Caramel Apples Easy Recipe

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This Caramel Apples easy recipe is 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

Why This Recipe Works

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!

Recipe Ingredients

Large 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.

Caramel bits – No more unwrapping all kinds of plastic from your caramels and then eating them before you mix them into a perfect caramel wrap to your apples! Purchase the caramel bits package in the candy or baking aisle and they’re ready to melt.

Popsicle sticks jabbed into apples on a cutting board next to a photo of a boy holding a caramel apple.

How To Make Easy Caramel Apples Without A Thermometer

Step 1

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 parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 2

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.

Apples with popsicle sticks jabbed in, next to an apple being twirled in caramel.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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!

cute boy sinking his teeth into a yummy fall treat.

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

close up of how to make caramel apples with apples in the background.

FAQ About Caramel Apples

Why do caramel apples get bubbles?

Caramel apples can get air bubbles on them because of air added to the mixture as you stir. Stir slowly and mix well without over mixing to avoid the bubbles.

Will caramel apples stick to parchment paper?

Caramel apples will not stick to parchment paper. Wax paper can be used but it might take the heat of the hot caramel and melt against the apples so if you only have wax paper on hand, then for sure spray those with cooking spray to help alleviating the heat from directly impacting the cooling down process.

Can caramel apples be left out?

Caramel apples do not serve best when being left out. Caramel apples should be served immediately after preparing them. Any apples not eaten immediately should be stored in the fridge, they will last for up to 1 week. Avoid cutting into them in order to keep them firm and as fresh as possible.

What can you wrap caramel apples in?

Parchment paper makes a great wrap for the caramel apples and then you can tie a piece of ribbon or yarn around it to hold them closed.

Are caramel apples fattening?

Apples are very good for you. Apples are high in dietary fiber and pectin found in the peels of the apples. But when you serve the apples with caramel, you add sugar to each serving and calories. Enjoy a caramel apple in moderation! But eating plain apples are a great way to fill you up and feel full longer.

Other Caramel Apple Treats To Enjoy

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 Caram el 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!

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