Caramel Apple Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Chill: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: apples

Calories: 519kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Celebrate fall the best way with homemade caramel apples! This classic treat is a fall favorite and calls for just three simple ingredients and your microwave!

Print 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 use chewy, not soft caramels. Soft caramels will not set up properly. Here is what I used.

**You can use other types of apples, but I like the tartness of Granny Smiths best.

Tips:

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.

Storage: Store caramel apples individually wrapped in saran wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition