It’s almost Halloween, which means it’s almost time for costumes, candy, and scary movies. I’ll pass on the scary movies but count me in for the costumes and (plant-based, date-sweetened) candy!
I’ve always had a sweet tooth, but I’ve changed my diet substantially to eat gluten-free vegan. I came up with these Vegan Caramel Apples as a way to enjoy a sweet childhood favorite that won’t make me feel like crap after eating it. The Vegan Caramel Sauce coating the apples is free of refined sugar, vegan, and contains no artificial ingredients.
As far as apple selection, choose a sweet, plump variety. I went with organic Gala. Honeycrisp or even Granny Smith might also be good options!
For the fun part, the toppings, you can go with peanut butter (non-dairy) chocolate swirl. Or a coconut-coated caramel apple dipped in vegan chocolate. YUM.
Alright give me a moment, I need to taste test that one…..
I’m back. And I have the recipe for these beautiful babies. Going to a Halloween party this weekend? Make them (and brag that they’re healthy). Staying in for a scary movie marathon? Make these.
You’ll need a batch of the Vegan Caramel Sauce for these, which you can get here:
Vegan Caramel Sauce
You’ll also need some vegan chocolate. I usually like Hu Kitchen Gems, Alter Eco’s Total Blackout 100% Cacao bar, or Trader Joe’s Cacao Chips. I also use my homemade version too which you can grab the recipe for here:
Naturally-Sweetened Homemade Dark Chocolate
Vegan Caramel Apples
Equipment
- 4 chopsticks
Ingredients
- 1/2 batch Vegan Caramel Sauce (linked above)
- 4 apples (Gala or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup vegan chocolate (homemade, date-sweetened option linked above)
- Any additional toppings you'd like to use (see below)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegan Caramel Sauce following recipe directions. (Linked above.)
- Prepare apples by sticking a chopstick in each apple. (Use the slimest side of the chopstick to do this.) Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Using a butter knife, spread a thin later of Vegan Caramel Sauce onto each apple. Place upright on baking sheet. Once all apples are coated, place into fridge to firm up while preparing chocolate.
- Using a double broiler (see video), melt vegan chocolate over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted.
- Remove apples from fridge. Using a fork, drizzle chocolate over Caramel Apples. Or, dunk apples directly into chocolate. Place back on baking sheet and into fridge until firm.
Toppings:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl
Melt 1/4 cup vegan chocolate with 1/2 tsp coconut oil in a double broiler over the stovetop. Using a fork, drizzle chocolate onto caramel apple in a swirl pattern (you could also place chocolate in a plastic zip-top bag, snip a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and pipe the chocolate onto the apple). For the peanut butter swirl, melt 1/4 cup peanut butter with 1/2 tsp coconut oil in a double broiler over the stovetop. Repeat the swirl method you used for the chocolate. Set on plate and place in the refrigerator to firm up.
Chocolate Coconut Cream
Melt 1/4 cup coconut butter in a double broiler over the stovetop. Dip caramel apple into melted coconut butter. Place in fridge to firm. Then, melt 3 tbsp vegan chocolate with 1/4 tsp coconut oil in a double boiler over medium heat. Drizzle over coconut butter apple. Place in the refrigerator to firm up.
Chocolate Pecan
Add 3 tbsp chopped pecans to a small bowl. Dip bottom of the caramel apple into pecans to coat. Melt 3 tbsp vegan chocolate with 1/4 tsp coconut oil in a double boiler over medium heat. Drizzle melted chocolate over pecan-coated apple.
Chocolate Coconut
Add 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut to a small bowl. Roll caramel apple in coconut. Place upright and in fridge to firm up. Melt 3 tbsp vegan chocolate with 1/4 tsp coconut oil in a double boiler over medium heat. Once melted, dip coconut-coated apple into melted chocolate or use a fork to drip chocolate on the apple. Place in refrigerator to set.
Hope you have a fun, safe, healthy Halloween! I’d love to see pics of your Caramel Apple creations in you try them. Tag me on Instagram so I can peep them.
xo,
Lauren
Get The Vegan Caramel Sauce recipe here
Make your own Healthy Vegan Snickers at home here
These look absolutely amazing! Very fun and festive!
Thanks Emily! They’re definitely worth the time to make- they’re delicious!
I’m totally making these!
Love all the variations!
Wow! These are almost too beautiful to eat! Great job coming up with such a healthy Halloween option!
Thank you Julia!!