Smores Candy Apple Slices

My neighbor burst through the kitchen door one autumn afternoon with a bag of apples from her orchard and this wild idea: what if we took s'mores and made them elegant? We stood there laughing, chocolate melting in a bowl, debating whether dipping apple slices counted as gourmet or just an excuse to eat marshmallow on a weeknight. Turns out, it was both, and now I can't make them just once.

I made these for my book club once, thinking they'd be a cute little bite to go with coffee, and instead they became the only thing anyone remembered about the meeting. Someone asked for the recipe before we even opened the book, and I realized then that simplicity plus a bit of playfulness can outshine anything complicated.

Ingredients

• Apples: Use crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and provide tartness that keeps the sweetness from feeling heavy.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: This is your canvas; about 120 g melts smoothly and coats without pooling too thick.
• Coconut oil: Just one teaspoon loosens the chocolate enough to dip without making it too thin, a trick I learned after one too many clumpy batches.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Crush them yourself or buy them pre-made; the homemade version tastes fresher and you control the texture.
• Mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff: Fluff gives you drizzle control, but mini marshmallows add playful texture if you prefer pressing them in while the chocolate is still tacky.
• Toasted nuts: Pecans or peanuts add crunch that prevents the whole thing from feeling too soft, though they're optional if you're keeping it simple.
• Flaky sea salt: A whisper of this over the chocolate side sounds fancy but actually just brings out the sweetness and makes people ask what that something-special is.

Instructions

Set Up Your Station:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and clear some counter space because once you start dipping, you'll want everything within arm's reach.

Prepare the Apples:

Wash and thoroughly dry your apples; any moisture invites the chocolate to slip right off. Slice each apple into four thick pieces, removing the seedy core from each one with a gentle press of your knife.

Optional Stick Insertion:

If you want handles for dipping, push a popsicle stick or skewer into the flesh of each slice, giving it a gentle twist to secure it.

Melt the Chocolate:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring between each pulse until the mixture is glossy and smooth. If you prefer a double boiler, that works beautifully too and gives you more control over temperature.

Dip with Intent:

Hold each apple slice and dip it halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip away for a few seconds before setting it down. You want a generous coat without chocolate pooling on the parchment.

Coat Immediately:

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle or gently press graham cracker crumbs onto the chocolate side, working quickly before it sets.

Add Marshmallow Magic:

If using fluff, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds to loosen it, then drizzle over each slice with a spoon or piping bag. If using mini marshmallows, press a few gently into the wet chocolate where they'll stick as it cools.

Finish with Flair:

Sprinkle on any optional nuts or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still tacky.

Chill and Serve:

Pop the whole sheet into the fridge for 10 minutes so the chocolate sets properly and everything binds together.

Save

There's something almost ceremonial about the moment when chocolate, apple, and marshmallow come together on a single slice—it tastes like a conversation between dessert nostalgia and something unexpected, something that feels both familiar and entirely new. My kids now ask for these instead of regular candy, which feels like winning at both nutrition and indulgence.

Variations That Work

White chocolate instead of dark chocolate shifts the whole vibe toward sweeter and creamier, which some people find irresistible. I've also swapped graham cracker crumbs for crushed pretzels to amp up the salt and crunch, and once used cinnamon sugar as a coating when I ran out of graham crackers and it became someone's new favorite version.

Storage and Serving Notes

These are best enjoyed within a few hours of assembly because apples gradually release their juice and soften the chocolate over time. If you must store them, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within a day; they're fine cold but taste most magical at room temperature.

Why This Became a Ritual

What started as a playful September afternoon has become my answer to quick dessert emergencies and the thing I bring to potlucks when I want people to feel like they're getting something thoughtful. The beauty is in the simplicity—no oven, no stress, just the pleasure of assembly and the joy of something that tastes more impressive than it actually is.

• Make them 10 minutes before serving for the best texture balance between crisp apple and creamy chocolate.
• If your chocolate is too thick, add another half-teaspoon of coconut oil rather than water, which would seize it.
• Let people build their own at a gathering and watch how creative they get with toppings.

Save

These s'mores apple slices remind me that sometimes the best desserts aren't the complicated ones—they're the ones that bring a little joy and surprise to an ordinary moment. Make them soon, and watch how quickly they disappear.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of apples work best?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, which hold well when sliced and dipped.

→ How can I melt the chocolate smoothly?

Use short microwave bursts stirring frequently or melt it slowly over a double boiler with optional coconut oil to achieve a silky texture.

→ Can I add toppings besides graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, chopped toasted nuts like pecans or peanuts add crunch, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors beautifully.

→ What is the best way to apply marshmallows?

Use mini marshmallows pressed onto warm chocolate or drizzle softened marshmallow fluff over the slices for an even coating.

→ How long should the slices be chilled before serving?

Refrigerate the coated slices for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set firmly for easier handling and serving.