Samoa Apple Slices (Print Version)
Crisp apple rounds with caramel, toasted coconut and chocolate drizzle—an easy, gluten-free sweet bite.
# What You Need:
→ Apples
01 - 3 large crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
→ Toppings
02 - 1 cup soft caramel candies or caramel dip
03 - 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
04 - 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
05 - 1 teaspoon coconut oil, optional
06 - Pinch of flaky sea salt, optional
# How To Make It:
01 - Place shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
02 - Core apples and cut into 1/4-inch thick rings. Arrange the rings on a tray lined with parchment paper.
03 - If using caramel candies, place them with 1 tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. If using caramel dip, warm gently if needed for easier spreading.
04 - With a small spoon or offset spatula, spread a thin layer of caramel over each apple slice.
05 - Generously sprinkle toasted coconut over caramel on each slice, pressing lightly to adhere.
06 - Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
07 - Drizzle melted chocolate over the coconut-topped apple slices using a fork or piping bag.
08 - Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Allow chocolate and caramel to set for five minutes before serving.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
- It feels like dessert without the guilt, and you can improvise with whatever apples you have on hand.
- This is the treat that got my picky cousin to finally eat something with fruit—no bribes required!
02 -
- Toasted coconut goes from golden to burnt in seconds—don’t multitask during this step or you’ll be remaking it.
- Chilling the apple slices for a few minutes before dressing makes the caramel set more quickly and keeps everything less messy.
03 -
- Letting each component cool before assembly prevents everything from sliding off the apples.
- A pinch of salt right at the end really lifts the caramel and chocolate flavors.