# Grilled Caramel Apple Skewers with Candied Bacon and Cinnamon Drizzle > A playful fall-forward dessert that turns the caramel-apple trend into a crowd-ready grilled treat. Warm, charred apple skewers are topped with crunchy candied bacon and a silky cinnamon caramel drizzle for a sweet‑salty finish that shines at backyard gatherings. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-caramel-apple-skewers-candied-bacon-cinnamon-drizzle ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 26, 2026 Last Updated: September 28, 2026 ## About This Recipe This is a dessert built for a backyard evening when the air turns cool and people want something a little showy but easy to eat while mingling. The basic idea — charred apple chunks threaded on skewers, a glossy cinnamon-laced caramel, and shards of crunchy candied bacon — plays on contrast: the apple brings a bright, juicier snap, the bacon brings porky smoke and crunch, and the caramel ties everything together with warm spice. Using Fuji or Honeycrisp keeps the fruit from collapsing on the grill; their high sugar and firm flesh let you get those attractive grill marks without turning the apples to sauce. What makes this version work is attention to texture and timing. Candied bacon is cooked over indirect heat until the sugar melts and deeply caramelizes rather than burning, and the caramel drizzle is kept just warm so it clings without turning into a hard shell the moment it hits cold fruit. Sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional pecans add the last layer of crunch and seasoning that transforms a novelty into a memorable fall dessert that travels well from grill to platter. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 25 minutes - Total Time: 45 minutes - Servings: 4 - Difficulty: Medium - Category: Grilling ## Ingredients ### Candy the bacon on the grill - 8 slices Thick-cut bacon - 1/2 cup Packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon Flaky sea salt ### Make the cinnamon caramel drizzle - 14 oz Soft caramels (unwrapped) - 1/4 cup Heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon ### Core, chop and skewer the apples - 4 medium Medium apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp) - 12 skewers Wooden skewers ### Assemble, finish with bacon and pecans - 1/2 cup Chopped pecans (optional) ## Instructions ### 1. Candy the bacon on the grill Preheat grill to medium (about 350°F / 175°C) and set up a foil-lined tray or use a grill-safe cooling rack over foil to catch drips. Lay bacon strips flat, sprinkle evenly with packed brown sugar and a light pinch of flaky sea salt, then place on the grill over indirect heat. Cook 12–18 minutes, rotating once, until sugar melts and bacon is deeply caramelized; move to a cooler part of the grill if sugar begins to smoke. Transfer to a parchment-lined sheet to cool and crisp, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. ### 2. Make the cinnamon caramel drizzle In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped soft caramels, heavy cream and butter, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy, about 4–6 minutes. Stir in ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt to balance sweetness, keeping the sauce warm over the lowest heat or transfer to a heatproof jar placed in a warm water bath. Keep the drizzle at a low warm temperature so it stays pourable but not scorching hot when applied to the skewers. ### 3. Core, chop and skewer the apples Core the apples and cut into 1‑inch (2.5 cm) chunks, discarding seeds and stems. Thread 6–8 apple pieces onto each skewer, leaving a small handle at the end and varying orientation for even charring. If desired, brush apple pieces lightly with a bit of the warm butter from the caramel pan (leftover butter) to help them brown on the grill. ### 4. Grill the apple skewers Increase grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) and oil the grates. Place skewers directly on the grill and cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs to develop light char and soften apples without breaking them apart. Remove when apples are tender-crisp and nicely marked—total time ~8–10 minutes depending on thickness. ### 5. Assemble, finish with bacon and pecans Lay warm skewers on a platter, scatter chopped candied bacon evenly across the skewers and sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Drizzle warm cinnamon caramel over each skewer, then finish with a light pinch of flaky sea salt to amplify sweet‑salty contrast. Let the caramel set for a minute so it clings to the apples before serving. ### 6. Serve and make-ahead tips Serve skewers warm — they’re best fresh but candied bacon can be prepared a day ahead and stored in a single layer at room temperature. Rewarm the caramel gently before serving and warn guests that the caramel will be hot right after assembly. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving): - Calories: 1126 kcal - Protein: 13.3 g - Carbohydrates: 131.1 g - Fat: 64.5 g - Saturated Fat: 24.6 g - Fiber: 6.4 g - Sugar: 103.4 g - Added Sugars: 75.7 g - Cholesterol: 95.3 mg - Sodium: 1021.5 mg - Potassium: 550.4 mg - Calcium: 123.2 mg - Iron: 1.2 mg - Vitamin D: 0.5 mcg ## Tips ### Soak skewers first Soak wooden skewers 20–30 minutes before grilling to prevent the ends from charring and breaking while you turn the apple pieces. ### Use indirect heat Cook the bacon over indirect heat on a foil-lined tray or cooling rack so the sugar melts and caramelizes without flaring up and burning. ### Brush with reserved butter Lightly brush apple chunks with the leftover butter from the caramel pan to promote even browning and add a glossy finish on the grill. ### Keep caramel pourable Hold the cinnamon caramel over the lowest heat or in a warm water bath and stir occasionally so it stays smooth and pourable for assembly. ### Recrisp candied bacon If candied bacon softens while cooling, re-crisp it on a sheet pan at 400°F for 3–5 minutes before chopping and topping the skewers. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Maple smoked bacon Swap brown sugar for an even coat of real maple syrup and smoke the bacon lightly for a more pronounced maple-smoke profile that pairs beautifully with apple. ### Vegan caramel apple Use coconut bacon (smoked coconut flakes or tempeh bacon), vegan caramels or a date‑based caramel, and full‑fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a plant-based version. ### Boozy bourbon caramel Stir 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon into the caramel off the heat for a warm, boozy note; add it after removing the pan from direct flame to avoid flares. ### Pear and walnut option Swap apples for firm Bosc pears and pecans for toasted walnuts to give a softer, more autumnal flavor while keeping the same grilling method. ## Notes This recipe brings the nostalgia of caramel apples to the grill for an easy, shareable dessert that’s perfect for Halloween, tailgates, or any crisp‑air party. Make the bacon a day ahead and warm the caramel just before serving to streamline service. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Assembled skewers are best served immediately; caramel cools and firms and apples lose their warm crunch. Store leftover candied bacon in a single layer at room temperature for up to 24 hours, and keep extra caramel in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, reheating gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. To refresh leftovers, reheat skewered apples briefly on a medium grill or in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes and re-crisp bacon in the oven before reassembling. ### Serving Suggestions Serve these skewers on a long platter lined with parchment, with a small ramekin of extra warm caramel for dipping and plenty of napkins. They pair beautifully with vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, and drinks like hot apple cider, a spiced cider cocktail, or a smoky bourbon old fashioned echo the sweet‑salty, autumnal flavors. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I make the candied bacon indoors instead of on the grill? Yes — bake bacon on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes, watching closely toward the end so the sugar caramelizes without burning. ### My caramel seized and grainy; how can I fix it? Return the sauce to very low heat and whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm heavy cream until smooth; if needed, strain through a fine mesh to remove any grainy bits. ### Will the wooden skewers catch fire on the grill? Soaking skewers 20–30 minutes minimizes burning, and keeping cook time short and temperatures moderate prevents ignition; alternatively use metal skewers for repeated use. ### Can I use store‑bought caramel sauce? Yes, use a good-quality pourable caramel and stir in cinnamon and a pinch of salt; warm it gently so it behaves like the homemade drizzle. ### How do I keep the apples from falling apart on the grill? Cut apples into uniform 1‑inch pieces and thread them with alternating orientations so they sit snugly; cook over medium‑high heat briefly to get color without over-softening. ### Is there a way to make this less sweet? Reduce the brown sugar on the bacon slightly, use a lightly salted caramel or add more flaky sea salt as a finishing touch to balance the sweetness and emphasize savory notes. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Tandoori Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken (Tandoori Style on the Grill)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/tandoori-yogurt-marinated-grilled-chicken) - [Labor Day Grilled Lobster Rolls with Charred Scallion Brown Butter & Lemon‑Herb Aioli](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/labour-day-grilled-lobster-rolls-charred-scallion-brown-butter-lemon-herb-aioli) - [Bulgogi Smash Burger](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/bulgogi-smash-burger) - [Campfire‑Smoked Potato Salad with Mustard‑Bacon Vinaigrette — A Labor Day Grilling Side for Steak](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/campfire-smoked-potato-salad-mustard-bacon-vinaigrette) - [Hanger Steak with Shallot Sauce](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hanger-steak-with-shallot-sauce) - [Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cake](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-pineapple-upside-down-cake) - [Labour Day Grilled Grazing Boards](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/labour-day-grilled-grazing-boards-12-menus) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan) - [Shakerless Cocktails for Backyard Grilling](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/shakerless-cocktails-backyard-grilling)