DIY Caramel Apple Bar

Fall is chock-full of fun parties and events. From bonfires to Halloween to cozy nights inside, there’s no shortage of occasions that call for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Enter the DIY caramel apple bar. With slices of everyone's favorite fall fruit, plus toppings to suit every taste, this hands-on addition to your party will let friends and family dip, swirl and twirl as they please. Now that’s what we call a fall win.

What apples should you use? Take your pick!

For the tastiest results, use varieties with a strong flavor that can stand up to the sweetness of caramel and candy. Granny Smith apples work well, but you also can’t go wrong with Fuji, Gala, Jazz or McIntosh.

Regardless of which apples you choose, you can cut chopping time in half with an apple slicer and corer. Once they’re sliced, keep them from browning by dipping them in lemon juice, pineapple juice or a clear carbonated beverage.

Delicious dips

Here comes the magic – get the party started with any number of dips. Here’s how to make your own:

• Caramel: Combine one 14-ounce package of unwrapped caramels with two tablespoons of milk. Microwave for two minutes, stirring halfway through
• Chocolate: Combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Microwave for a minute, and then whisk until smooth
• White Chocolate: Bring 1½ cups of whipping cream to a boil. Pour over 6 ounces of white chocolate, and then whisk until smooth

Tasty toppings

Top your apples any way you want. Below are a few ideas to help you get started.

• Mini chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Chopped peanuts*
• Sprinkles
• Graham cracker crumbs (try the cinnamon variety for a fall twist!)
• Candy-coated chocolates
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pretzels
• Chopped chocolate toffee bars*

*Be mindful of nut allergies if hosting a larger gathering.

Tip: Make cleanup a cinch by using muffin tins and cupcake liners to organize toppings. And keep a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on hand to quickly wipe up dribbles and spills on the buffet table.

Dig in!

You can either embrace the mess and eat your finished apple right away or let it harden on parchment paper in the fridge.