Turtle Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

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Turtle Chocolate Covered Apple Slices is a must-make recipe for fall. This seriously scrumptious dessert combines the best of two recipes – chocolate dipped apples and turtle candies!

chocolate covered apple slices.


 

In the mood for a healthier dessert that is easy to make and tastes delicious? Well you’re in the right place!

What could be better than chocolate covered apple slices covered with a thick layer of sweet chocolate, caramel drizzle, and yummy, crunchy nuts?

I love the taste, and I’m sure you and your family will too!

turtle candy recipe on parchment paper.

Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

While these candy apple slices are great for an everyday dessert, they make for an even better Halloween treat!

They’re an easy way to up the ante on the classic Halloween party snacks!

I decided to make this recipe using apple slices instead of whole apples. This way, they’re easier to eat and less messy, too!

In the mood for more apple-y goodness? I’ve also got Air Fryer Apple Fries and Apple Cookies with Streusel Topping for some more of that fabulous apple flavor!

chocolate covered apple slices on white serving tray.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You will need the following ingredients to make these scrumptious chocolate covered apple slices:

  • Apples: Honeycrisp or other fresh, crisp flesh apple will work for this recipe. 
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: You’ll be melting the chocolate, so chips, chunks, or melting wafers will work well.

    You could even finely chop up chocolate bars if you’d like! 
  • Vegetable shortening: Coconut oil and butter are great substitutes for shortening.
     
  • Roasted peanuts: Pecans is the classic nut for a turtle candy recipe, but I prefer peanuts. Feel free to use either – or a combination of both!
  • Sea salt: I use sea salt flakes for more of the salty flavor. Large grind sea salt and kosher salt are also good options.
  • Soft caramels: I use Kraft caramels. Caramel bits will also work.

    You can use caramel sauce instead, but it doesn’t set up (harden) as firmly as traditional caramel candies do.
  • Heavy cream: In a pinch, you can substitute half and half for heavy cream, but the caramel mixture will be less creamy.
candy apple slices closeup.

Turtle Candy Recipe Variations

Use different types of chocolate.

You can substitute the semisweet chocolate with white, dark, or milk chocolate, depending on your favorite and what you have on hand!

Go nuts with other nuts!

You can also substitute the roasted peanuts with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts. 

Additional toppings 

Have fun and get creative with your chocolate covered apples! Here are some topping ideas that would be scrumptious and fun for the candy apple slices:

  • Sprinkles – If you’re making this recipe for Halloween treats, you could use the holiday-themed sprinkles.
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Crushed cookies
  • Marshmallow bits or marshmallow creme (keep in mind that it won’t harden)
chocolate dipped apples with caramel drizzle

Helpful Tips

  1. Use skewers – Consider placing the apples on wooden skewers. Not only does this make them easier to dip into the chocolate, but serving them is also easier!
  2. Parchment paper is your friend! To prevent the caramel and chocolate from dripping onto your countertops, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

    To prevent the chocolate covered apple slices from sticking to the parchment as they cool, you could even place them on a metal cooling rack over the pan.
  3. Soak the apple slices to prevent browning. To prevent the apples from turning brown before dipping them, you may place them in a bowl of lemon juice (this delays the oxidation).

    Don’t worry – this does not affect the taste at all.

Recipe FAQ

What is a double boiler?

A double boiler is usually made with a small saucepan on bottom and a heat proof bowl of some sort on top. It is a great way of heating things that burn or seize easily. 

Place a cup or two of water in the saucepan and place the bowl on top with your chocolate chips in it. As the pan heats up the water creates steam that is used to safely heat and melt the chocolate. 

How can I get caramel off my mixing bowls?

Caramel can be a terrible pain once it dries and sticks to something. The best way to deal with the extra caramel is to dump it out of the bowl while it is still warm. 

Dump it into a heat proof bag or disposable container right away, then use hot water and soap to clean off whatever caramel is left. If you let it cool, you will have to reheat it in the microwave to get the rest of it off your bowls.

Storing Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

You’ll need to store the candy  in the refrigerator, but keep in mind, chocolate covered apples generally don’t last more than a day before the apple becomes soggy. 

For the best tasting treats, I recommend making and eating them on the same day!

bite out of chocolate covered apple slices.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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chocolate dipped apples on serving tray.

chocolate dipped apples on a stick closeup.

Turtle Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Donna Elick
Turtle Chocolate Covered Apple Slices is a scrumptious treat combining a turtle candy recipe with chocolate dipped apples. Simple to make!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method Stovetop
Servings 12 slices

Ingredients
 

  • 3 large large apples, any crisp flesh variety
  • 2 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 1 cup caramels
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Cut apples into thick ½-inch slices and create a little slit at the base of the apple slice. This will be where you stick the popsicle stick. You can make four slices per apple.
  • Insert the popsicle sticks into the bottom of each apple slice.
  • Use a double boiler (or a microwave in 10-20 second increments) to melt the chocolate chips and shortening together. Stir frequently until completely melted.
  • Dip each apple slice into the chocolate mixture and lay them down on the sheet pan. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle chopped peanuts and sea salt over each apple slice. Set aside to cool and set.
  • Place the caramel candies and heavy cream into a large microwavable bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until the caramels are all melted. Be sure to stir the caramel mixture between each interval so that it does not burn.
  • Drizzle the melted caramel over each apple slice and then place the sheet pan in the refrigerator to chill until you are ready for serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 396cal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 177mg | Sugar: 34g | Fiber: 5g | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
turtle candy recipe.

Originally published September 2022

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    My family and I all loved these. I am going to bring these as a dessert to thanksgiving. Thank you for a wonderful recipe.

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