Unusual Caramel Apple Recipes

One of my favorite fall flavors is caramel apple! From Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice drinks (which my kids love) to caramel apple candles, there is just something so fabulously fall about the flavors of caramel and apple put together! Since apples are at their peak in the fall, it’s the perfect time to put this fruit into the spotlight. If you’re tired of the same old caramel apple spice recipe, then you really should check out some of these delicious caramel apple spice recipes.

Recipe 01: Caramel Apple Spice Pancakes

Sweet, spicy, and perfect for a chilly fall morning, these pancakes are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 2 c. buttermilk
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 1/2 c. flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 Tbsp. vinegar

Caramel:

• 1 c. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. corn syrup
• 3-4 Tbsp. water
• 1/2 c. boiling hot heavy cream
• 2 c. peeled, cored, and diced apples
• 1/4 c. sugar

Process:

Begin by making the apples first. Start by combining 1/4 c. of sugar and apples together in a pot and cook, stirring often, for about twenty minutes. While the apples are softening, make the caramel. To do this, combine 1 c. sugar, corn syrup, and water together in a good saucepan (like this one) and bring to a boil. As the mixture boils, stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved, then stop stirring. While the caramel is boiling, bring the cream to a boil in the microwave. As the sugar mixture is boiling, watch until it becomes amber in color and immediately remove from heat. Next, slowly stir the hot cream into the caramel with a wooden spoon until combined. Return the pot to the heat and continue cooking for another minute or two before removing from heat and allowing to cool.

Next up, make the pancakes by whisking together the eggs, sugar until combined. Then mix in the buttermilk and flour and continue whisking until smooth. Next, in a separate cup, mix together the baking soda and vinegar before adding it to the batter and mixing until completely combined.

To cook the pancakes, grease a griddle (like this one) and pour 1/4 of batter at a time onto the griddle. When bubbles begin breaking on the top, flip the pancake and cook for another minute or two. Serve with a heaping spoonful of apples and a drizzle of caramel.

Recipe 02: No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits

Perfect for those days when you don’t want to cook, these parfaits are perfect for a crowd!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
• 2 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1/4 c. cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla, divided
• 4 oz. softened cream cheese
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• Caramel apples: 1/2 c. chopped and peeled apples, 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. caramel sauce

Process:

Begin by preparing your apples. Then bring the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir the apple mixture and allow to boil for at least 5 minutes or until they are soft. When the apples are done, remove from heat, stir in caramel sauce, and allow to cool.

While the apple mixture is cooling, prepare the cheesecake. Begin by mixing the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and pressing the mixture into the bottom of two ramekins or serving dishes. Then put the ramekins into the fridge and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat the cream in a large mixing bowl on medium-high speed for at least a minute or until it starts to thicken. When the cream begins to thicken, slowly add in the powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp. vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks form in the cream. Then place the whipping cream in the fridge.

Next, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and remaining vanilla until completely smooth and creamy. Then fold the whipped cream (reserving 1/2 c. for garnish) into the cream cheese mixture until completely incorporated.

Last, it’s time to assemble your parfait! Begin by adding cheesecake filling to the top of each crust followed by a spoonful of cooked apple. Continue layering until you reach the top of the dish. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired and return to the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Recipe 03: Caramel Apple Nachos

This dish is perfect for parties and a great way to switch up your appetizer game!

Ingredients:

• 30 large marshmallows
• 5 Tbsp. butter
• 35 caramels
• 1 Tbsp. water
• 4-5 sliced apples
• various toppings: peanuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed candy bars, etc.

Process:

Start by melting the marshmallows and butter together in a saucepan over low heat (alternatively, you can melt it in the microwave in 30-second increments), mixing until completely smooth. Next, place the caramels and water into a bowl and microwave in 30-second increments until melted and smooth. Then slice apples into thin slices and arrange on a large platter (like this one) before drizzling the caramel and marshmallow over the top and sprinkling liberally with your chosen toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 04: Caramel Apple Sangria

For those kid-free evenings when you want to warm up with something a little bit spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1-750 mL bottle Mirassou Moscato
• 3 c. apple cider
• 1 c. lemon-lime soda
• 1/3 c. caramel-flavored vodka
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3 sweet apples, diced
• 1 pear, diced
• 1/2 c. halved green grapes

Process:

Begin by putting the apples, pear, and grapes in a large pitcher. Next, slowly pour in the Moscato followed by the cider, vodka, and cinnamon. Then stir gently before placing in the fridge for at least an hour. Before serving add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently. Serve and enjoy!

Now that apple season is upon us, try making one of these deliciously unusual caramel apple recipes! You won’t regret it.