Halloween is my favorite holiday. There, I said it. I know that everyone else is obsessed with Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I’ve always loved Halloween the best. Creepy decorations, costumes, trick-or-treating, candy – what’s not to like?
Unfortunately, for the past few years, I have not been able to fully indulge in the Halloween frivolity. Two years ago, we bought a house and closed on Nov 1 – the day after Halloween. We were a little bit preoccupied that year. Last year, we spent most of October in Europe, getting married and honeymooning, and, by the time we got back, there was just not enough time for proper Halloween preparations. This year, I’m pregnant, and I’m probably the most preoccupied I’ve ever been. So, three years running, I have not been able to give Halloween its proper due.
I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like to do things half ass. If I don’t have a killer costume, then I’d rather ignore the holiday altogether. However, in honor of moderation, I’m trying to moderate my Halloween views. Maybe I don’t have time for a killer costume this year or a Martha Stewart-worthy haunted house, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dress up, hand out candy, and eat some caramel apple slices.
Speaking of caramel apples, they are, to me, the creepiest part of Halloween. Every time I look at a caramel apple, all I can think about is taking a big bite, getting my teeth stuck in the apple and getting lock jaw. #TMJproblems. It’s sad, really. Because I love caramel and I love apples.
So, this year, I decided to make a Michelle-friendly caramel apple. First things first, I sliced the apples. Much more user friendly and no terrifying lock jaw. Secondly, I used my favorite dairy-free caramel sauce, making this a dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan-friendly treat. Finally, I chose toppings that are fun but still moderately healthy – nuts and unsweetened coconut.
Let’s just say I’m pretty mad that I didn’t think of this sooner. All these years I could have been enjoying delicious caramel apples with just a few minor adjustments. Oh well. I definitely plan to make up for it this Halloween season by indulging in as many of these caramel apple slices as possible! You know you want to join me…..!
Caramel Apple Slices with Toasted Pecans and Coconut (DF, GF, V)
You will have enough caramel sauce and toppings for 1-2 apples depending on the apple sizes and how many slices you cut.
- 1-2 sweet apples (cut into slices)
- 3/4 cup coconut milk fat
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- In a small saucepan, bring the coconut milk fat and brown sugar to a boil over medium-high.
- Cook, stirring, until the fat melts and mixture is smooth.
- Reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla and salt . Let simmer for another 5 minute.
- While the caramel is simmering, toast the pecans and coconut in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and golden.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the apple slices and top with toasted pecans and coconut. Enjoy!
These look like a great, healthy and simple treat – and you definitely won’t get lockjaw 😉 Should be easy to throw together as a sweet snack on any day! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Ksenia!! It’s definitely easy to throw together!
I am pretty scared of biting into a caramel apple also, so I love this deconstructed version! Much easier to eat and just as delicious!
Thanks Joanne! I should have called this post deconstructed caramel apple slices!!
Just found your site through Robyn’s……very nice. Great recipe, we always slice our apples around here, love the toppings!
Thanks Cheri! I’m so glad you stopped by. It’s nice to meet a fellow apple slicer. 🙂
I always like the idea of a caramel apple, but they are so darn hard to bite into! These slices are the perfect solution.
Thanks Erin!!
I will definitely have to share this recipe with my father so he can make it for Thanksgiving! 😉
Such a healthy dessert and the pictures look gorgeous! I definitely need to keep the recipe. I have a bunch of friends who always think my dessert is not healthy enough! This is perfect for a friend gathering 🙂
Thanks Maggie!!
Healthy and Delicious!!!
Thanks Michelle!
We celebrate Halloween a little different than most. We have been staying in due to food allergies. We watch movies and make homemade candy and snacks. This is a great addition to our line up. Pinning to use next year.
Thanks Margaret! That sounds like a great tradition! I might adopt that for our family. 🙂