There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the flavors of caramel and apple. Combine that with creamy filling, warm spices, and a decadent outer shell, and you’ve got the ultimate no-bake dessert: Caramel Apple Truffles.
Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, fall potlucks, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, flavorful, super easy to make, and doesn’t even require an oven. Let’s dig into how to make these Caramel Apple Truffles from scratch and why this will become your new fall favorite.
What Are Caramel Apple Truffles?
Caramel Apple Truffles are bite-sized, no-bake confections made from a mixture of Golden Oreo crumbs, cream cheese, apple butter, and apple pie spice. Inside each truffle is a gooey soft caramel center, while the outside is coated in vanilla almond bark or white candy melts. The result is a creamy, sweet, tangy, and spiced dessert that tastes like a cross between a caramel apple and a cheesecake bite.
These truffles offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slight tartness from the apple butter pairs beautifully with the smooth, sweet white chocolate coating. And the surprise caramel center takes every bite to the next level.
If you love easy desserts that look impressive and taste like a professional bakery made them, this apple truffle recipe is the one for you.
The Origin of Caramel Apple Truffles
Like many modern desserts, Caramel Apple Truffles are inspired by multiple classic sweets. At their core, they’re a fusion of:
- Traditional truffles, usually made with chocolate ganache
- Caramel apples, a fall festival staple
- Cheesecake bites, for their creamy texture
- And the no-bake dessert movement, perfect for busy home bakers
Golden Oreos became the go-to cookie base due to their buttery vanilla flavor, which pairs wonderfully with spiced apple. Apple butter adds a rustic, farmstand twist that makes this dessert ideal for autumn celebrations.
This dessert may be a modern invention, but it draws from flavors that feel timeless and comforting. And with no baking required, it’s accessible to all skill levels.
Ingredients (With Measurements) for Caramel Apple Truffles
To make approximately 23 Caramel Apple Truffles, gather the following ingredients:
- 45 Golden Oreos, finely crushed (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 24 soft caramels, cut in half
- 12 oz vanilla almond bark or white candy melts
- Optional garnish: crushed Oreos, sprinkles, cinnamon sugar
Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature to ensure a smooth and lump-free filling.
Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method for Apple spice truffles
Let’s walk through the process of making these no-bake Caramel Apple Truffles:
Step 1: Crush the Golden Oreos
Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for garnishing the truffles later.
No food processor? No problem. Put the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- The Oreo crumbs
- Softened cream cheese
- Apple butter
- Apple pie spice
Stir until smooth and well blended. The mixture should be thick enough to roll into balls.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Center
Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the truffle mixture. Flatten it slightly, then place half a caramel in the center. Roll it into a ball, sealing the caramel inside.
Repeat until all the truffles are shaped.
Step 4: Chill
Place the rolled truffles on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for 15–20 minutes, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes, until firm.
Step 5: Melt the Coating
Melt the vanilla almond bark or white candy melts according to package directions. A microwave works fine—just go slowly in 20-30 second bursts and stir well to avoid scorching.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each truffle into the melted coating. Tap gently to remove excess. Place on parchment paper and immediately garnish with crushed Oreos, sprinkles, or a dash of cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Refrigerate the coated truffles for about 10–15 minutes until the coating hardens completely.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Yield: ~23 truffles
- Calories: ~250 per truffle
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month—just let them thaw slightly before serving.
Delicious Variations
Want to customize your Caramel Apple Truffles? Here are a few mouthwatering variations:
Apple Swap
Replace apple butter with finely diced sautéed apples for a chunkier, rustic texture.
Festive Flair
Use red or green candy melts to mimic apple colors. Add a pretzel stick for a stem and green candy for leaves to resemble mini caramel apples!
Boozy Twist
Add a splash (1 tsp) of spiced rum or apple liqueur to the filling mixture for an adult version. The alcohol adds warmth and intensifies the fall flavor profile.
Nutty Crunch
Roll finished truffles in crushed toasted pecans or candied walnuts for added texture and a buttery bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Caramel Apple Truffles
1. Can I use chocolate instead of vanilla coating?
Absolutely! Milk or dark chocolate adds a deeper richness and pairs beautifully with the apple-caramel filling.
2. What’s the best caramel to use?
Use soft caramels that are easy to bite into once chilled. Avoid hard caramel candies.
3. Can I make Apple spice truffles ahead of time?
Yes! These store beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them for up to a month.
4. Can I use homemade apple butter?
Definitely. Just make sure it’s thick—not runny—so it doesn’t affect the texture of the filling.
5. Are Apple spice truffles gluten-free?
Not by default (Golden Oreos contain gluten), but you can substitute gluten-free vanilla cookies.
6. How do I make them less sweet?
Try reducing the apple butter slightly or using semi-sweet coating instead of white.
Conclusion: Enjoying Apple spice truffles
These Caramel Apple Truffles are the ultimate fall dessert: cozy, creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet. With their simple no-bake method, warm spices, and luscious caramel core, they’re an instant crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these gourmet-looking treats. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this apple truffle recipe is sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the boozy, colorful, or nutty variations, you’ll be hooked after just one bite. So grab your Oreos, melt that coating, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these Caramel Apple Truffles—a dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Caramel Apple Truffles – No-Bake Fall Treat with a Sweet Surprise
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time, if needed)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Truffles are bite-sized, no-bake confections made from a mixture of Golden Oreo crumbs, cream cheese, apple butter, and apple pie spice. Inside each truffle is a gooey soft caramel center, while the outside is coated in vanilla almond bark or white candy melts. The result is a creamy, sweet, tangy, and spiced dessert that tastes like a cross between a caramel apple and a cheesecake bite.
Ingredients
-
45 Golden Oreos, finely crushed (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish)
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
¼ cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 tsp apple pie spice
-
24 soft caramels, cut in half
-
12 oz vanilla almond bark or white candy melts
-
Optional garnish: crushed Oreos, sprinkles, cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Crush the Oreos in a food processor or with a rolling pin. Set aside 2 tablespoons for garnish.
- In a bowl, mix crushed Oreos, cream cheese, apple butter, and apple pie spice until smooth and well combined.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture, press half a caramel into the center, and roll into a ball.
- Place truffles on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 minutes (or refrigerate for 30 minutes) until firm.
- Melt almond bark in the microwave according to package directions.
- Dip each truffle into the melted coating using a fork. Tap off excess and place on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with reserved Oreo crumbs or other toppings before the coating sets.
- Let them set completely in the fridge before serving.
Notes
For a fun finishing touch, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or crushed nuts. Keep them chilled until serving for the best texture and flavor—perfect for fall gatherings or gifting!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American