These Baked Apple Wedge Fries with Caramel Cream Dipping Sauce are a delicious, fun, and slightly healthier twist on dessert fries. The cinnamon-spiced apple wedges are baked until they reach a tender-crisp texture, and paired with a creamy caramel sauce that brings indulgent sweetness to every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a unique dessert option, these apple fries will become a favorite treat for kids and adults alike. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare, and captures the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Apple Wedge Fries:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) – These varieties add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Prevents browning and enhances flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Sweetens the apples slightly.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps give the apples a crispy exterior.
• Cooking spray or olive oil – Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.

For the Caramel Cream Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce – Brings a rich, sweet flavor to the dip.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Creates a creamy, smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the caramel flavor.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Wash, core, and slice the apples into wedges. Aim for even slices so they bake uniformly.
3. In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Step 2: Season the Apple Wedges

1. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
2. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple wedges, tossing gently to ensure each piece is coated evenly. The cornstarch will help give the wedges a slightly crisp exterior as they bake.

Step 3: Bake the Apple Wedges

1. Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each piece to allow for even baking.
2. Lightly spray the tops of the wedges with cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to help with browning.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the apples are tender and the edges are slightly crisp.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Cream Dipping Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel sauce and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is warm and well combined.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Transfer to a small bowl and allow to cool slightly. The sauce will thicken as it cools, creating a perfect consistency for dipping.

Step 5: Serve

1. Place the warm apple wedges on a plate and serve with the caramel cream dipping sauce on the side.
2. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 25g
• Sodium: 30mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

 

FAQs:

1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, any apple variety will work, but Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream in the caramel sauce with coconut cream or almond milk. Ensure the caramel sauce used is also dairy-free.

3. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Place the apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What other dipping sauces would work well with these apple wedges?
You could try a vanilla yogurt dip, melted chocolate, or a cinnamon sugar glaze as alternative dips.

5. Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or even a dash of allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper spiced flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Wedge Fries:

1. Choose Firm Apples: Apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are firmer, making them ideal for baking as they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy.
2. Ensure Even Slicing: Try to slice your apple wedges evenly so they cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked or undercooked.
3. Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: Adding cornstarch to the seasoning helps give the apple wedges a lightly crisp exterior, making them closer to “fries.”
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave enough space between each apple wedge on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in softer apple wedges.
5. Experiment with Caramel Sauce Flavors: If you want a little extra depth, add a pinch of sea salt or a hint of bourbon to the caramel sauce.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover apple wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the caramel cream dipping sauce in a separate container.

Reheating: Reheat apple wedges in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore some of the crispness lost in storage.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the apple wedges, as they will lose their texture when thawed.

Caramel Sauce: The caramel cream sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.