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Homemade Caramel Apples are the ultimate fall treat! Let me show you how easy it is to make gourmet Caramel Apples every one will love!
Besides pumpkin spice, what’s the other essential fall treat? Caramel apples! This recipe is sure to become your favorite – it’s fun, it’s delicious, and the results (shiny caramel apples) look kind-of pretty, too!
When September and October roll in and the young ones in your life are craving caramel apples – or maybe YOU are craving a sweet treat – don’t run to the store to get them premade! It’s easier, sure, but they’re also usually expensive and not that fresh. I once saw a package of three for almost $8. No thank you!
This is a homemade recipe that makes 8-10 apples … it’s cheaper that way, not to mention a lively way to spend a fall afternoon with your loved ones!
Of course, you don’t have to wait until Halloween to have these. They’re great to make at any time of the year because they’re the most perfect snack in the universe for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re amazing to give out as gifts and party favors, too. What better way to say “I appreciate you?” I can’t think of any!
Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe
** Ingredients are at a glance. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and printable recipe. **
- medium apples (whichever kind is your favorite!) washed and dried completely
- individually wrapped caramel candies
- milk, half-and-half or heavy cream, divided
- desired toppings (optional)
How to make Gourmet Caramel Apples
Time needed: 50 minutes.
How to make Gourmet Caramel Apples
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Add sticks or skewers to apples. Place apples in the freezer while you are melting the caramels.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and milk. Stirring constantly, melt the caramels over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy.
- Dip an apple in the caramel. Place it on parchment paper. Repeat with remaining apples. Immediately place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to set.
- Immediately place in the refrigerator to set.
- Store apples in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Decorate the caramel apples (optional):
Drizzle with chocolate and/or dip in assorted topping ideas.
Tips for Making Caramel Apples
I will admit, this recipe can be a little tricky sometimes! I’ve put together this whole section of tips and tricks so you can get the recipe just right and have perfectly fall-tastic apples.
I like to use small to medium apples for this recipe because with bigger ones it becomes an event trying to eat them or store them!
While you make the caramel, go ahead and throw your apples in the fridge or freezer. The caramel will stick easier to cold apples! (Remember to put the skewers in the apples first, though. It might be hard to stick a frozen apple!)
When I say to stir constantly – I really mean stir constantly!! Stick by your caramel at all times so it doesn’t burn and so the ingredients really combine well. It’s a little bit of work, but it’s worth it, trust me.
Decorating:
When decorating your apples use a small squeeze bottle to drizzle melted chocolate in sections over the caramel apple and immediately add sprinkles. Let the apple set for a few minutes until chocolate is hard and then continue with the rest of the apple, working in sections.
Want a fun fall party idea? Keep the caramel in a slow cooker on the lowest setting – it should stay for 3 hours or so. Just remember to stir it so it stays mixed well because it’ll separate and make it hard to coat the apple with caramel if not!
If the caramel becomes too thick while you’re dipping the apples, just pop it in the microwave for half a minute and it’ll be good to go!!
You can definitely store this leftover caramel for later yumminess – add some additional cream or milk to it to keep it thin, throw it in a jar, and put it in the fridge. Now you have a topping for ice cream, cakes, and all kinds of sweets!
Don’t forget:
Remember to use all-natural food-safe sticks with this recipe! I know that seems obvious, or maybe too cautious – after all, few people eat down to the stick – but I always find it’s better safe than sorry.
Caramel Apples: FAQs
Before leaving a comment, be sure to check this section to see if your question is answered …
They need to be covered in an airtight container and put in the refrigerator.
About 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Some of my favorites: melted chocolate, assorted candies, sprinkles, nuts, crushed cookies, crushed graham crackers, crushed pretzels, and shredded coconut … feel free to experiment!
No. They are best as fresh as possible.
Most caramel has wheat … so I would say, no.
How did you like this recipe?
It just isn’t fall without a recipe like this … don’t you agree? I would love to know what you thought of this recipe. Was anything confusing for you? Did you run into any problems? Did you make it and your family loved it? Leave me a comment letting me know!
More fall recipes on Love Bakes Good Cakes
If you are looking for more fall-type recipes, I have a few more you should check out …
- Fried Apples – a delicious side dish. You only need a few ingredients to turn plain apples into a drool-worthy dish!
- S’mores Salted Caramel Apple Nachos – great for a quick snack or dessert!
- Caramel Apple Snickers Salad – a classic! Chopped apples combine with caramel and candy bars in a creamy fluff salad.
- Easy Apple Cake – Only 3 Ingredients! – this needs to be on your fall baking list!
- Caramel Apple Galette – easy and impressive!
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Caramel Apples
Homemade Caramel Apples are the ultimate fall treat! Let me show you how easy it is to make gourmet Caramel Apples every one will love!
Ingredients
- 8-10 medium apples (whichever kind is your favorite!) washed and dried completely
- 2 bags (11-oz. each) individually wrapped caramels candy
- 4 tablespoons milk, half-and-half or heavy cream
Instructions
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Add sticks or skewers to apples. Place apples in the freezer while you are melting the caramels.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and milk. Stirring constantly, melt the caramels over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy.
- Dip an apple in the caramel. Place it on parchment paper. Repeat with remaining apples. Immediately place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to set.
- Immediately place in the refrigerator to set.
- Store apples in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Decorate the caramel apples (optional). Drizzle with chocolate and/or dip in assorted topping ideas.
Notes
- Store apples in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- To add chocolate, use a small squeeze bottle, drizzle melted chocolate in sections over caramel apple and immediately add sprinkles. Let the apple set for a few minutes until chocolate is hard and then continue with the rest of the apple, working in sections.
- Nutritional values will vary depending on your chosen toppings and the amount of caramel on your apples.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 appleAmount Per Serving: Calories: 31Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary greatly between brands. Always be sure to read labels.
Originally published on October 17, 2013. Updated on September 9, 2020.
YUM! I love carmel apples, pinned to my Fall Party Desserts Board!
~ Jenn @ We Do FUN Here
Holy cow those look amazing! Definitely perfect for this time of year. I'm going to an apple festival this weekend, looks like I have a recipe to make 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Yummy, yummy these look delish! I've never made caramel apples before but I've been getting the itch 😉 Thanks so much for sharing at our All Things Thursday blog hop! I always enjoy checking out your delicious recipes!!
Fotini
Oh my, these look wonderful Jamie…. Pinned! I grew up in upstate NY where they did candied apples – thick glaze with different flavors.
Jaime these caramel apples look AMAZING! I wish I had one right now, saw them over at Show Stopper Saturday.
Great project !!
I would love you to come and share @ Craft, Create & Inspire linky party !!!
Look forward to seeing you there 🙂
http://lemonpaperdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/craft-create-inspire-linky-party-2.html
Claire x
Hi Jamie,
Caramel Apples are one of my favorite fall treats. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Oh my goodness! Jamie these apples are gorgeous! I can't resist but share them tonight as my 9pm FB feature from our "Inspiration Monday Party". Thank you for sharing these, and it's great to meet you! ~ Julie redheadcandecorate.com (also pinning!)
These look so fun. I love, love, love the chocolate on the top. Caramel apples are SO good. Thank you for linking up to Thrifty Thursday.
Oh YUM! Pinned it! xoxo
Thank you for sharing these delicious caramel ideas!
Smiles,
Carol
I will never read your blog when I'm hungry again, far out Jamie that looks divine!!
These look so fantastic! I tried to make caramel apples, but they didn't come out this good looking! Thanks for sharing this at the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party!
Those caramel apples look amazing! I actually look forward to fall all year so that I have an excuse to eat as many caramel apples as I can! 🙂
I think I love making caramel apples, more than eating them, LOL. These looks great, Jamie! Thank you for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
These all look amazing. I'll have to check out your carmel apple recipe!
I love caramel apples. They are the perfect fall treat. Thank you for sharing your tips.
I've always wanted to try my hand at making caramel apples. My husband loves them–especially those fancy caramel/chocolate ones that cost an arm and a leg. I didn't know they were so easy to make! Thank you for linking, Jamie!
Thank you so much for linking this recipe up at Recipe Sharing Monday! The new link party is up and I'd love to see you back. Have a great week. 🙂
Love these…as always, you bake delicious treats! Would love you to come link up to DELISH! http://theinspiration-network.com/delish-8-desserts-link-party/
These are so adorable and perfect for the fall season! My daughter loves caramel apples. We will definitely be making these over the season!
Such a great idea to drizzle chocolate or dip the bottoms in chocolate for a fun twist! I really thought it was much harder to make these yourself. Thanks for saving my budget this Halloween season.
I have been waiting all year for these! Thank you so much for sharing!
These Caramel Apples are sound delicious! Dangerously good…
This is awesome!! Such a fun idea! Kids will surely enjoy making and eating these!
My family and I really enjoyed making these caramel apples this weekend. The recipe was so easy and fun!
They all look delish but the one w/nuts is calling my name!
Sheila
This is such a great idea! My kids will surely love this!