• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Fruit Desserts

    Published: Nov 11, 2021 · Modified: Nov 6, 2022 by Rachel

    Gourmet Chocolate Covered Apples

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    9272 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A fall must-have treat, sweet and beautiful, these Chocolate covered apples are super simple and fun to make! Kids can get in on the fun, and they are a great way to use leftover Halloween candy. The best treat of the season with just a few pantry ingredients! Tips, variations, and topping ideas included.

    Chocolate covered apples rolled in crushed candy, wrapped in clear bags with black ribbon on white platter.
    Contents show
    1 Supplies
    2 Best Apples to Use
    3 Topping Ideas
    4 How To Make Chocolate Covered Apples
    5 Make It Your Own
    6 Storing
    7 Want more edible treats that kids can make with you? Here are some ideas!
    8 Frequently asked questions
    9 Chocolate Covered Apples

    These chocolate covered apple scream fall, don’t they? You really should make them because they are such a fun, kid-friendly, easy snack or light dessert! SO much easier than caramel apples, and you can dress them up with your favorite toppings.

    Almost every year for Halloween, I misjudge the amount of candy we need for trick or treaters, and then there is this huge, excessive amount of candy leftover.

    Making chocolate covered apples is a great way to use up some of that excess and we give them out as gifts. Everyone loves them and my own temptation is kept in check. (yesssss!)

    Supplies

    • Extra long lollipop sticks – you can use flat popsicle sticks but they are much harder to insert
    • Hammer or Kitchen mallet – This is for crushing the candies if you need. A rolling pin will do in a pinch, but I like a regular ol’ garage hammer because it’s more precise.
    • Wax Paper – parchment paper will also work.
    • Knife
    • Spoon
    • Plastic Sealable Bags – like ziplock bags
    • Melting Chocolate – You will want to use melting chocolate for this, not chocolate chips. My personal favorite melting chocolate is Dulce Frutta, which you can find in most grocery stores in the produce section. Candy bar chocolate can work but it varies a lot of which you use.
    • Toppings of your choice – Ideas are listed below.
    • Clear flat-bottomed favor bags – (Optional) These are great if you are giving them as gifts or party favors. If your apples are quite large, this apple box might work better.
    • Chocolate Drizzling Bottle – Optional, although they are great for kids. You can use a spoon to drizzle but the stripes won’t be even. A ziplock bag with the tip cut off works too, but it is messier.

    Best Apples to Use

    Your favorite apples are always going to be the best to use.

    • Granny Smith – my personal favorite!
    • Honeycrisp
    • Fuji
    • Pazazz
    • Gala
    • Braeburn

    Topping Ideas

    Hard candies seem to work best or at least look better, but you can also use softer candies or candy bars if you chop them up very well. The options for toppings are endless, but here are a few of our favorites:

    • Crushed cookies (Oreos are my favorite)
    • Finely Chopped nuts (peanuts, pistachios, pecans, almonds, etc)
    • Sprinkles
    • Candy Wafers in Bright Colors (from the cake decorating aisle, but don’t use these for the chocolate)
    • Mini Chocolate Chips
    • Mini M&Ms
    • Finely Chopped Candy Bars (Freeze soft ones like Snickers or Twix 30 minutes before dipping)
    • Shredded Coconut
    • Chopped Pretzels
    • Toffee bits
    • Caramel
    • Peanut Butter drizzle
    • Graham cracker crumbs
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Flaky salt
    • More chocolate… milk or dark or white

    Tip: The smaller the candies, the better they stick. For Example, use mini-m&ms instead of full size. And make sure to finely chop nuts.

    Candy apple rolling station with fresh green apples, assorted candy dishes with m&m's, crushed twix candy bars, snickers, and dipping chocolate.

    How To Make Chocolate Covered Apples

    The printable instructions are included at the bottom of this post, but I have included a few tips and variations below.

    Setup: Wash your apples and dry thoroughly. Layout all of your toppings in a dish for dipping and coating. I love to make these with the family, so a toppings bar with various toppings in bowls is easy and fun!

    Tip: If you want a smaller snack, slice the apples into ¼-1/2 inch thick slices, top to bottom. Discard the ends and remove seeds that you find. You will have to be a little more carful inserting the stick this way.

    MELT CHOCOLATE: I generally find the microwave to be the easiest method for melting chocolate. Next, add chopped chocolate to a heat-safe bowl that is large enough to fit the apples in but also not too wide either. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, repeat until smooth. Just make sure NO water comes in contact with the melting chocolate ever.

    DIP: Since the apple have sticks, they’re pretty easy to dip. Dip the slice in the bowl of chocolate, spooning more coating up the entire apple. Let excess chocolate drip off, then put on the candies or set on wax paper to cool.

    TOPPINGS: Dry toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips should be put on right away. I find it best to spoon or press candies on the sides while the apples sit in the dish of candy. Work fast so the chocolate doesn’t drip down the candy dish. Refrigerate or freeze until solid. For toppings like caramel or peanut butter, let the chocolate harden first before topping.

    Gourmet chocolate covered apples dipped in chocolate and rolled in assorted candies on white lollipop sticks

    Make It Your Own

    There are a few different ideas you can do to change it up.

    Chocolate covered apple slices on a table and caramel and chocolate dipped apples.
    • Dip in caramel first, let cool on wax paper, and then dip in melted chocolate for a thick double coating.
    • Use ½ inch thick apple slices rather than whole apples. Pat the apples slices dry before dipping.
    • For less chocolate, drizzle rather than dip.
    • Sprinkle rather dip in the candies if you want to use different kinds on the same apple.
    • For a thicker coating, let harden at room temperature and double dip.

    Storing

    Whole apples will last about a week if stored properly. They can be kept in the refrigerator, but it is not necessary. They should be kept in an airtight container or individually wrapped in plastic to prevent air exposure. Apple slices covered in chocolate will last 3-4 days and must be kept in the refrigerator, but best if eaten fresh.

    Want more edible treats that kids can make with you? Here are some ideas!

    • Easy Marshmallow Pops
    • Infused Cooking Oils
    • Ultimate Halloween Party – At the party, we wrapped them in plastic favor bags and let the guests choose a festive ribbon or two. Aren’t they so cute?!

    Frequently asked questions

    How long will chocolate candy apples last?

    Whole apples will last about a week if stored properly. They can be kept in the refrigerator, but it is not necessary. They should be kept in an airtight container or individually wrapped in plastic to prevent air exposure. Apple slices covered in chocolate will last 3-4 days and must be kept in the refrigerator, but best if eaten fresh.

    Do you clean apples before dipping in chocolate?

    Yes. Apples should be washed and dried before slicing or covering in chocolate. After slicing, apple slices should be patted to remove excess moisture and help the candy-coating stick better.

    Why are my chocolate covered apples cracking?

    If you take a bite and the outer covering cracks or falls off, the chocolate coating is probably too cold. To minimize cracking, let the outer layer come to room temp before slicing or biting into.

    What chocolate is best for dipping?

    In my humble opinion, this dulci frutta is the best supermarket variety of melting chocolate for dipping. The shell is even and it does have a solid chocolate taste.
    My second choice would go to this chocolate melting bark, or Ghiradelli Wafers. Both works well and have good chocolate flavor. Double dip for a thicker coating.
    Avoid anything called candy wafers or the stuff in the cake decorating aisle. Quite frankly, I want real chocolate and those don’t taste as good.
    Chocolate chips will leave a thick, lumpy coating.

    Cookbook cover of Chicken and Rice casserole. The cookbook is titled Weeknight Supper Solutions

    Not Sure
    What's For Dinner?

    Signup for recipe updates and get a free cookbook of Easy Weeknight Supper Solutions!

    More Easy Treats and Recipes

    New Orleans Pecan Pralines Cookies cooling on wax paper.
    Pecan Pralines
    Two marshmallow pops dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candies on top. how to make chocolate dipped marshmallow pops - easy decorating idea and fun to make with the kids. Add candies and colors!
    Easy Marshmallow Pops
    Cheesecake Brownies stacked 3 high on top of a cooking cooling rack.
    Cream Cheese Brownies
    Collage of christmas cookie recipes including chocolate cookies, peppermint cookies, and red and green festive desserts.
    Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes

    PS. If you make this recipe, leave a COMMENT AND A STAR RATING in the comments section at the bottom and be sure to take a photo and tag it #cravingcreative on Instagram! I appreciate you for taking the time to read about me and my family recipes. 

    Chocolate covered apples rolled in crushed candy, wrapped in clear bags with black ribbon on white platter.

    Chocolate Covered Apples

    A delicious fall treat, learn to make gourmet chocolate covered apples at home. The best treat of the season to make with the kids!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 10 apples
    Calories: 277kcal
    Author: Rachel

    Ingredients

    Apples

    • 10 Apples Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Gala, etc.
    • 16 oz Melting Chocolate see notes for varieties
    • Hard Toppings Oreos, Finely Chopped nuts, Sprinkles, Mini Chocolate Chips, Mini M&Ms, Shredded Coconut, Toffee Bits, Graham Cracker Crumbs, etc
    • Drizzle Toppings White or Dark Chocolate, Caramel, or Peanut Butter

    Tools

    • 10 Extra-long Lollipop Sticks
    • 1 Hammer or kitchen mallet For crushing candies
    • Wax Paper
    • Deep bowls or container large enough to put the apple in

    Instructions

    • Apples should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes prior to dipping.
    • Prepare toppings. In a ziplock bag, place items for crushing like cookies and use a mallet to crush them finely. Smaller candies and bits will stick better than larger ones, so finely chop nuts or candies as necessary. Lay out toppings in small dishes.
    • Remove the stems from the apples. Stand the apples on a flat surface, stem side up. Insert the lollipop sticks vertically through the center core all the way to the bottom of the apple. Tap the stick with a hammer to push the lollipop stick down if you need to. Alternatively, you can slice the apples into ½ inch thick slices and add the lollipop sticks.
    • Set out an assembly line with the bowls of candy bars, spoons, and apples on wax paper on a cookie tray for easier transport.
    • Melt the chocolate. In a microwave, add chopped chocolate to a heat-safe bowl that is large enough to fit the apples in but also not too wide either. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, repeat until smooth. 
    • Work one apple at a time. Tip the container (about 45 degrees) until the chocolate pools to one side. Insert the apple into the chocolate. Swirl and turn the apple to coat with the chocolate until the sides are completely covered as you desire. If necessary, spoon chocolate up the sides to cover more area. Allow to excess to drip off. You can lightly bang the lollipop stick against an empty bowl rim to remove faster.
    • Dry toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips should be put on right away. I find it best to spoon or press candies on the sides while the apples sit in the dish of candy. You can also lift the apple, turn and set down on each side to press candies on. For toppings like caramel or peanut butter, let the chocolate harden first before topping.
    • Set apples on wax paper to cool and harden. Repeat chocolate and candy dipping for the remaining apples. Refrigerate until the outer shell is solid.

    Notes

    Best Chocolates to Use
    • In my humble opinion, this dulci frutta is the best supermarket variety of melting chocolate for dipping. The shell is even and it does have a solid chocolate taste.
    • My second choice would go to this chocolate melting bark, or Ghiradelli Wafers. Both work well and have good chocolate flavor. Double dip for a thicker coating.
    • Avoid anything called candy wafers or the stuff in the cake decorating aisle. Quite frankly, I want real chocolate and those don’t taste as good.
    • Chocolate chips will leave a thick, lumpy coating.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1apple | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 0.7g | Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 7.1g | Sugar: 47g | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1.8mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
    « 30 Christmas Cookie Exchange Ideas
    Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Roxanne says

      January 14, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      5 stars
      I love these!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity