Fall isn’t complete without homemade caramel apples! My version is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss–just three ingredients and a foolproof microwave method that even beginners can master. These easy caramel apples are glossy, perfectly coated, and ready for all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re making caramel dipped apples for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just for a party, my DIY recipe makes the process simple and stress-free.
Easy Caramel Apples Made in the Microwave
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. Most caramel apple recipes rely on stovetop cooking and candy thermometers. Mine skips the stress with a shortcut: melt store-bought chewy caramels and a splash of cream right in the microwave. This hands-off approach makes it easier to control the caramel’s texture and keeps cleanup simple.
From there, you can dip and swirl each apple in your favorite toppings. Think crushed cookies, chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles. Because the caramel isn’t cooked to hard-crack stage, the coating stays soft enough to bite into yet firm enough to hold toppings, making these DIY caramel apples a hit at kids’ parties, bake sales, and cozy fall nights at home.
Easy Wax Removal Trick
To guarantee the caramel sticks beautifully to the apples, I like to go one step further than washing and briefly dip each apple in a pot of boiling water with a tablespoon of vinegar for 10 seconds. This removes the invisible wax layer more completely than soap or scrubbing alone, creating a perfectly tacky surface for the caramel to cling to. A nice, thorough drying after the fact ensures your caramel covered apples will turn out picture perfect!
Caramel Apple Recipe
Equipment
- Kebab sticks
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
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
- Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry store-bought apples to remove their waxy coating (this can cause the caramel to slide off). If using orchard-fresh apples, you only need to rinse them.
- I like to dip my apples in boiling water and vinegar to remove the 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.
How to Make Homemade Caramel Apples Step-by-Step
Prep: Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside. Wash 6 Granny Smith apples to remove their wax. Dry them completely. If you’re having trouble getting the wax off, try briefly dipping each apple in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar added. Just don’t dip them too long, or they will go mushy.
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Prep the Apples: 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. This took me 4 rounds, or about 2 minutes. Alternatively, you can melt the caramels over medium-low heat on the stovetop.
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. If your caramel starts to harden too much, pop it back in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften.
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!
How to Store
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.
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