If you adore the sweet, crispy comfort of fried apples paired with the heavenly flavors of caramel, coconut, and chocolate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Samoa Apple Slices: Fried Apples with Caramel, Coconut, and Chocolate Recipe. This playful twist on the classic island-inspired cookie transforms simple apple slices into a showstopper dessert that is crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bursting with layers of flavor. It’s like a sweet vacation in every bite, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to an indulgent, fruity delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe stands out because it uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create exceptional flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: the tart Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance to the sweetness, the batter creates a light, crispy shell, and the toppings bring it all to life with rich, tropical notes.
- 6 Granny Smith apples: Their tartness and firmness make them ideal for frying without becoming mushy.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for creating a delicate batter that crisps up perfectly around the apple slices.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness right into the batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps lighten the batter so it isn’t dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk: Provides moisture for the batter to cling to the apples.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, giving structure to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that complements the caramel and coconut.
- Vegetable oil: For frying — use a neutral oil that can sustain high heat to get that golden crust.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: Use store-bought or homemade for that luscious, sticky finish.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted: Adds a toasty crunch and tropical flair.
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup: For a rich finishing drizzle that ties all the flavors together.
- Coarse sea salt (optional): A tiny sprinkle brings out every sweet and savory note.
How to Make Samoa Apple Slices: Fried Apples with Caramel, Coconut, and Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
First things first, core your Granny Smith apples and slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness is key because it ensures that the apples cook evenly and hold their shape while frying. Using tart Granny Smiths gives a brighten contrast to the sweet toppings, making every bite perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just until everything is combined. The batter should be slightly thick but fluid enough to coat the apples without dripping off excessively. Overmixing can make it tough, so stop as soon as the batter is unified.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This precise temperature is crucial for frying the apples to golden perfection without soaking up too much oil.
Step 4: Fry the Apples
Dip each apple slice into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place them into the hot oil in batches so the apples have enough room to crisp up without sticking together. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until a beautiful golden brown crust forms and the apple becomes tender to the bite. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the slices to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off extra oil.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
While the apple slices are still warm, drizzle each one generously with caramel sauce. Next, sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over the caramel, pressing lightly so it sticks. Drizzle with chocolate syrup to finish. For an extra layer of flavor, add a light pinch of coarse sea salt to contrast the sweetness.
How to Serve Samoa Apple Slices: Fried Apples with Caramel, Coconut, and Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Samoa Apple Slices even more irresistible, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
These fried apples pair wonderfully with coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a more indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside creamy coconut pudding or a rich chocolate mousse to keep the tropical theme alive and delight guests with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress friends or family, serve the Samoa Apple Slices on a wooden platter drizzled with extra caramel and chocolate sauces. Layer them with banana slices or sprinkle some crushed cookies on top to mimic the classic Samoa cookie experience visually and texturally. Skewering the fried apple slices on sticks can also turn them into fun, portable treats perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain the crispy exterior. Refrigeration can cause the fried batter to become soggy, so it’s best to enjoy these treats fresh or reheat quickly.
Freezing
Freezing fried apple slices isn’t recommended because the batter’s texture changes once thawed, often becoming soggy. However, you can freeze the apple slices prior to frying if you want to prepare in advance—just thaw and fry as usual when ready.
Reheating
To bring back some of that crispiness, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the batter chewy and limp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold up during frying without turning mushy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying. You may need to adjust the batter consistency slightly by adding a bit more flour or milk.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes! Making caramel sauce at home can add an extra layer of richness. Simply melt sugar until golden, then stir in butter and cream. Just be cautious with temperature to avoid burning the sugar.
How do I toast the coconut?
Toasting shredded coconut is easy: spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.
Are these apple slices suitable for a large party? How can I scale the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe makes 24 servings, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients based on your guest count. Fry the apple slices in batches to ensure the perfect golden crust every time.
Final Thoughts
This Samoa Apple Slices: Fried Apples with Caramel, Coconut, and Chocolate Recipe is such a fun and delicious way to bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of tropical sweetness to your kitchen. With its crave-worthy textures and vibrant tastes, it’s bound to become a new family favorite or party hit. Don’t hesitate to try it—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such extraordinary magic!
Print
Samoa Apple Slices: Fried Apples with Caramel, Coconut, and Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Samoa Apple Slices are a delightful twist on the classic Girl Scout cookie inspired by the tropical flavors of the islands. Tender apple slices are dipped in a sweet, vanilla-infused batter, fried to golden perfection, then topped with luscious caramel sauce, toasted shredded coconut, a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup, and an optional sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a sweet-salty finish. This recipe yields a deliciously indulgent treat perfect for serving warm as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Batter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 inch depth)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, store-bought or homemade
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Core and slice the Granny Smith apples into 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure they cook evenly while frying.
- Make Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine dry ingredients. In a separate small bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy. Adjust batter thickness by adding a little more milk if too thick or flour if too thin.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry Apples: Dip each apple slice into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried apple slices and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble: While the apple slices are still warm, drizzle each slice generously with caramel sauce. Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over each slice, pressing lightly so it sticks to the caramel.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the apple slices for extra decadent flavor.
- Salt (Optional): Add a small pinch of coarse sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Samoa Apple Slices immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness and firm texture that holds up well to frying.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) to prevent greasy apple slices.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- To toast shredded coconut, spread it on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- You can prepare caramel and chocolate sauces from scratch or use high-quality store-bought versions.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftover slices can be reheated briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
