These chocolate turtle apple slices combine the classic flavor of caramel apples with the decadence of turtle candies!

I love a good fall inspired recipe! If you do too, you’ll also like my caramel apple bites, upside down pecan cake, pumpkin pie dip, caramel apple bark, pecan pie dip, and pumpkin spice snack mix!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Apples and caramel are one of the best flavor combinations out there! Right next to chocolate and peanut butter of course! Chocolate turtle apple slices keep the stick but make a much more manageable version of the classic caramel apple we all know and love! These are easy to eat and fun to decorate, making them a fall favorite dessert (or snack) that the entire family will enjoy!

Thick slices of granny smith apples are covered in melted chocolate, then drizzled with silky smooth caramel, and topped with chopped pecans! These apple slices are pre-portioned on popsicle sticks, making them easier to handle and enjoy without creating a sticky mess!

Ingredients you’ll need:

Granny smith apples
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Vegetable oil
Caramel bits
Heavy whipping cream
Chopped pecans

Sure, apple slices and chocolate seem pretty straight forward, but throw in some caramel and pecans and we’re talking gourmet! Despite these sounding (and looking) fancy, they’re a breeze to make!

These would be perfect for a Halloween party or your Thanksgiving celebrations, but honestly, I enjoy them all year long! You can never go wrong with chocolate apples, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans! Sliced apples are the perfect size too! You get more chocolate and caramel in every bite, and they’re much easier to make compared to traditional caramel apples!

How to make the best chocolate turtle apple slices:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
Slice each apple into thick wedges, about ½ inch wide. Then insert popsicle sticks into one end of each apple slice, making sure they hold firmly.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between, until melted and smooth.
Holding the stick of each apple, dip the apple slices into the melted chocolate, coating both sides evenly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place on your prepared baking sheet.
Transfer the chocolate coated apples to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate has set (about 15 minutes).
In another microwave safe bowl, combine caramel bits and heavy whipping cream. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between until melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted caramel on top of each chocolate coated apple slice, then immediately top with chopped pecans.
Transfer back to the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes to set the caramel before enjoying!

I love a traditional chewy caramel apple, but they are so messy! I always find myself cutting the caramel apple into slices to enjoy it without all the mess and needing a trip to the dentist afterwards! When you turn them into apple slices, they’re easier to eat and perfect for sharing!

Thanks to a few simple shortcuts, like using store-bought caramel bits, this is a foolproof recipe that is nearly impossible to mess up. These turtle apple slices are the perfect balance of salty, sweet, gooey, crunchy, and completely delicious. The ultimate treat to enjoy during the fall season!

My top tips:

INSERTING THE STICKS: I find it helpful to wiggle the tip of a sharp knife into the bottom of each apple slice before inserting the sticks. This creates a path for the stick to push through easily. It’s important the stick is pushed at least 1/3 of the way into each apple slice to ensure they hold firmly.
APPLES TURNING BROWN: Once the apples are sliced, you’ll want to coat them in chocolate immediately to prevent them from browning. The longer the sliced apples are exposed to air, the more at risk they are of oxidizing.
MELTING THE CHOCOLATE: I recommend microwaving the chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between, to prevent any burning. I also like adding vegetable oil to the chocolate to thin it out a little. You could also use coconut oil for a similar result.
PREP YOUR PAN: Make sure to line your sheet pan with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone baking mat to prevent any sticking. This makes it easy to lift the coated and chilled apple slices later on.
DIPPING: After you dip the apple slices, tap the stick against the bowl so any excess chocolate drips off. You’ll also want to scrape the excess chocolate off the back of your apple slices so that it won’t create a pool or “foot” on the back of your apple pops.
CARAMEL BITS: I like using Kraft caramel bits for recipes like this because they’re convenient and don’t require you to unwrap individual caramels. If you can’t find caramel bits, you can use 2 cups of soft baking caramels like Kraft classic candy caramels or Werther’s soft caramels.
DRIZZLING: I find it helpful to transfer the melted caramel to a Ziploc bag or piping bag before cutting off one end and drizzling. This makes the caramel drizzle more evenly and keeps things mess free. You could also drizzle with a spoon if you prefer.
TOPPING: Sprinkle on the chopped pecans immediately after topping each apple with caramel. It’s important to top these with chopped pecans before the caramel has set. The warm caramel acts as a glue for the pecans to stick to, so once the caramel sets, the pecans won’t stick.
STORING: Store any leftovers in the fridge for freshness! These chocolate turtle apple pops are best enjoyed within 1-2 days to ensure crispness.

Feel free to use your favorite apple varieties! I usually go for something more tart like a granny smith, because they cut through all the added sweetness from the chocolate and caramel here! If you want something a little sweeter, opt for gala or fuji apples. It’s just a matter of personal preference!

Looking for more easy dessert recipes? Try these out!

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