Samoa Caramel Apple Slices with Cashew Butter
My Samoa Caramel Apple Slices are a fun twist on the classic Samoas cookies, made with crisp apple slices, cashew butter, shredded coconut, maple syrup, and melted chocolate. This deconstructed caramel apple treat is the perfect snack for satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy the flavors of your favorite Girl Scout cookie with healthy fats and a mock caramel sauce.
Samoa Apple Slices are a fun twist on your favorite girl scout cookie that bring all the flavor of classic Samoas into a simple, deconstructed caramel apple treat. As a home cook who loves creating quick and easy snacks, I make this recipe all the time for a sweet tooth craving or a better-for-you Halloween treat. This recipe is packed with healthy fats from cashew butter and coconut, making it the perfect snack when you want something sweet but satisfying.
What sets this apart from other recipes is the mock caramel sauce made with maple syrup and vanilla that captures that irresistible Samoa cookie flavor, but with ingredients that are better for you. Whether you’re serving these as apple samoas at a party or enjoying them as a deconstructed caramel apple treat, these slices are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Caramel Apple Samoa Cookie Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: This recipe comes together in minutes, giving you the flavor of Samoa cookies with less effort than traditional caramel apples.
- Naturally sweetened: Enjoy the rich taste of maple syrup and chocolate without added refined sugars.
- Perfect for snacking: These Samoa caramel apple slices make for a fun, bite-sized snack for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
- A healthier twist on a classic: Combining cashew butter, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate brings all the indulgent flavors you love with a few better-for-you ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best Samoa apple rings recipe:
Apple: Use any apple variety you love—Honeycrisp for sweetness, Granny Smith for tartness, or Fuji for a balance of both.
Cashew Butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter work well here, depending on your preference.
Shredded Coconut: Try toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch or use unsweetened coconut if you want to reduce the sweetness.
Maple Syrup: Swap with honey or agave syrup for a similar natural sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: You can omit this or swap it with a small amount of almond extract.
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can be used depending on your taste.
Coconut Oil: If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use butter or any mild-flavored oil like avocado oil.
How to Make My Deconstructed Caramel Apple Slices Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy girl scout Samoa apple rings. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Fill a medium bowl with water and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Slice your apple into thin, even wedges (about 5-7 slices depending on the size of the apple). Soak the apple slices in the lemon water for a couple of minutes to prevent browning. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet or large plate.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup cashew butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it out slightly.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Slices
Spread a spoonful of the cashew butter mixture onto each apple slice, covering the top evenly. Sprinkle the toasted coconut on top of the cashew butter layer.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut-topped apple slices using a spoon, piping bag, or snack bag. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes at room temperature or in the fridge before serving. Enjoy your Samoa caramel apple slices right away or store them for later!
Expert Recipe Tips
Prevent Browning: Soak apple slices in lemon water to keep them from browning as you prepare the toppings.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- As Apple Nachos: Arrange the slices on a large platter, just like apple nachos, and drizzle extra caramel sauce and melted chocolate for a fun party snack.
- Party Treat: Perfect for parties, kids’ gatherings, or fall celebrations—these caramel apple slices offer a healthier twist on a classic treat.
- With a Warm Drink: Pair with hot chocolate or tea for a cozy afternoon treat that feels like a combination of thin mints and caramel apples.
- Date Caramel Apple Slices: For a twist, serve alongside date caramel apple slices for a naturally sweet option with no refined sugar.
- Drizzle Extra Chocolate: Make it more indulgent by adding more melted chocolate or a caramel sauce drizzle just before serving.
- For Breakfast: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a breakfast that feels like dessert but still has wholesome ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: Let kids get creative and add their favorite toppings, from sprinkles to extra shredded coconut or more chocolate chips!
Do you love apple desserts? Check out more of my easy and nutritious apple dessert recipes:
Samoa Caramel Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 1/4 cup cashew butter
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pinches salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Fill a medium bowl with water and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Slice your apple into thin, even wedges (about 5-7 slices depending on the size of the apple). Soak the apple slices in the lemon water for a couple of minutes to prevent browning. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet or large plate.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup cashew butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it out slightly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread a spoonful of the cashew butter mixture onto each apple slice, covering the top evenly. Sprinkle the toasted coconut on top of the cashew butter layer.Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut-topped apple slices using a spoon, piping bag, or snack bag. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes at room temperature or in the fridge before serving. Enjoy your Samoa caramel apple slices right away or store them for later!
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These were so delicious! I used honeycrisp apples. We’ve been trying to eat, healthier around here, and this was such a great recipe had protein from the nut butter. I toasted the coconut in the oven and then added a bit of untoasted in with it. These only took about 15 minutes to make, start to finish.
Hi Lori, thank you so much for the review! Toasting the coconut first sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing 🙂
This recipe is dangerous… in a good way! I used Honeycrisp apples and they were delicious!!
Thank you for the review, Brenda! I’m so glad you enjoyed them 🙂
These apple slices are so delicious and easy to make! I hope you enjoy making these, too 🙂