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Easy Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board with Chocolate Drizzle

easy caramel apple charcuterie board with chocolate drizzle - featured image

A quick and indulgent dessert board featuring homemade caramel, crisp apple slices, and silky chocolate drizzle, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90g)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 34 large apples (mixed varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji)
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks
  • 1/2 cup pecans (toasted if desired)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Homemade Caramel: Place granulated sugar in an even layer in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt without stirring for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden. Gently swirl the pan until all sugar dissolves and turns deep amber (5-6 minutes total). Remove from heat, add butter cubes (mixture will bubble), and stir vigorously until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add vanilla extract and sea salt, stir until smooth. Let cool for 10 minut…
  2. Make the Chocolate Drizzle: Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy (about 60-80 seconds total). Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag for drizzling.
  3. Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry apples. Slice into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick) or wedges. Remove seeds from center slices. To prevent browning, toss with 1 tablespoon lemon juice if making ahead.
  4. Assemble the Board: Place small bowls of caramel and chocolate drizzle on opposite sides of a large wooden board or platter. Arrange apple slices in a fan pattern or overlapping rows. Fill gaps with pretzel sticks, pecans, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Drizzle chocolate from the piping bag over apple slices and pretzels in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over everything. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy while caramel is warm and apples are crisp. Provide extra napkins.

Notes

Caramel can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge; reheat gently before serving. Chocolate drizzle can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Apple slices brown quickly, so slice just before serving. For a vegan version, use vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple charcuterie board, chocolate drizzle, easy dessert board, fall dessert, apple board, homemade caramel