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Light Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board: Easy Fall Toppings Bar

light caramel apple charcuterie board - featured image
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A lighter version of a classic fall dessert board featuring crisp apple slices, a creamy coconut milk-based caramel sauce, and a customizable toppings bar. Perfect for gatherings, this easy recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus flaky salt for finishing)
  • 4–5 medium apples (mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
  • ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter (optional)
  • ½ cup low-sugar granola (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh pomegranate arils (optional)
  • ½ cup mini pretzels (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the light caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Whisk until dissolved and smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly (coats the back of a spoon). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Let cool for 10 minutes (it will thicken further).
  2. Prep the apples: Wash and dry apples. Core and slice into thin rounds or wedges about ¼ inch thick. Toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for 2-3 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and let cool. Toast sliced almonds for 1-2 minutes, then cool.
  4. Arrange the board: Place a large wooden board or platter on a flat surface. Arrange apple slices in a fan pattern or overlapping rows, creating a large oval in the center. Place small bowls of caramel sauce, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter in strategic spots. Fill gaps with piles of pecans, almonds, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, granola, and any other toppings. Dust cinnamon lightly over the apples.
  5. Add final touches: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over apple slices if desired. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel. Garnish with pomegranate arils or whole pecans. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Toast nuts just before using for best flavor. Don’t overcook the caramel—keep heat low and stir often. Slice apples no more than an hour before serving to prevent browning. Caramel sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. For a nut-free version, replace pecans and almonds with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and extra chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple charcuterie board, fall dessert, light caramel sauce, healthy dessert, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan option, toppings bar, easy entertaining

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/light-caramel-apple-charcuterie-board-easy-fall-toppings-bar/