Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices: A Tasty Treat

Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices are a delicious dessert that is perfect for the fall season. This treat is made with thick slices of apples, usually Fuji or Granny Smith, which are dipped in melted chocolate, drizzled with caramel, and topped with nuts. The simple recipe typically calls for just five ingredients and is a fun project for kids too. These chocolate-covered apple slices are a great alternative to traditional candy apples, offering a generous amount of candy in each bite!

Choosing the right apples

When choosing apples for this recipe, look for those that are crisp, firm, and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Some recommended varieties include:

• Fuji Apples: These apples are extra large and fat, making them ideal for thick slices. They have a crisp texture and a sweet flavour that pairs well with the chocolate and caramel.
• Granny Smith Apples: Granny Smith apples are green, firm, and have a tart flavour. They hold their texture well and won't turn mushy, making them a good choice for this recipe.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Known for their natural sweetness and crisp flesh, Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option. They add a nice touch of sweetness to the dessert.
• Pink Lady Apples: If you want a slightly sweeter alternative to Granny Smith apples, go for Pink Lady apples. They have a crisp texture and a natural sweetness similar to Honeycrisp apples.

When preparing the apples, wash them thoroughly and cut them into thick slices, about 1/2-inch thick. Insert a popsicle stick or wooden skewer into the bottom of each apple slice to make it easier to dip and eat.

Additionally, if you want to prevent the apples from browning before dipping them, you can place the slices in a bowl of lemon juice. This step is optional but will help keep the apples looking fresh and appetizing.

Melting the chocolate

Choosing the Right Chocolate

Select a good quality semi-sweet chocolate, either in chip or chopped form. You can also use chocolate bars and chop them into fine pieces. The amount of chocolate you need will depend on the number of apples you plan to coat, but a good rule of thumb is to have around 3 to 3 1/2 cups of chocolate chips for 2 to 3 large apples.

Melting Techniques

There are two common methods for melting chocolate: using a microwave or a double boiler.

Microwave:

Place your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in short intervals of around 30 seconds to avoid overheating, which can burn the chocolate. After each interval, stir the chocolate to ensure even melting. Repeat this process until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Double Boiler:

If you prefer a more controlled melting process, a double boiler is an excellent option. Fill a small saucepan with a couple of cups of water and place it on the stove over low heat. Place a heat-proof bowl containing your chocolate on top of the saucepan. As the water simmers, the steam will gently melt the chocolate. Stir the chocolate occasionally to help it melt evenly.

Adding Coconut Oil

Once your chocolate is melted, it's time to add coconut oil. This ingredient helps to thin out the chocolate and give it a smoother consistency. Start with a small amount, about a tablespoon, and stir it into the melted chocolate until it is fully incorporated.

Dipping the Apples

Now that your chocolate is perfectly melted, it's time to dip your apple slices! Hold each slice by the popsicle stick and carefully dip it into the chocolate, ensuring it is well coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the coated apple slice on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Follow these steps, and you'll have beautifully melted chocolate for your Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices!

Adding the popsicle sticks

First, prepare your apples by slicing them into thick, half-inch slices. The type of apple you choose is important; Fuji apples are a popular choice due to their large size and sweet taste. However, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are also great options for their natural sweetness. If you prefer a tart apple, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice.

Once you have your apples sliced, it's time to create a small slit at the base of each apple slice. This step is important as it makes it easier to insert the popsicle stick. You can use a sharp knife to carefully make the slits. Try to make the slits as small as possible to prevent the apple slices from breaking apart.

Now, it's time to insert the popsicle sticks. Carefully slide a popsicle stick into the slit at the base of each apple slice. Ensure that the sticks are secure and firmly attached to the apples. This will make it easier to dip the apples in chocolate and other toppings without them falling off.

At this point, your apple slices should be ready for the next steps in the recipe, such as dipping them in melted chocolate and adding additional toppings like caramel and nuts. Remember to work quickly and efficiently, as apples tend to brown over time. If you're concerned about browning, you can soak the apple slices in lemon juice before adding the popsicle sticks to help preserve their colour.

Drizzling with caramel

Drizzling the perfect caramel over your chocolate-covered apple slices is a delicate art. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving the ideal caramel drizzle for your Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices.

Firstly, select a suitable caramel for your drizzle. Soft caramels or caramel bits are ideal, and you can even use caramel sauce if you don't mind a less firm finish. Kraft caramels are a popular choice for this recipe. Place your chosen caramel in a microwave-safe bowl.

Next, it's time to melt your caramel. This step requires patience and careful attention to ensure you achieve the right consistency without overheating. Start by microwaving your caramel on high power for 30-60 seconds. It's crucial not to overheat the caramel, so be sure to keep a close eye on it. Remove the bowl from the microwave and give the caramel a stir to ensure even melting. Depending on your microwave's power, you may need to put it back for another 20-30 seconds. Repeat this process until the caramel is completely smooth and melted, stirring between each interval.

Now for the fun part – the drizzling! Remove your chocolate-covered apple slices from the refrigerator and take your caramel from the microwave. Drizzle the melted caramel over the chocolate-covered apple slices. Be creative and generous with your drizzle! You can even double-dip if you want an extra-thick layer of caramel.

Finally, return your Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices to the refrigerator to allow the caramel to harden. This should take around 30-60 minutes, depending on the thickness of your caramel drizzle.

Refrigerating

Once you have completed all the previous steps, it's time to refrigerate your chocolate turtle apple slices. Place the baking sheet with the apple slices in the refrigerator and leave them to chill for about an hour. This will allow the chocolate and caramel to harden and set, so that they are easier to eat and less messy.

While an hour in the refrigerator is a good guideline, you can adjust the time depending on your preferred texture. For a quicker treat, 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator will be enough to harden the chocolate. If you prefer your chocolate turtle apple slices to be extra firm, leave them in the refrigerator for up to 30-60 minutes.

Chocolate turtle apple slices are best enjoyed immediately after refrigeration. The apples are best on the first day, as they can become soggy over time. If you do have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to one day.

If you want to make these treats in advance, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. At room temperature, they can be kept for up to two days, as long as the room is not too warm, to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Frequently asked questions