Q1: Can I make the apple chips without a mandoline slicer?

Yes, you can definitely make these without a mandoline slicer. Step 2 mentions using a mandoline for uniform thickness, but a sharp knife and steady hand will work just fine. The key is to slice the apples as uniformly as possible at about 1/8 inch thick - thinner slices will crisp better than thicker ones. If your slices vary in thickness, just keep an eye on them during Step 6 and remove any thinner chips that finish crisping earlier to prevent burning.

Q2: How do I know when the apple chips are actually done and crispy?

According to Step 6, the chips are done when they feel dry and crispy to the touch, and some may brown slightly around the edges. The total baking time is about 2 hours (1 hour, then flip, then another 60 minutes), but checking every 20 minutes during the second hour is important. Step 7 notes that the chips will continue to crisp up as they cool on the baking sheets, so don't worry if they seem slightly soft when first removed from the oven - they'll firm up. If they're still chewy after cooling completely, return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.

Q3: Can I substitute the heavy cream in the caramel dip with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 cup heavy cream listed in the ingredients with full-fat coconut cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. You'll also need to replace the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil. When following Steps 8-10, the process remains the same - the mixture will still bubble vigorously when you add the coconut cream in Step 10, so continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Note that coconut cream may add a slight coconut flavor to your caramel dip.

Q4: What type of apples work best for making these chips?

While the recipe calls for 3 medium apples without specifying variety, firmer, sweeter apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work exceptionally well for chips as they hold their shape during the long baking time and have natural sweetness. Tart varieties like Granny Smith also work great if you prefer a more tangy chip that contrasts nicely with the sweet caramel dip. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious as they may become too limp. When preparing them in Step 2, make sure to core them completely and remove all seeds for the best texture and appearance.

Cinnamon Apple Chips with Caramel Dip

These homemade cinnamon apple chips transform humble apples into an irresistibly crispy, naturally sweet snack that's perfect for anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle. Thinly sliced apples are dusted with warm cinnamon and slowly dehydrated until they achieve that satisfying crunch that rivals any store-bought chip. The low-temperature baking process concentrates the natural sugars in the apples, creating an intensely fruity flavor without any added sweeteners.

Paired with a luscious homemade caramel dip, this snack elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. The caramel dip is rich, buttery, and perfectly smooth, providing a decadent contrast to the light, crispy apple chips. This combination brings back memories of fall festivals and caramel apples, but in a more convenient, shareable form that's ideal for movie nights, afternoon snacking, or packing in lunch boxes.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility and make-ahead nature. The apple chips can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep. They're naturally gluten-free, contain no artificial ingredients, and offer a healthier alternative to traditional chips while still satisfying that craving for something crunchy and sweet. Whether you're looking for a wholesome after-school snack or an impressive party appetizer, these cinnamon apple chips deliver on both nutrition and nostalgia.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

2 hours 15 minutes

None servings

245 calories

Fat 12.00g

Carbs 36.00g

Protein 1.00g

Ingredients

3 medium	apples, cored and thinly sliced (1/8 inch thick)
1 tsp	ground cinnamon
1 tbsp	granulated sugar (optional)
4 tbsp	unsalted butter
1/2 cup	brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup	heavy cream
1/2 tsp	vanilla extract
1/4 tsp	salt

Equipment

Cutting board

Parchment paper

Oven

wooden spoon or spatula

paper towels

small mixing bowl

sharp knife

small saucepan

tongs or spatula

2 large baking sheets

serving bowl

mandoline slicer

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with clean eating principles, this recipe uses whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh apples, cinnamon, and natural caramel made from basic ingredients. No artificial additives or refined processed components are used.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using whole apples and simple ingredients without any wheat, barley, or gluten-containing products. The recipe focuses on whole fruit and basic ingredients that are safe for those avoiding gluten.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating by featuring whole ingredients with varied textures and natural flavors. The slow dehydration process and focus on natural apple sweetness encourages sensory appreciation and conscious consumption.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2 min

Core the apples and slice them crosswise into very thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness if available. Remove any seeds.

8 min

Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they don't overlap. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

3 min

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices on both sides.

2 min

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, then flip each apple slice over using tongs or a spatula.

Continue baking for another 60 minutes, checking every 20 minutes. The chips are done when they feel dry and crispy. Some may brown slightly around the edges.

Remove the apple chips from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

15 min

2 min

While the chips cool, make the caramel dip. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.

3 min

Add the brown sugar and salt to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes.

2 min

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until smooth.

Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.

10 min

Transfer the caramel dip to a small serving bowl. Arrange the cooled apple chips on a plate around the caramel dip and serve immediately.

1 min

Cinnamon Apple Chips with Caramel Dip

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Mindful Eating

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make the apple chips without a mandoline slicer?

Q2: How do I know when the apple chips are actually done and crispy?

Q3: Can I substitute the heavy cream in the caramel dip with a dairy-free alternative?

Q4: What type of apples work best for making these chips?