Freeze-Dried Caramel Chocolate Apples

Fall caramel apples are always magical, but this version is next-level delicious. We start with crunchy freeze-dried apple slices, then layer on smooth caramel and rich chocolate to create a sweet, crisp, and totally addictive treat that stays fresh for weeks to months. They’re cute, gift-worthy, and guaranteed to disappear fast—whether you pack them in holiday bags, add them to a charcuterie board, or save them for cozy late-night snacking.

Crispy, sweet, and oh-so-addictive! A new fall-favorite! A shelf-stable twist on a classic caramel apple that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or fall or winter craft markets. PackFreshUSA Stand Up Pouches  make the perfect package to display and keep these beautiful gourmet caramel apples zipped up sealed but once gifted they will be eaten up quickly.  They come in a variety of sizes and colors to fit any theme. To store longer use a oxygen absorbers to keep it fresher longer.

Instructions

• Prep the apples
  Wash, core, and slice apples evenly into ¼–½-inch slices for round shapes, and use an apple slices to create wedge shaped bit size . Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best crunch.
  
  
• Optional: Pre-treat
  To prevent browning, soak slices in a light lemon-water bath (1 tbsp lemon juice to 1 cup water) for 3–5 minutes. Pat dry.
  
  
• Arrange on trays
  • Lay apple slices in a single layer on your freeze-dryer trays. Avoid overlapping so they dry evenly.
    
• Pre-Freeze
  • Pre-freeze before you place in the freeze-drier to use less dry time and help stop browning. 
• Freeze-dry
  • Run your machine on a standard fruit cycle until the slices are crisp throughout (no cold or chewy spots). Let cool completely.

• Add the caramel layer
  • Melt soft caramel candies (or homemade caramel) until smooth. Dip each freeze-dried apple slice halfway or drizzle over the top. Let set on parchment paper.
    
• Dip in chocolate & decorate
  • Melt chocolate (milk, white, or dark) and dip the caramel-coated side for an extra-decadent layer.
    While the chocolate is still soft, add toppings such as:
    
  • Crushed nuts (pecans, peanuts, almonds)
    
  • Mini chocolate chips
    
  • Sprinkles or edible glitter
    
  • Crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a pop of color
    
    
• Let set & package
  Allow coated slices to cool and harden completely. Store in Stand Up Pouches  with Oxygen Absorbers to keep them crisp and fresh.

If you haven't checked out some of our other holiday blogs including the ​Freeze-Dried Caramel Apples: A Crisp and Sweet Holiday Treat - PackFreshUSA make sure you do. These apples are freeze-dried with caramel that is crispy and delicous. 

These freeze-dried apples with caramel & chocolate prove that food storage can be fun, beautiful, and delicious. Whether you’re making them for fall gifting, lunchbox treats, emergency pantry morale boosters, or just because—each crispy, sweet bite feels like a little gourmet moment. Enjoy the crunch, share the joy, and keep creating magic in your kichen!

SHARE - I can’t wait to see how yours turn out! If you make a batch, snap a picture of your caramel-chocolate creations—gift baskets, market displays, pantry shelves, or lunchbox treats—and share them online. Tag PackFreshUSA so we can cheer you on and celebrate your freeze-drying success!

Happy holidays,

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert
Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA
YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube 
Instagram - Ola Dee Griffin (@Preparedness101) • Instagram Photos And Videos 
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