The Best Ever Refined Sugar-Free Caramel Apple Slices

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Happy Halloween! Celebrate with these gooey rich caramel apple slices! Halloween is just around the corner, and this holiday is undoubtedly about the sweet treats. Every year growing up we would carve a pumpkin and go to a Halloween party. There they had a candy apple station and it was something I always had fun making and enjoying around the bonfire with friends and family.

I have created the best refined sugar-free caramel to keep this tradition alive. We replace the white sugar with honey as the base, but keep the same process of making a traditional caramel. As the honey browns it gets a warm toasty caramelized flavor and color, perfect for that caramel color we all know and love. The butter provides that rich, luscious, and velvety smooth texture and taste making for an exquisite caramel. Pair this with a crisp and juicy apple slice for a delightful bite you won’t forget!      

Alternatively, this caramel makes a great dip, or you can coat a whole apple for a more traditional experience. You can also pour any extra caramel into a candy bar mold and refrigerate. Once set, cut along lines and enjoy some caramel candy squares! Happy Halloween! 

                       

Best Ever Refined Sugar-Free Caramel Apple Slices

Serves 16
Prep: 10 min
Cooking: 12 min
Cooling: 15 min 
Decorating: 10 min 
Total: 47 min
Beginner

Ingredients:

For Caramel: 

1 cup honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract, no alcohol 

6 Tbsp. butter, cold and sliced

1 tsp. water 

1 Tbsp. cashew butter, no thickeners 

 

Apples & Toppings:

4 Apples, any variety, sliced vertically, 4 slices per apple

2 Tbsp. lemon juice, fresh 

¼ cup shredded coconut, unsweetened   

2 Tbsp. cocoa butter, finely chopped  

¼ cup nuts of choice, chopped  

1 Tbsp. sea or flake salt 

Sticks to insert into apples (optional)

  Method Of Prep:

  1. Gather and prep ingredients.
  2. In a small pot add honey and bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until darkened but not burnt. Stir occasionally during this process.
  4. Remove honey from heat, and add in vanilla extract, butter, water and cashew butter. (When you add in the vanilla it will bubble a little bit, but this is normal and will not affect how it mixes in.)
  5. Stir gently until butter has melted.
  6. Carefully transfer to your high-speed blender or shake cup blender and blend for 15 seconds on high. This will incorporate all of the cashew butter so it’s nice and smooth.
  7. Set aside for 15 minutes to cool slightly.
  8. While cooling, get your apple slices and toppings ready, being sure to keep them all separate.
  9. Pour lemon juice over apple slices to prevent browning, set aside.
  10. If using sticks carefully insert them into apple slices.
  11. Either dip slices in caramel or pour on top.
  12. Lay slices on a sheet tray with parchment paper.
  13. Freeze slices for 10 minutes to firm up the caramel.
  14. Remove from the freezer and add toppings.
  15. Serve immediately and enjoy! Be sure to refrigerate any leftover caramel.

                      

Nutrition Facts:(1 slice ea.)
Calories- 169
Carbs- 24.5 g
Fat- 8.3 g
Protein- 0.8 g