# Grilled Caramel Apple Skewers > Charred apple wedges and toasted marshmallows threaded on skewers, finished with a quick bourbon-caramel drizzle and an optional chocolate dip. Uses a two-zone grill to sear the fruit on high heat and finish on indirect heat while gently puffing the marshmallows — a simple, crowd-pleasing fall dessert for cookouts. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-caramel-apple-skewers ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: September 4, 2026 Last Updated: September 4, 2026 ## About This Recipe Grilled Caramel Apple Skewers take two of autumn’s favorite comforts — charred fruit and melted marshmallow — and turn them into a handheld, decidedly grown-up treat. High heat sears the apple wedges, producing a deeply caramelized surface that contrasts with the tender interior, while the marshmallows toast just enough on indirect heat to become pillowy and slightly smoky without collapsing. A quick bourbon-caramel made with brown sugar, cream and a kiss of salt finishes each skewer, cutting through the sweetness with warm, boozy complexity; a warm chocolate dip is optional for those who like a richer, dippable end note. What sets this version apart is the methodical two-zone grilling and small details — soaking the skewers to prevent flare-ups, tossing wedges in melted butter and cinnamon for even browning, and tempering the caramel to glossy-saucy consistency so it drizzles rather than gumming up. It’s simple enough for kids to help assemble yet has enough nuance for a grown-up crowd at a tailgate or backyard firepit: think quick to prepare, dramatic to serve, and endlessly adaptable to apples, spirits and chocolate preferences. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 30 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 50 minutes - Servings: 8 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Grilling ## Ingredients ### Prep apples, marshmallows and soak skewers - 4 medium Medium apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp) - 8 count Wooden skewers - 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon - 16 count Large marshmallows ### Make the quick bourbon-caramel drizzle - 1/2 cup Packed brown sugar - 1/3 cup Heavy cream (total) - 2 tablespoons Bourbon - 1/4 teaspoon Flaky sea salt ### (Optional) Make a quick chocolate dip - 4 ounces Semisweet chocolate chips (optional dip) ## Instructions ### 1. Prep apples, marshmallows and soak skewers Place wooden skewers in cold water to soak for 30 minutes to reduce charring. Meanwhile core the apples and cut each into 8 wedges (about 3–4 wedges per apple per skewer plan). Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and toss the apple wedges with that butter and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Thread 3 apple wedges and 2 large marshmallows onto each skewer to make 8 skewers total. ### 2. Make the quick bourbon-caramel drizzle In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter with 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; stir until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble, 2–3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) of the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons bourbon, reduce heat and simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon flaky sea salt, remove from heat and let cool 4–5 minutes (the drizzle will thicken as it cools). Note: you will use the remaining ~1 tablespoon (15 ml) heavy cream if you make the chocolate dip in Step 4. ### 3. Two-zone grill: sear apples, finish indirect and toast marshmallows Set up the grill for two-zone cooking: one side on high (direct heat, ~450–500°F / 230–260°C) and the other side off or on low for indirect heat. Oil the grill grates lightly. Place skewers over the direct heat and sear the apple wedges 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and charred in spots, then move the skewers to the cooler indirect side to let the fruit finish cooking and the marshmallows gently puff and brown — about 3–4 minutes. Rotate as needed so marshmallows get golden without burning; total grilling time is about 10–12 minutes. ### 4. (Optional) Make a quick chocolate dip If using the chocolate dip, heat the remaining ~1 tablespoon (15 ml) heavy cream until just simmering and pour over 4 ounces (113 g) semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth. Keep warm in a thermos or small pot on the cooler side of the grill while finishing the skewers. ### 5. Assemble, finish with drizzle and serve Arrange hot skewers on a platter, spoon the warm bourbon-caramel drizzle over the skewers (about 1–2 tablespoons per two skewers), and sprinkle the remaining 1/8 teaspoon flaky sea salt over the top. Serve immediately with the chocolate dip on the side for dunking. This recipe makes 8 skewers total — serve 2 skewers per person (serving = 2 skewers). ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (2 skewers): - Calories: 360 kcal - Protein: 2 g - Carbohydrates: 54 g - Fat: 14 g - Saturated Fat: 6 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 4 g - Sugar: 38 g - Added Sugars: 0 g - Cholesterol: 6 mg - Sodium: 42 mg - Potassium: 0 mg - Calcium: 0 mg - Iron: 0 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Soak Skewers Thoroughly Submerge wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to reduce charring and prevent them from burning while you sear the apples. ### Pat Apples Dry After tossing wedges in melted butter and cinnamon, blot them with a paper towel so they sear instead of steam and develop good caramelization. ### Two-Zone Heat Control Sear the apples briefly over direct high heat, then move skewers to the cool side to let marshmallows puff without flaming; rotate to brown marshmallows evenly. ### Watch Caramel Texture Remove the bourbon-caramel when it’s glossy and still pourable—it will thicken as it cools—and loosen with a teaspoon of warm cream if it sets too fast. ### Keep Dip Runny Store the chocolate dip in a thermos or over the grill’s cool zone to maintain dippable consistency, and whisk in hot cream if it firms up. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Vegan-friendly Swap Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream in place of heavy cream and vegan marshmallows, and dip in dairy-free dark chocolate for a plant-based version. ### Non-alcoholic Caramel Replace bourbon with equal parts apple cider or water and a pinch of extra cinnamon to keep the warm flavor without alcohol. ### Nutty Crunch Finish Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or hazelnuts over the warm caramel for texture and a toasty counterpoint to the soft marshmallows. ### Smoky Cheese Twist For a savory-sweet option, swap one marshmallow per skewer for a thin slice of smoked cheddar and serve with a drizzle of caramel for a grown-up flavor contrast. ## Notes These skewers are perfect for a crisp autumn evening — bright, caramelized apples with gooey marshmallows and a boozy drizzle. They’re quick to assemble, grill, and impress at backyard gatherings. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Leftover skewers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours, though marshmallows will deflate and soften. Store extra caramel in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week and gently rewarm over low heat with a splash of cream before using. To reheat assembled skewers, warm them on the grill’s indirect side or in a 325°F oven for 6–8 minutes until heated through. ### Serving Suggestions Serve the skewers on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of the bourbon-caramel and chocolate dip for communal dunking; garnish the platter with extra flaky sea salt and a few toasted nuts. Pair with warm mulled apple cider, a spiced whiskey cocktail, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the char and sweetness. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What apples are best and why? Firm, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp hold their shape and caramelize well on the grill; avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious that collapse or turn mushy. ### How do I toast marshmallows without burning them? After searing the apples over direct heat, move skewers to the grill’s cooler side and rotate frequently; gentle indirect heat will puff and brown marshmallows without flames or charring. ### Can I omit the bourbon? Yes—replace it with equal parts apple cider or water; the caramel will still be flavorful though it loses the boozy warmth that bourbon provides. ### Can I make the caramel ahead of time? Absolutely—make the caramel up to a week ahead and rewarm gently before serving; if it’s too thick after chilling, whisk in a teaspoon or two of hot cream to loosen it. ### Are metal skewers okay to use? Yes — metal skewers won’t need soaking and conduct heat, which can help apples cook more evenly, but handle with care as the ends can get hot on the grill. ### I don't have an outdoor grill—what's an indoor alternative? Use a heavy skillet or cast-iron grill pan to sear the apples, then transfer skewers to a 350°F oven to finish and brown marshmallows under the broiler for a few seconds while watching closely. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Grilled Shrimp & Charred Corn Warm Salad](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-shrimp-charred-corn-warm) - [Smoky Grilled Meringue Skewers](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/smoky-grilled-meringue-skewers) - [Charred Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/charred-caramel-apple-pretzel-bites) - [Coffee‑Chile Rubbed Flank Steak Tacos with Charred Pineapple Salsa](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/coffee-chile-rubbed-flank-steak-tacos-charred-pineapple-salsa) - [Grilled Ras el Hanout Chicken Thighs with Charred Apricot-Chickpea Tagine](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-ras-el-hanout-chicken-thighs-charred-apricot-chickpea-tagine) - [Cedar-Plank Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Warm Olive-Tomato Tapenade and Charred Fennel-Orange Salad](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/cedar-plank-grilled-swordfish-with-olive-tapenade-and-charred-fennel-orange-salad) - [DIY Edible Monster Eyes Candy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/diy-edible-monster-eyes-candy) - [Shakerless Cocktails for Backyard Grilling](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/shakerless-cocktails-backyard-grilling) - [Lean Labor Day Grilling Menu](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/lean-labor-day-grilling-menu)