Celebrate fall the best way with Homemade Caramel Apples! This classic treat is a fall-favorite and calls for just three simple ingredients. Well, more if you include all the fun toppings to choose from!
Easy Caramel Apple Recipe
The classic combination of sweet, sticky caramel and juicy, tart green apples is an autumnal treasure! If you love those caramel apple lollipops that always come out this time of year, you’re going to obsess over the real deal.
Caramel apples are always tasty – even the factory made store-bought ones can hit the spot! However, nothing beats a homemade caramel apple. The caramel is just so much gooey-er (definitely a word) and the apples are nice and fresh.
Oh, and if you happen to go apple picking this fall, definitely use those farm fresh apples to make these caramel coated treats! With that being said, if you can’t get to an orchard this fall, store-bought apples will do the trick. Just make sure they’re granny smith!
Why You’ll Love this Caramel Apples Recipe:
- Fall Favorite: This is a classic treat that you should enjoy every fall! They taste like all of my favorite fall fantasies.
- Traditional: Making a batch of caramel apples with my family all in the kitchen is such a fun tradition to have. I love recipes that bring us closer!
- Delicious: Caramel apples have been around since the dawn of time… Well, maybe not that far back, but they are old fashioned! And they’ve been around for so many years because of how delicious they are.
How to Make Homemade Caramel Apples for Halloween and Beyond
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Prepare a cookie sheet with wax paper.
- Wash the apples.
- Remove the stems from the apples.
- Push the kebab sticks into the apples.
- Microwave the caramel and heavy cream. Stir every 30 seconds.
- Dip each apple into the melted caramel.
- Roll the caramel apples into your desired toppings.
- Cool the apples, then enjoy!
This is why we take the time to refrigerate the apples! While they chill in the fridge, the caramel becomes more bonded to the apples.
Cornstarch will do the trick for that. Just mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water, create a slurry, then mix it in with the caramel.
You likely didn’t wash the wax off the apple! Make sure to rinse the apples before dipping them. Also, if they’re farm fresh from the orchard, then they won’t have wax.
These caramel apples will stay perfectly fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, especially if you saran wrap each of them for optimal freshness.
Slice it up or sink your teeth right into it – no matter how enjoy a caramel apple, it’s sure to make you smile!
Dipping caramel apples is a fun tradition that always sets the best mood for Halloween!
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Some of the best caramel apple toppings include Oreos, peanuts, pecans, sprinkles, melted chocolate, and M&M’s.
- Do not use “soft” caramels for this recipe.
- Caramel and heavy cream can also be melted on the stove top if preferred!
- If the bowl of caramel hardens as you’re dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for an additional 15-20 seconds.
Homemade caramel apples are a must make for the fall season! Perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and so much more.
If you make this recipe be sure to leave us a comment or rating. Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Recipe
Ingredients
- 21.6 ounces Chewy Caramels 2 large packages
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 6 Granny Smith apples
Optional Topping Ideas
- Crushed Oreos
- Chopped Peanuts
- Chopped Pecans
- Sprinkles
- Melted Chocolate
- M&M's
Equipment
- Kebab sticks
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside.
- Wash the apples to remove the wax. Dry them completely.6 Granny Smith apples
- Remove the stems from the apples, and push the kebab sticks about halfway into the apple, where the stem was.
- Add the caramel and heavy cream to a microwavable bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue this process in 30 second increments until the caramel is completely melted.21.6 ounces Chewy Caramels, ¼ cup heavy cream
- Dip each apple in the melted caramel, turning it until all sides are completely coated. Then roll the caramel-coated apple in your desired toppings (options listed above!). Place the caramel apples on the wax paper-lined cookie sheet.Crushed Oreos, Chopped Peanuts, Chopped Pecans, Sprinkles, Melted Chocolate, M&M's
- When you are done dipping the apples, place them in the fridge for about 20 minutes or so until the caramel is hardened slightly. Enjoy!
Notes
- It took 4 rounds of microwaving for my caramel to melt for a total of about 2 minutes.
- If your toppings are sliding off of your apple, your caramel might be too hot. If this is happening, dip your apple, and wait about 2 minutes for the caramel to cool slightly. Then roll the apple in the toppings.
- Do not use “Soft” caramels for this recipe. Caramel made from the soft candies melts off of the apple if left overnight. Here is what I used.
- You can also melt the caramels on the stovetop if preferred. Simply add the caramels and heavy cream into a small pan and stir over medium heat until melted.
- If your caramel hardens too much before you can dip all of your apples, simply put the bowl back in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until it melts to your desired consistency again.
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