Caramel apples are such a fun and easy tradition for Fall. Apples coated in salted caramel and rolled in a variety of toppings are a real treat. Did you know it takes just 3 ingredients to make the caramel dip? It doesn’t get much easier than this homemade caramel apple recipe.
We love recreating our favorite treats from the local pumpkin patch, corn maze, and Fall festival food stands like Apple Fritters, Corn Dogs, and definitely these easy caramel apples.
Caramel Apple Recipe
This homemade caramel apple recipe is the perfect dessert and snack. Coating a fresh apple in caramel feels just a little less guilty than a typical dessert. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to recreate this childhood favorite.
Ingredients
Apples – any variety will work but a crisp and tart apple has a nice flavor contrast to the sweet caramel coating.
Skewers – you can use candy apple skewers, popsicle sticks, or even chopsticks. You can even use tree twigs to look like a little branch.
Caramels – there are two preferred brands (Werther’s chewy caramels and Kraft caramels) that are in grocery stores and you can use whichever one is available. You can also buy caramel bits and skip the unwrapping caramels step.
Heavy whipping cream – use 4 Tbsp of heavy whipping cream when melting caramels for rich and smooth consistency.
Salt – adding a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These are so fun to decorate and the topping options are endless. Here are some of our favorite toppings for caramel apples. We love to make a variety for a festive platter of apples.
Crushed pretzels
Finely chopped nuts
Mini M&M’s
Coconut flakes
Sprinkles
Crushed Oreos or other cookies
Melted chocolate
Kosher salt (sprinkled on lightly)
Storage Suggestions
Store caramel apples in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When serving, place each apple on a cupcake liner so they don’t stick to your serving platter.
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Caramel Apples
- Total Time: 30 mins.
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
Making Caramel Apples at home is one of my all-time favorite things and is always fun to make, made using a few simple ingredients such as apples dipped in homemade caramel sauce and then topped with some of your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, and chocolate drizzle, etc. So, grab your favorite apples and learn how to make caramel apples.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Apples:
- 10 apples, or use 8-10 apples depending on size
- 10 skewers for apples
- 22 oz caramels, unwrapped*, from two 11 oz bags
- 4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans
- Sprinkles
- Mini M&M’s
- Shredded coconut
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
- Crushed pretzels
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- If using store-bought apples, you should remove the wax coating first. Dip apples in hot water for a few seconds then rub them with a towel to remove wax. Dry the Apples really well. Remove stems and Insert Sticks into the top of the apples.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Prepare toppings so they are ready to use.
- Heat caramel, cream, and a pinch of salt over a double boiler or microwave for a few minutes stirring every 30 seconds until caramel is melted and smooth.
- Roll apples in caramel, dipping apples sideways to coat almost to the top. We like to leave a little bit of Apple showing on top so you can see what kind of Apple you’re picking.
- Allow excess to drip back into the bowl.
- Scrape off the bottom of the Apple against the side of the bowl so you don’t get too much caramel pooling at the bottom.
- If you see a lot of air bubbles in your caramel start to form or if it gets too thick, then rewarm it slightly.
- Immediately after dipping in caramel, roll apples into your toppings or leave them plain if desired.
- Refrigerate at least 15 minutes or until caramel is set before drizzling with melted chocolate and enjoying.
Notes
- Refrigerating apples will help the caramel set faster while you prep toppings and melt the caramel.
- If caramel is too runny, let it cool slightly before using.
- You can use for topping like crushed Oreos, chopped candy bars such as butterfingers, chopped nuts such as peanuts or pecans, crushed graham crackers with ground cinnamon, sprinkles, shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, a little sprinkle of flakey sea salt, or marshmallow bits.
- It’s also delicious to dip in melted chocolate or white chocolate or drizzle chocolate over apples.
- Remove Wax – if your apples are store bought, you will need to remove the wax so the caramel sticks better to the apple. Dip the apple in hot water for a few seconds then thoroughly dry with a towel.
- Dry Apples – make sure apples are completely dry before dipping in wax.
- Chill skewered apples – Once apples are skewered, refrigerate while you melt the caramels. Caramel will firm up quickly on a chilled apple so the caramel doesn’t pool at the bottom.
- Have toppings ready – you’ll need to apply toppings as soon as the caramel is on the apple since it will firm up quickly, especially if you are working with cold apples.
- Prep Time: 25 mins.
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
