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 delicious Fall dessert recipe.
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Easy Caramel Apples Recipe
My family loves to celebrate the Fall season with all the fun Autumn activities, but we especially love recreating our favorite treats from the local pumpkin patch, corn maze, and Fall festival food stands like Apple Fritter Rings , Corn Dogs, and definitely these easy caramel apples.
This recipe is so easy to make with only 3 ingredients, but the dipped apples come out looking so impressive as a table centerpiece or as a gift, and of course they taste delicious! The caramel truly balances the tart juicy apples, and the toppings make the simple dessert so much fun. Check out the tutorial below, and scroll down for a few hints on how to make this recipe foolproof.
Caramel Apples Video
This homemade caramel apple recipe is the perfect dessert and snack. Coating fresh fruit 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.
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Ingredients
You need only three ingredients to make Caramel Apples, so it couldn’t get any easier! See our tips below on using the best ingredients for great-tasting apples.
- Apples – any variety will work but a crisp and tart apple has a nice flavor contrast to the sweet caramel coating. If you use store-bought, you’ll need to dip the apple in hot water for a moment and then dry to remove the wax.
- Caramels – there are two preferred brands of store-bought caramels (Werther’s chewy caramels and Kraft caramels), and you can use whichever one is available. You can also buy caramel bits and skip the unwrapping caramel step. If you have an extra 10 minutes, I highly recommend trying this with Homemade Caramel Sauce as well!
- Heavy whipping cream – use 4 Tbsp of heavy whipping cream when melting caramels for a rich and smooth consistency.
- Salt – add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
What is the best apple for Caramel Apples?
Any variety will work in the recipe, but we especially like the tart varieties that offset the sweetness from the caramels. Here are some popular options:
- Granny Smith apples
- Fuji apples
- Gala apples
- Honey Crisp apples
Toppings
These are so fun to decorate and the topping options are endless. Here are some of our favorite toppings for mimicking gourmet 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
- Chopped candy bars
- Crushed Oreos or other cookies
- Melted dark or milk chocolate
- Kosher salt (sprinkled on lightly)
Tips for the Best Caramel Apples
It’s so easy to make caramel apples, in fact, it’s been one of my kids’ favorite Fall activities since they were young. Here are a few tips we’ve picked up over the years.
- Skewers – you can use candy apple skewers, popsicle sticks, or even chopsticks. You can even use tree twigs to look like a little branch.
- Remove Wax – if your apples are store-bought, you will need to remove the wax so the caramel sticks. Dip the apple in hot water for a few seconds and then thoroughly dry with a towel. You can also watch how to remove wax from apples with a knife.
- Dry Apples – make sure apples are completely dry before dipping.
- Chill Skewered Apples – Once apples are skewered, refrigerate while you melt the candies. Caramel will firm up quickly on a chilled apple, so the sauce 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.
- Refrigerate Coated Apples – Once dipped, pop in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to help the caramel set quickly without sagging. You’ll want to refrigerate before applying any melted chocolate topping.
GIFT IDEA:
These make a wonderful gift for teachers, friends, and neighbors if you want to make someone’s day brighter. If you’re looking for more homemade gift ideas, check out our Homemade Applesauce or Vanilla Extract.
How to Make Caramel Apples
- Skewer Apples – wash, thoroughly dry, and skewer apples.
- Chill apples – place apples on a tray and refrigerate while melting caramels.
- Melt Caramel – in a large mixing bowl, combine unwrapped caramels, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for a few minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, and heat until melted and smooth. You can also melt over a double boiler or in a heavy saucepan, but stir frequently if using a saucepan so it doesn’t scorch.
- Dip chilled apples – into the caramel, one at a time. Let excess drip back into the bowl and scrape the bottom of the apple on the edge of the bowl to prevent pooling caramel at the bottom.
- Add toppings – right after apples are dipped, roll in your prepared toppings or leave them plain if drizzling with chocolate later.
- Cool – set dipped apples over a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Refrigerate coated apples for 15 minutes for them to set then drizzle with melted chocolate if desired and enjoy.
Pro Tip:
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.
Why won’t my caramel stick to my apples?
If the caramel sauce won’t stick to your apples, be sure the apple is completely dry before dipping. Also, if you are using store-bought apples, be sure to wash them in hot water and dry them before dipping to remove the wax coating.
If the caramel is pooling on the plate, try refrigerating your apple before dipping, scraping off excess caramel drip from the bottom back into the bowl, and refrigerating to harden the caramel quickly.
Make-Ahead
While caramel apples need to be refrigerated to prevent spoiling, they keep well in the fridge, so it’s easy to make these ahead of time to serve at a party or to give as gifts.
- To Refrigerate: once cooled, place in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
More Apple Desserts
If you love this recipe for caramel apples, then you won’t want to miss these apple desserts:
- Classic Apple Crisp
- Apple Pie
- Apple Cider
- Sharlotka Apple Cake
- Sautéed Cinnamon Apples
- Apple Rice Pudding
- Easy Apple Turnovers
- Dutch Apple Pie
Easy 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. Tip: refrigerating apples will help the caramel set faster while you prep toppings and melt caramel.
- 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. If caramel so too runny, let it cool slightly before using.
- 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
Tips for Making Great Caramel Apples
- Remove Wax on store-bought apples by dipping in hot water for a few seconds.
- Thoroughly dry the apples.
- Skewer the apples and refrigerate before dipping so the caramel sets faster.
- Prepare toppings ahead so you can quickly coat before the caramel sets.
- To prevent caramel pooling at the bottom, dip, let the excess drip back, then scrape off the extra caramel on the edge of the bowl.
- Refrigerate 15 minutes to help the caramel harden before adding melted chocolate drizzle.