Gourmet Chocolate Covered Apples

Amethyst · October 28, 2025, 9:14pm

Gourmet Chocolate Covered Apples

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 apples

Ingredients:

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 a container large enough to put the apple in

Directions:

Apples should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before 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 dulce 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 Ghirardelli 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 temperature before slicing or biting into it.

Nutritional Facts:

Recipe courtesy of Craving Some Creativity.com