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Caramel Apples

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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 everyone will love!

finished decorated caramel apples

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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 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!

caramels and milk in saucepan

Homemade Caramel Apples 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)
coating with caramel

How to make Gourmet Caramel Apples

Time needed: 50 minutes.

How to make Gourmet Caramel Apples

  1. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Add sticks or skewers to apples. Place apples in the freezer while you are melting the caramels.

  3. In a heavy saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and milk. Stirring constantly, melt the caramels over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy.

  4. 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.

  5. Immediately place in the refrigerator to set.

  6. Store apples in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

  7. Decorate the caramel apples (optional):

    Drizzle with chocolate and/or dip in assorted topping ideas.

rolling in nuts

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.

adding sprinkles

Caramel Apples: FAQs

If you run into any problems or if you would like some suggestions, be sure to read this section before leaving a comment.

How to store:

They need to be covered in an airtight container and put in the refrigerator.

How long do Caramel Apples last?

About 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

What are some toppings ideas?

Some of my favorites: melted chocolate, assorted candies, sprinkles, nuts, crushed cookies, crushed graham crackers, crushed pretzels, and shredded coconut … feel free to experiment!

Can you freeze Caramel Apples?

No. They are best as fresh as possible.

Are these gluten-free?

Most caramel has wheat … so I would say, no.

treats decorated for fall

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!

closeup of decorated caramel apple

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an assortment of decorated treats
Click HERE to pin this recipe!
finished and decorated caramel apples on wooden coasters

Caramel Apples

Yield: 8-10 apples
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

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

  1. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. Add sticks or skewers to apples. Place apples in the freezer while you are melting the caramels.
  3. In a heavy saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and milk. Stirring constantly, melt the caramels over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy.
  4. 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.
  5. Immediately place in the refrigerator to set.
  6. Store apples in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  7. 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 apple
Amount 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.

Did you make this recipe?

Did you try this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and tag @lovebakesgoodcakes on Instagram with the hashtag #lovebakesgoodcakes so I can see what you made!

© Jamie Sherman
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert

Originally published on October 17, 2013. Updated on September 9, 2020.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Glamorous Mommy

    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

    Reply

  7. Miz Helen

    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

    Reply

  8. Julie redheadcandecorate.com

    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!)

    Reply

  18. Michelle

    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!

    Reply

  21. Beth

    These are so adorable and perfect for the fall season! My daughter loves caramel apples. We will definitely be making these over the season!

    Reply

  22. Jen

    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.

    Reply

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Love Bakes Good Cakes delivers delicious and simple family-friendly meals. Find everything from healthier recipes to over the top desserts!