One of my favorite ways to celebrate fall is by making homemade caramel apples with my kids. They’re simple to make with just 3 ingredients, and they’re a little healthier than all that Halloween candy. My kids love to pick out their favorite toppings and dip the candy-coated apples in them. It’s a fun activity for the whole family!
The classic combination of sweet, sticky caramel and juicy, tart green apples is one of my favorites! These homemade caramel apples are so fresh and delicious. The method is simple, and they’re endlessly customizable.
What’s in This Homemade Caramel Apple Recipe?
- Chewy Caramels: Melt to create a dippable topping. 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.
- Heavy Cream: Helps create a proper dipping consistency.
- Apples: I like Granny Smith apples since they are nice and firm and tart.
- Toppings: Some of my favorite caramel apple toppings include Oreos, peanuts, pecans, sprinkles, melted chocolate, and M&M’s.
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How to Store and Reheat
These homemade 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.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to rinse the apples before dipping them. Also, if they’re farm fresh from the orchard, then they won’t have wax.
- It took me 4 rounds of microwaving for my caramel to melt for a total of about 2 minutes.
- 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.
- To thicken the caramel, just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, create a slurry, then mix it in with the caramel.
- 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.
- It’s essential to chill the apples so the caramel bonds to them.
- 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.
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
How to Make Homemade Caramel Apples Step-by-Step
Prep the Apples: Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside. Wash 6 Granny Smith apples to remove the wax. Dry them completely. Remove the stems from the apples, and push the kebab sticks about halfway into the apple, where the stem was.
Melt the Caramel: Add 21.6 ounces (2 large packages) of chewy caramels and ¼ cup of 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.
Dip the Apples: 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.
Chill the Apples: 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!
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