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Quick Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board: Easy 10-Minute Dessert

caramel apple charcuterie board - featured image
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A stunning dessert board that comes together in just 10 minutes with no cooking required. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (optional)
  • 1 cup mini pretzels or pretzel sticks
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup crunchy granola
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2–3 ounces sharp cheddar or brie (optional)
  • 4–6 shortbread or graham crackers (optional)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the caramel sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-20 seconds until it reaches a warm honey consistency. Set aside.
  2. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the caramel sticks.
  3. Slice each apple in half from top to bottom, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges. Remove the core and seeds from each wedge.
  4. Place small bowls of caramel sauce and peanut butter on a large serving board, positioning them slightly off-center.
  5. Arrange the apple slices in 3-4 clusters around the board for easy access.
  6. Fill in the gaps with pretzels, nuts, granola, and chocolate chips. Scatter dried fruit and any optional ingredients.
  7. Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the apples and pretzels for visual appeal.
  8. Dust everything with a light sprinkle of cinnamon using a fine-mesh strainer.
  9. Add fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Slice apples right before serving to prevent browning. For make-ahead, prep dry ingredients up to a day ahead and slice apples last. Toss apple slices with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to slow browning. For vegan version, use plant-based caramel sauce and skip cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels or extra nuts/seeds. For nut-free, skip peanut butter and nuts, add extra pretzels and seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple charcuterie board, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, 10-minute dessert, apple board, fall dessert, party dessert

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/quick-caramel-apple-charcuterie-board-easy-10-minute-dessert/