Save It A festive and interactive dessert board featuring crisp apples, creamy caramel, salty pretzels, and a variety of decadent dips and toppings, perfect for sharing at fall gatherings.
I first made this board for a fall get-together with friends, letting everyone build their own caramel apple creations. It was such a hit that we’ve added it to our annual autumn traditions.
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruit: 4 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced, 1 lemon, juiced (to prevent apple browning)
- Dips: 1 cup prepared caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), ½ cup chocolate sauce, ½ cup cream cheese dip (optional, for variety)
- Salty & Sweet Accompaniments: 2 cups mini salty pretzels, 1 cup graham crackers, broken into pieces, 1 cup vanilla wafers or butter cookies
- Toppings: ½ cup chopped toasted pecans, ½ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup toffee bits, ¼ cup rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Apples:
- Wash and slice the apples into wedges. Toss slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Arrange Board:
- Arrange apple slices in a fan or circular pattern on a large serving board or platter.
- Set Out Dips:
- Place small bowls of caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, and cream cheese dip on the board.
- Add Accompaniments:
- Fill in around the apples and dips with mini pretzels, graham crackers, and vanilla wafers.
- Toppings:
- Offer toppings—chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, sprinkles, and flaky sea salt—in small bowls or sprinkled over the board.
- Serve:
- Invite guests to dip apple slices or pretzels into their choice of sauces and roll in toppings for a fully customizable treat.
Save It My kids love helping assemble the board, choosing their favorite toppings and making each apple slice unique. It’s become our go-to for birthday parties and cozy family nights.
Required Tools
Large wooden board or platter, small serving bowls or ramekins, sharp knife, cutting board, tongs or small forks for dipping
Additional Notes
Swap in pears or sliced bananas for variety, use gluten-free pretzels and cookies if needed, and drizzle caramel or chocolate directly onto apples for decoration.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving)
Save It This easy dessert board is sure to spark smiles and conversation—a sweet way to celebrate the flavors of fall together.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prevent apple slices from browning?
Toss apple slices in freshly squeezed lemon juice to keep them vibrant and fresh throughout serving.
- → What other fruits can be used?
Pears and bananas are excellent alternatives for variety on the board along with apples.
- → Can the board be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels and cookies to make the entire board suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What toppings pair best with caramel?
Chopped pecans, chocolate chips, toffee bits, and flaky salt offer delicious texture and flavor contrast.
- → Which beverages complement this dessert board?
Hot apple cider and crisp Riesling enhance the flavors and festive atmosphere of the board.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
The board contains milk, wheat, and tree nuts; check packaging if serving guests with food allergies.