple board?

Other toppings for the caramel apple board can include small cereals, mini butterscotch chips, Reese’s Pieces, chopped pecans, crushed Oreos and coconut flakes. To add even more dip options, set out hot fudge or peanut butter dip.

How do you prevent apple slices from browning?

To prevent the apple slices from browning, soak them in cold lemon water. Pour 2 cups of cold water into a bowl with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, mix them together, then soak the apples in the liquid for five minutes. Drain the water and blot the apples before arranging them on the board.