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Ever been to a party where everyone crowds around one table, laughing, decorating, and sneaking little bites? That’s the magic of a caramel apple bar! In fact, interactive dessert stations have surged in popularity—Pinterest searches for “DIY dessert bar” jumped over 120% in the past year. Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering, a kids’ birthday bash, or a wedding dessert table, a caramel apple bar is a crowd-pleaser that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s dive into all the sweet details you need to make yours unforgettable.

How to Create the Perfect Caramel Apple Bar

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A fun, interactive dessert station perfect for parties, featuring crisp apples, warm silky caramel, and an array of creative toppings.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Medium-sized Granny Smith apples
  • Wooden skewers
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Sea salt (optional)
  • 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Toasted coconut
  • Crushed pretzels
  • Freeze-dried raspberries
  • Pumpkin spice sugar
  • Candied ginger
  • Cinnamon crumble

Instructions

  1. Wash apples in warm water with baking soda, dry thoroughly, and bring to room temperature.
  2. Pre-skewer each apple with a wooden stick.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt sugar until golden, swirl occasionally but do not stir.
  4. Add butter, whisk until melted, then slowly whisk in cream (stand back as it bubbles).
  5. For flavor variations: add sea salt, bourbon, or simmer cream with cinnamon stick before mixing in.
  6. Transfer caramel to a small slow cooker or fondue pot on ‘warm’ setting to keep smooth.
  7. Arrange toppings in small bowls or jars with spoons for serving.
  8. Set up station: apples first, then caramel, then toppings, ending with napkins and wax paper for wrapping.
  9. Encourage guests to dip apples into caramel, roll in toppings, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Medium-sized tart apples work best for flavor balance and ease of dipping. Keep caramel warm throughout the event to prevent hardening.

  • Author: Kira
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 apple
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg