By Alana Al-Hatlani

Caramel apples are an iconic fall treat, so it’s no wonder the students at the castle enjoy these around Halloween and during the Halloween feast (along with lots of candy, of course). This recipe is for caramel apple slices, which are much easier to eat than a whole, cumbersome caramel apple. Plus, they are extremely portable, which comes in handy when you suddenly have to evacuate dinner due to a troll in the dungeon! 

Caramel Apple Slices

Yield: 2 servings

Cook time: 10 minutes

1 green or red apple, cored, cut into 16 slices

16 caramel square candies or 1 cup chocolate chips

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

toppings of choice, like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts (optional)

16 toothpicks or lollipop sticks

1. Prep the apples by sticking one toothpick or lollipop stick into each slice.

2. Place the caramels or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. If using caramels, add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Use 2 different bowls if you want to dip your apples in caramel and chocolate.

3. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring the mixture in between, until the caramels or chocolate chips are completely melted. Set aside.

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Carefully, as the mixture will be hot, dip each slice halfway up in caramel and lay flat on the baking sheet to set.

6. Add the toppings, if using, while the caramel is still setting.

Excerpted from The Unofficial Hogwarts Cookbook for Kids by Alana Al-Hatlani. Copyright © 2021 Ulysses Press. Reprinted with permission from Ulysses Press. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Alana Al-Hatlani is a baker by morning and a food writer by night. Her writing has appeared in Saveur, the Eater, and the Independent. She started baking as soon as she could reach the counter with a step stool and hasn’t left the kitchen since. She holds a BA in journalism from New York University and a pastry degree from Seattle Culinary Academy. To see more of her baking or writing, go to alanaalhatlani.com.