Pin A festive and interactive dessert board featuring crisp apples, creamy caramel, salty pretzels, and a variety of decadent dips and toppings, perfect for sharing at fall gatherings.
I first made this caramel apple charcuterie board for a cozy fall get-together with friends. Everyone loved mixing and matching the dips and toppings, making it a hit at dessert time.
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruit: 4 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced; 1 lemon, juiced (to prevent apple browning)
- Dips: 1 cup prepared caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup chocolate sauce; ½ cup cream cheese dip (optional, for variety)
- Salty & Sweet Accompaniments: 2 cups mini salty pretzels; 1 cup graham crackers, broken into pieces; 1 cup vanilla wafers or butter cookies
- Toppings: ½ cup chopped toasted pecans; ½ cup mini chocolate chips; ¼ cup toffee bits; ¼ cup rainbow or chocolate sprinkles; Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Apples:
- Wash and slice the apples into wedges. Toss slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Arrange Fruit:
- Arrange apple slices in a fan or circular pattern on a large serving board or platter.
- Add Dips:
- Place small bowls of caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, and cream cheese dip on the board.
- Fill In Accompaniments:
- Fill in around the apples and dips with mini pretzels, graham crackers, and vanilla wafers.
- Offer Toppings:
- Offer toppings—chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, sprinkles, and flaky sea salt—in small bowls or sprinkled over the board.
- Time to Enjoy:
- Invite guests to dip apple slices or pretzels into their choice of sauces and roll in toppings for a fully customizable treat.
Pin Every fall, my kids look forward to helping assemble this board—with plenty of taste-testing along the way. It always leads to laughter and sticky fingers around our table.
Required Tools
Large wooden board or platter, small serving bowls, sharp knife, cutting board, tongs or small forks for dipping.
Allergen Information
Milk, wheat, and tree nuts are present in several components. Double check packaging and ingredients for guests with sensitivities or allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 3 g per serving.
Pin This board makes every gathering a bit sweeter and lets everyone build their favorite treat. Try pairing it with hot cider for the ultimate autumn experience.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare the board ahead of time?
You can slice apples and arrange dry items ahead, but add fresh apples just before serving for best texture.
- → What sauces pair best with apples?
Caramel and chocolate sauces complement apples beautifully; cream cheese dip adds a tangy, creamy twist.
- → How do I keep apple slices from browning?
Toss apple slices in lemon juice before arranging to keep them fresh and vibrant throughout your event.
- → What are some alternative dipping options?
You can offer peanut butter, yogurt dip, or marshmallow fluff for additional variety and flavors on the board.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pretzels and cookies to ensure the board is safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What drinks pair well with the board?
Hot apple cider and crisp Riesling are popular choices, complementing the sweet and salty flavors.