Tiger Butter Caramel Apples
These decadent treats feature a mesmerizing swirl of peanut butter and chocolate known as "tiger butter" drizzled over homemade caramel apples, creating showstopping desserts perfect for gatherings, gifts, or simply treating yourself.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Cooling/Setting Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 apples
Calories 520 kcal
For the Caramel Apples
- 6 medium-sized firm apples Granny Smith recommended for tartness contrast
- 2 cups premium caramel bits or unwrapped caramel squares 14 oz
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 6 sturdy wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
For the Tiger Butter Drizzle
- 8 oz high-quality white chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter natural works, but traditional offers better texture
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil divided
Remove stems and thoroughly wash apples under warm water, then dry completely with paper towels. Insert wooden sticks deeply into the apple cores. For better caramel adhesion, refrigerate prepared apples for 30 minutes.
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine caramel bits with heavy cream and warm over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. Once fully melted and smooth (about 5-7 minutes), remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Hold apples by their sticks and dip into the warm caramel, rotating to coat evenly. Allow excess to drip off, then use a silicone spatula to gently scrape the bottom. Place dipped apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until the caramel sets.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate and ½ tablespoon coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until just melted (approximately 2 minutes total). Stir in peanut butter until completely incorporated into a smooth, creamy mixture.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips with remaining ½ tablespoon coconut oil. Melt using the same gentle interval method. Transfer to a small piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
Remove set caramel apples from refrigerator. Working quickly, dip the top half of each apple into the peanut butter-white chocolate mixture, twisting to coat evenly. Return to parchment paper.
Immediately drizzle thin lines of semi-sweet chocolate across the white chocolate portion. While still wet, use a toothpick to gently drag through the chocolate lines in alternating directions, creating the distinctive tiger butter marbled effect.
Return completed apples to refrigerator for 30 minutes to fully set the tiger butter coating. Once set, bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.
Store your Tiger Butter Caramel Apples uncovered in the refrigerator for the first hour to allow any excess moisture to evaporate, then loosely wrap each apple in parchment paper. Avoid plastic wrap, which traps moisture and degrades the coating's texture.
For easier eating, slice your apples into wedges after they've fully set.
For advance preparation, you can make the caramel apples up to 48 hours ahead and add the tiger butter coating the day of serving.
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 220mgFiber: 4gSugar: 58g
Keyword Caramel Apples, Tiger Butter, Fall Desserts, Gourmet Apples, Peanut Butter Chocolate