Last weekend, I hostessed a small baby shower for my sister. Her baby is due on Christmas Day, and I’m just dying to hold the little sweet pea! Love me some babies all wrinkled up and fresh from the womb.
One thing I knew I wanted to serve at the shower was apples. Since Honeycrisp apples are about as amazing as they come right now, I thought it would be fun to slice them up on a platter and drizzle them with caramel and sprinkle on some chopped salted peanuts. But I knew that I would not want to have very much prep work at the last minute, and that they would turn brown while they sat out at the shower. Now, I know that there’s really nothing wrong with a brown apple. It does taste exactly the same, just doesn’t look as pretty. So I did a little research and found this awesome little trick from the Yummy Life. It really works! And I’m way to excited about it!
Slice up your apples, and then soak them for five minutes in salt water. No browning. And your apples don’t taste salty. You only need 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 quart of water.
Not only is this a great trick for having sliced apples at parties and get togethers, but you can cut up a bunch of apples at once, soak them, and then put them in a plastic bag in the fridge for snacks and school lunches. I know you can buy pre-sliced apples, but not my beloved Honeycrisp!
I’ve also read that you can use lemon juice or lemon lime soda (anything with citric acid) but those are items I don’t usually keep on hand. Salt is one thing I’ve always got, so it’s super convenient.
Make sure you serve the caramel drizzled apples right away, because the caramel drizzle will sort of melt into the apples after a bit. Still tastes great, but doesn’t have the same look.
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Caramel Apple Slices Plus How To Keep Apples From Turning Brown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
These caramel drizzled apple slices are easier than dipping whole apples. Plus, the secret to keeping your apples from turning brown without altering taste.
Ingredients
- 4 apples cored and sliced
- 2 quarts of water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 soft caramel candies (I used Werthers)
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1/4 cup chopped salted and roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with 2 quarts of water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into it. Soak your apple slices for 5 minutes and then drain the water and place the apples in a ZipLoc bag, removing as much air as you can. You can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days (or more!) without browning.
- When you are ready to serve, melt your caramels with 2 teaspoons of water in a microwave safe bowl for 20-30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle over your apple slices (I used a plastic squeeze bottle) and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve immediately.
Katya @ Little Broken says
What a great tip! I’ve been using lemon juice but you something taste the after effects! Will have to try your tip š
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
What a great tip from keeping your apple slices fresh – there’s nothing worse than seeing a plate of brown apples at a baby shower! (Also: mmmm caramel….drooling)
Shiran @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet. says
This is such a great trick Julie, I can’t believe it actually works! I love that!
Christina @ Bake with Christina says
Love apple slices with caramel! And thanks for the tip!
Julie says
Thanks Christina, hope you get a chance to try it!
Tanya says
I am a really, really grateful mom. I really appreciate your tip! My little one would ask for apple and it takes her a while to eat. About 1/3 into the apple, she’ll refuse to since the apple turns brown now. Like you, I don’t keep soda on hands and my little one doesn’t like lemon taste, so I really appreciate you sharing this awesome tip!
Julie says
I know what you mean! I’m so glad to be able to send apples in my boys’ lunches to school and know that they will eat them. Glad this was helpful for you!
Tonya says
I have been looking for something to replace lemon or lime juice. I am allergic to citrus fruits and this hack is fantastic! Thanks a million!
Julie says
You are welcome Tonya!
Leigh says
Thank you so much for sharing this tip! I’m throwing my daughter’s first birthday party in an entirely different state and I’m dreading all the prep as I’ll be totally out of my element! I was just wondering if the apples need to be wiped down with a paper towel before going into the ziplock bag or if it’s okay to just drain the water and put them in? Thanks again for posting this!
Julie says
Hi Leigh, you don’t even need to wipe them down after soaking, just drain the water the best you can, and then squeeze the air out of the bag before you seal it. Good luck with the party!
susan says
do you taste the salt on the apple
Julie says
I could not š
Rachna says
OMG, I love apples ! These caramel apples are looking perfect and delicious.
Trish Boltz says
How long can the apples sit out within browning? I am 4 hours before party.
Julie says
Iām finding it depends on the type of apples – Honeycrisp seem to stay white the longest. I would plan on soaking the apples an hour before the party and refrigerate so as they set out they will still be fresh.
Heather says
I just found pre-sliced Honey crisp apples at Sam’s Club!! First time I’ve seen them anywhere!