Gooey Caramel Apple Candy Clusters

Few things say holiday nostalgia like a caramel apple at a winter fair. These Caramel Apple Candy Clusters bring that same cozy flavor home, without the mess of dipping apples on a stick. Soft caramel and white chocolate melt together in the crockpot, creating a creamy base that wraps around chewy dried apple slices and crunchy walnuts. Each bite is gooey, nutty, and full of cinnamon-sugar warmth.

I once made these for a potluck, and they were gone before the fudge or cookies even got touched. The chewy apple pieces taste almost like taffy, while the walnuts keep them grounded with a satisfying crunch. Pro tip: cut the apple slices into small chunks before stirring them in—otherwise you’ll end up with giant bites that are tricky to chew. I learned that the hard way! Topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, they look as festive as they taste.

Caramel and Apple: A Nostalgic Holiday Duo

The combination of tart dried apples and buttery caramel brings back childhood memories of fairs, markets, and chilly nights. It’s sweet and slightly tangy all at once, the kind of flavor that feels timeless.

Texture That Keeps You Coming Back

Chewy apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy caramel—it’s the trifecta of holiday snacking. Every bite feels like a mix of candy and trail mix rolled into one.

Crockpot Convenience for Busy Days

All the hard work happens in your slow cooker. The caramel and chocolate melt perfectly smooth without scorching, leaving you free to wrap presents or bake cookies while it works.

Gorgeous for Holiday Platters

Spoon the clusters into mini muffin cups and drizzle with extra caramel. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, and suddenly they look bakery-perfect. They’re elegant enough for gifting yet easy enough for weeknight snacking.

Easy to Switch Up

Not a walnut fan? Try pecans or almonds. Want more color? Add a handful of dried cranberries. You could even dip the set clusters halfway into dark chocolate for a caramel apple “truffle” effect.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup soft caramel squares (unwrapped)
• 1 cup dried apple slices, chopped small
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon sugar (for topping)
• Optional: extra caramel for drizzling

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or prepare mini muffin cups.
2. Add white chocolate chips and caramel squares to the crockpot. Heat on low, stirring every 15 minutes until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped apple pieces and walnuts until evenly coated.
4. Drop spoonfuls into muffin cups or onto the parchment sheet.
5. Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
6. Let clusters set at room temperature or chill in the fridge until firm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (hands-off in crockpot)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: ~24 clusters
• Calories: ~150 per cluster
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 20g