How to Make Caramel Apples

HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLES: Caramel apples are the perfect fall or Halloween treat. They are SO easy to make using a few ingredients and done in minutes.

Original post: October 2010 | Updated: October 2019

Aside from the obvious candy, of course, there are two foods that instantly make me think of Halloween when I was a kid: popcorn balls and caramel apples.

It’s funny how food can so quickly bring up memories and emotions from so long ago (and it was loooong ago). My mom was not a mom to limit treats and I had more than my share of both of these treats in the fall.

Up until just a few years ago it was slightly annoying making caramel apples because you had to peel every single wrapper off of every caramel in the entire bag.

Now there’s this handy little thing called caramel bits that will shave a ton of time off your treat-making experience. The delicious fall treat has never been easier or quicker to make! This is a great recipe that you’ll make every year!

WATCH THIS CUTE VIDEO TO SEE HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLES!

HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLES WITHOUT A CANDY THERMOMETER

Impale 6 apples near the stem with popsicle sticks, but do not go all the way through to the bottom and set aside. Line a baking sheet or cutting board with wax paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel bits, milk and water. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until smooth and free of lumps.

Remove from the heat and dip the impaled apples into the caramel mixture, coating them completely. Allow the caramel to drip back into the pan and and immediately place the dipped apple onto prepared wax paper.

Place the cutting board in the fridge for a minimum of 15 minutes but preferably closer to 1 hour. The caramel “puddle” at the base of each apple can be gently cut away, if desired. Serve immediately! Use any remnants from the pan as a caramel dip for apple slices!

BEST APPLES TO USE FOR CARAMEL APPLES

Stick with a firm, tart or sour type of apple to counterbalance the sweetness from the hot caramel sauce. Good options are: granny smith, haralson, gala, mcintosh and honeycrisp.

HOW LONG DO CARAMEL APPLES LAST

When stored in the fridge, they will last for up to 1 week. Avoid cutting into them in order to keep them as fresh as possible.

CARAMEL APPLE TOPPINGS

The possibilities are endless for toppings, but here are a few ideas if you are looking for additional crunch or flavor:

• Coconut flakes
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped candy bars
• Candy corn
• Chopped peanuts
• M&M’s
• Crushed Oreos
• Chopped caramel corn
• Marshmallows
• Melted chocolate

OTHER CARAMEL APPLE TREATS TO ENJOY

Don’t stop with this classic dessert! Incorporate the irresistible flavors into other treats!

• Salted Chocolate Caramel Apples – A sprinkling of sea salt and a bit of chocolate turns Caramel Apples into an extravagant dessert.
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes transformed into CUPCAKES, people! It’s a dream come true! These are great for Fall or Halloween gatherings!
• Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes – This is the tastiest way to use up apples! These are irresistible!
• The only thing better than salted caramel apples? Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake! This is the perfect fall treat and a great way to use up apples!

PERFECT FALL TREATS

Best Pumpkin Bars make the perfect fall dessert. They are moist, irresistible and full of yummy pumpkin flavor. Great for your next fall gathering.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Don’t let those delicious little pumpkin seeds go to waste when carving pumpkins! Learn how to prepare those raw pumpkins seeds.

Halloween Snack Mix is a great Fall snack to have on hand. It is perfect for a handful on the run or a great snack for kiddos after school!

Popcorn Balls are the quintessential fall or Halloween treat. This is a fun treat to make with kids too! Putting them together is fun and tasty.