Caramel apples are a fun and easy Fall tradition. Apples coated in salted caramel and rolled in a variety of toppings are a real treat. You only need 3 ingredients to make the caramel dip, and you don’t even need a candy thermometer. It doesn’t get much easier than this delicious Autumn dessert.
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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.
Easy Caramel Apple 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 these easy caramel apples.
This recipe is so easy to make with only 3 ingredients, but the dipped apples look impressive enough for a table centerpiece or as a gift, and of course they taste delicious. The caramel balances the crisp-tart apples, and the toppings make them so much fun!
Ingredients for Homemade Caramel Apples
You need only three ingredients to make the caramel dip plus your favorite crisp apples. For the sticks, you can use candy apple skewers, popsicle sticks, or even chopsticks.
- 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. You can also watch how to remove wax from apples with a knife.
- 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.
Best Apples 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
- Honeycrisp apples
Toppings for Caramel Apples
These are so fun to decorate. Use a variety, and they will look like gourmet caramel apples.
- Crushed pretzels or Oreos
- Finely chopped nuts
- Mini M&M’s
- Sprinkles or coconut flakes
- Chopped candy bars
- Melted dark or milk chocolate
- Kosher salt (sprinkled on lightly)
Candy Apple Gift Idea
These make a perfect gift for teachers, friends, employees, and neighbors when you want to brighten someone’s day. Just wrap them in cellophane treat bags that don’t cling tightly to the surface.
How to Make Caramel Apples
- Prep Apples for Caramel – To make sure the caramel sticks, remove wax from store-bought apples. Dry them thoroughly, insert sticks securely, and chill before dipping. Chilling the apples helps the caramel set faster and reduces pooling at the base.
- 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 and stir over a double boiler on the stove.
- 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.
- Maintain the Caramel Consistency – If air bubbles form in the caramel or it’s too firm for dipping, reheat it slightly. If it’s too thin, let it rest to thicken up.
- Add toppings – right after dipping, roll in your prepared toppings or leave them plain if drizzling with chocolate later. 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.
Make-Ahead and Storage
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.
- To Refrigerate: Once the caramel is fully set, store caramel apples in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Easy Caramel Apples
Ingredients
For the Caramel Apples:
- 10 apples, (use 8–10 depending on size)
- 10 apple sticks or skewers for apples
- 22 oz caramels, unwrapped*
- 4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep apples: If using store-bought apples, 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 thoroughly. Remove stems and insert sticks into the stem end of each apple. Refrigerate the apples. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Prepare toppings so they are ready to use.
- Melt caramel: Combine the caramels, cream, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the mixture in a double boiler, stirring frequently.
- Dip apples: Dip each chilled apple sideways into the caramel and rotate to coat almost to the top, leaving a little apple showing. Let the excess caramel drip back into the bowl, then lightly scrape the bottom of the apple against the edge of the bowl to prevent caramel pooling at the base.
- Maintain caramel consistency: If air bubbles form or the caramel becomes too thick, rewarm it slightly. If the caramel is too runny, let it cool slightly before dipping.
- Add toppings if desired: Immediately after dipping, roll the apples in your toppings or leave them plain if adding chocolate later. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or until the caramel is set, before drizzling with melted chocolate.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
More Cozy Apple Desserts
Apple Crisp Recipe
The BEST Apple Pie Recipe
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