Caramel Apples are a quick fall treat that are easily customizable with your favorite toppings and a fun activity for the kids to help with!
The air is colder, the days are shorter, and fall is in full swing. It’s time for Candy Apples, Chocolate Covered Apples, and a batch of these delicious homemade Caramel Apples. Check out my Candy page for more ideas too!
Sabrina’s Caramel Apples Recipe
This year, you should make a favorite fall dessert for your Halloween party. These Caramel Apples are loved by anyone who sinks their teeth into them. They are quick and easy to make and so customizable. You will have no problem getting the kids to want to help with this project!
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 6 apples
- 14 ounces caramels , unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/4 cup peanuts , or any nuts of your choice, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Twist the stem off each apple and push a craft stick ¾ of the way through the apple.
- Freeze your apples for 20-30 minutes before dipping.
- Microwave the caramels and milk in a microwave safe 4-cup glass measuring cup or bowl at half power in 30 second increments until smooth, stirring each time.
- Let cool for 1 minute.
- Dip and spin the apples to coat them, taking care not to leave the apples in the caramel for too long, then allow excess caramel to drip away and dip or coat in preferred toppings and place on wax paper.
- Harden in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Nutrition
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Note from Sabrina
Be sure to boil the apples for just a couple seconds then remove them. This removes the wax layer that is added to apples before they are sold. I freeze my apples for at least 20 minutes before dipping, this helps the caramel set. Additionally, prepare all the apples and have them ready to dip before getting the caramel ready. Be sure to grease your wax paper you put the apples on so it will come off easier.
Table of contents
About this Recipe
All you need are some apples, a few craft sticks, and some salted caramel to make a tasty, chewy treat. My Caramel Apple recipe can get a little bit messy, so I recommend putting down a baking sheet with a strip of parchment paper to keep the excess drips of hot caramel from getting everywhere. If you’re wondering what kind of apples are best for this recipe, you will want to use Granny Smith apples. Granny Smiths tend to be a more tart apple, and that flavor goes really well with the rich, slightly salty taste of the caramel sauce, and lends itself to a wider variety of toppings. If you use other kinds of apples, you risk having sweet on sweet, and that can get overwhelming fast.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use a deep 4 cup measuring cup for dipping, this will cover the apples nicely.
- Microwave your caramel at half power until smooth and creamy, then let it sit for 20-30 seconds before dipping.
- Have any toppings you’ll be using ready to go before you microwave your caramel.
- Don’t let them sit to harden at room temperature (the fridge is your friend).
- Don’t handle them too much or push them too deep into caramel, the stick may come out.
- Do not re-microwave caramel over and over again, it will become too thick.
- Do not use room temperature apples, the caramel will be a mess.
- Don’t try to dip using the stem of the apples or a lollipop stick.
How to Store
- Serve: You should always eat your Caramel Apples fresh. Once you’ve pierced the apple with the craft stick you’ve started the process of the apple rapidly spoiling when left outside.
- Store: If you keep them in an airtight container in a refrigerator, dipped apples will stay good for up to a week.
- Freeze: I do not recommend freezing for this recipe. You should enjoy them as fresh as possible or straight out of the fridge.
Variations
- Homemade Caramel: You can make your own sea salt caramel sauce at home and, if you’ve already made a batch of my Salted Caramels you can melt them down to dip your apples in or even drizzle it over the top.
- Toppings: The sky is the limit for what toppings your want to use. Crush up some Oreos, toffee, mini m&ms, chocolate chips, pecans, cashews, pretzels, or you can even dust the top with just a little sifted confectioners or brown sugar.
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I have not made the caramel apples yet but planning for Halloween for grandchildren., sans the nuts. They aren’t fans, so sprinkles and maybe mini M & Ms. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re so welcome! Enjoy!
Do you think bamboo skewers would be strong enough?
It would probably depend on how thick they are. You want to make sure they are attached well so they are able to be dipped. Good luck!
Thanks delicious
They look perfect..would love to make this during the holidays
Let me know how they turn out if you do – and if you switch up any of the toppings!
Just beautiful! And so much fun to make! Thanks, Sabrina for sharing this recipe!
I agree! I let the kids get real creative with the toppings!
Why have I never heard the tip to freeze your apples first, that it helps set the caramel?!! What a great tip, these apples come out perfect!
Life changing hack for sure! I could never go back!
This is such a great recipe when you are feeling like a naughty treat but don’t want to break the calorie bank! Love it!
I couldn’t agree more!
When I was a kid we’d go to the supermarket and buy those packaged caramel apples. I couldn’t wait until they were in store! I’ve always wanted to make my own so thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Let me know how they turn out!