This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
We are going to show you How to Make Caramel Apples for an amazing treat. Decadent caramel and your favorite topping make this caramel apples recipe delicious.
Caramel apples are a staple to fall food at our house. If you are going to a party, throwing a party, or just want to have fun with the kids then you have to make caramel apples in the fall.
Not only should you try our Pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin cupcakes, you must check out all of our Dessert Recipes. These caramel apples are also a delicious and easy Halloween Recipe.
If you love this easy homemade caramel apple recipe, then try these 15 Creative Homemade Caramel Apple Recipes.
Table of Contents
Why Make this Recipe:
Once you learn how to make caramel apples, you will see how much money you will save. Caramel apples are pricey to buy but really not that expensive to make.
You can make a batch of these and save a ton of money over bakery or carnival prices. You will love the sweetness flavor and perfect to give out as gifts.
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Lollipops Sticks – Popsicle Sticks are great also
- Heavy Cream
- Corn Syrup
- Butter
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Chopped Peanuts (optional)
Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe in the recipe card.
Topping Ideas:
- Chopped Nuts – We love to add chopped nuts to the top of the caramel apples. We think chopped peanuts, pecans and chopped walnuts are great.
- Candy – Another delicious topping is Mini M&M’s, Reese Pieces, crushed toffee or Butterfinger candy bar. Any type of candy bar would work. Just use what you love.
- Melted Chocolate – For added chocolate flavor melt chocolate to drizzle on top. White chocolate drizzle or milk chocolate drizzle work great.
- Cookies – Crush cookies and roll the apple in them. Crushed Oreo cookies are amazing.
- Peanut Butter – Mini peanut butter morsels is a great option. We have even used mini chocolate chips for a delicious option.
- More Topping – For more ideas see Best Caramel Apple Toppings. Set up a topping bar with all your favorite toppings. Make sure to have a bowl of shredded coconut and mini marshmallows.
How to Make Caramel apples:
- Step 1 – Heat water in a pot until hot (but not boiling). Add 1 tsp of vinegar.
Step 2 – Insert a stick into the stem bottom of the apple. I suggest these sticks because they are nice and sturdy. Dip apples in water and swirl to melt and remove any wax. Wipe with towel to dry and remove any remaining wax. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside.
Step 3 – In a pan, add the ¾ cup cream, corn syrup, butter and sugar. Cook to 245 using a candy thermometer ( this is firm ball stage). Remove from heat and carefully stir with wooden spoon in the remaining cream and the vanilla. Be careful as the melted caramel is very hot and it may splatter.
Step 4 – Dip and twirl the apples in the sweet caramel mixture to coat. Let any excess caramel drip off.
Step 5 – You can then roll the dipped apple in the chopped nuts or even sprinkles. Place coated apples on the prepared cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set caramel. Enjoy and these caramel coating apples.
Expert Tips:
- Prepare Baking Sheet – We like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place the apples on. This makes clean up much easier and you can just toss it after the they have set and the caramel cools.
- Dry Apples – Before dipping the apples into the caramel sauce, make sure the apples are dry.
- Store Bought Caramel Sauce – These gourmet caramel apples can be dipped in caramel sauce that is bought at store. You can also melt store-bought caramels over low-heat in a saucepan.
- Brown Sugar – We used regular sugar in this recipe, feel free to use brown sugar for a warm flavor.
How Do you Keep Caramel from Sliding Off Apples?
The wax on the outside of apples can often interfere with the caramel staying on the apple. Make sure to dip apples in water and swirl to melt and remove any wax. Wipe with towel to dry and remove any remaining wax.
This step will help to make sure the caramel does not slide off the apples.
You can also put the apples in the fridge right after dipping in caramel. This will help the caramel to set.
Frequently Asked Questions:
After heating the caramel in the saucepan, you can pour in the crock pot to keep warm. This is the perfect way to serve caramel apples for a party.
Feel free to use whatever apple that you prefer. We have made this recipe with Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. You can also use apple slices to drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
These caramel apples are best served fresh. But if you do have leftovers, store the caramel sauce in the fridge in an airtight container.
More Easy Apple Recipes:
- Homemade Apple Cider
- Baked Apple Chips Recipe
- Crockpot Applesauce
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Baked Apples
More Easy Fall Desserts:
- Halloween Snack Mix
- Mummy White Chocolate Truffles
- Easy Halloween Desserts for Kids
- 25 Easy Halloween Cupcake Ideas
- Spider Pudding Pies
We love hearing from you. If you make this Easy Caramel Apples Recipe, make sure to leave a comment or a star review.
How to Make Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 6 Apples
- Sticks and if you want for decoration decorated straws
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 3/4 cup Chopped Peanuts optional
Instructions
- Heat water in a pot until hot (but not boiling). Add 1 tsp of vinegar.
- Insert a stick into the stem end of each apple. I suggest these sticks because they are nice and sturdy. Dip apples in water and swirl to melt and remove any wax. Wipe with towel to dry and remove any remaining wax.
- Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- In a pan, add the ¾ cup cream, corn syrup, butter and sugar. Cook to 245 ( this is firm ball stage). Remove from heat and carefully stir in the remaining cream and the vanilla. Be careful as it is very hot and it may splatter.
- Dip and twirl the apples in the caramel to coat. Let any excess drip off. You can then roll the dipped apple in the chopped nuts or even sprinkles. Place apples on the prepared cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set caramel.
- Enjoy!
