It’s that time again! Time for all things sweet and spooky…like Caramel Apples! They are perfect if you’re hosting a Halloween bash or a stay-at-home party with the fam. Made with just 3 ingredients, why buy them when you can make them (and fun, family memories) at home!
There is just something about the combination of caramel and apples we can’t resist, like this delicious caramel apple dip or perfectly dippable bite-sized caramel apples. This super easy holiday dessert will become a family tradition in no time!
How to Make Caramel Apples
These are an easy sweet treat that is so fun to make. Just dip apples in homemade caramel sauce and roll in your favorite toppings (optional).
- Apples: Prepare the apples by removing the stems, washing in vinegar water (to remove the wax), and popping in the freezer to chill them before dipping.
- Caramel Sauce: Melt the caramel over medium-low heat until smooth (see recipe below).
- Combine: Dip each apple by its stick into the caramel sauce place in the refrigerator to set, about 2 hours.
If adding toppings, be sure to sprinkle them while the caramel is still hot so they stick. Place them in the refrigerator to set.
Tip: Use the end of a rolling pin or a meat tenderizer to tap the popsicle stick into the apple.
Optional Tip: If you simply want caramel sauce for dipping apple, banana, cookie or cake wedges into, make the sauce per directions and then whisk in some warmed heavy cream to thin the sauce out a little bit. Perfect for dipping!
Optional {But Super Delicious!} Toppings
Take your caramel apples to the next level rolling them in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies! Right after dipping in the caramel sauce, roll in or sprinkle on toppings and place in the refrigerator to set!
- Sweet: crushed cookie, sprinkles, crushed chocolate bars, mini chocolate chips, or chocolate sauce.
- Salty: chopped nuts, potato chip bits or bacon bits!
Hosting a fall or Halloween party? Set up a caramel apple bar and let guest roll their apples in an assortment of toppings!
How Long Do Caramel Apples Last?
Store caramel apples in an airtight sealed container and away from extreme light or heat so they stay firm! This will help them remain fresh for about 3 or 4 days.
To keep the caramel firm, store them in the refrigerator. But be careful once they are removed from the fridge as they will sweat!
More Sweet Caramel-ly Treats
- Caramel Chocolate Trifle – decadent & easy dessert
- Caramel Apple Dip – ready in 10 minutes!
- Mini Caramel Apple Dippers – bite sized caramel apples!
- Caramel Spice Poke Cake – sinfully sweet
- Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn – 4 simple ingredients!
Caramel Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Granny smith apples
- 14 ounces caramel bits or unwrapped caramel squares
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Clean the waxy coating off of apples by scrubbing them in a large bowl full of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice added.
- Remove the stems and push or tap a popsicle stick into the stem end. Use a rolling pin or mallet to tap them in if they resist. Chill apples well in the refrigerator.
- Prep a baking sheet by lining it with lightly buttered parchment. Move apples to the freezer, just for the 5 minutes it takes to melt the caramel.
- Heat caramel bits and milk in a saucepan on medium-low setting until smooth and creamy, stirring consistently. Do not boil.
- Dip each apple into the hot caramel while turning to coat. Roll the coated apples in toppings if desired.
- Place apples on the prepared pan and cool completely in the refrigerator, about 2 hours.
Notes
- For Microwaving: Place caramel bits and milk in a medium bowl and microwave for approximately 4 mins, in 30 second intervals, until smooth. Stir between intervals and let caramel sit 2-3 minutes before coating apples. (We found the caramel comes out smoother and is easier to control when cooked on the stovetop.)
- Be careful not to bring the caramel to a simmer or boil, as doing so will set the candy and make your caramel too hard.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert, Party Food
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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