Bright, crisp apples covered in sticky, buttery caramel and dunked in your favorite
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What makes this recipe irresistible
What makes gourmet caramel apples super irresistible is the amazing contrasts. The sweet-tart balance - the buttery caramel combined with the crispy tart apples. It's crunchy and chewy. It's the perfect combination of nostalgia and tradition. They bring back the fun of being a kid and the joy of all things fall!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Baking caramels (I used a bag of the individually wrapped Kraft brand).
- apples - smaller apples are best, choose tart apples like fresh Granny Smith apples, Gala, Macintosh or Fuji apples.
- Popsicle sticks or wooden sticks - you can find these at the craft store or online.
Toppings for the best caramel apples
Oh my goodness, it's really your personal preference. I'm here to tell you though, they are ALL GOOD! If you have excess Halloween candy, you can even chop that up!
- heath bar - Dan's personal favorite
- shredded coconut - makes me drool just thinking about it
- mini m&m candies - so pretty and colorful
- sliced almonds or chopped nuts - pecans, walnuts, peanuts anything works
- mini chocolate chips - semi-sweet chocolate and caramel is a delicious combination
- sprinkles - the more color the better, use your favorite
- crushed cookies - Oreos, gingersnaps or vanilla wafers - yum!
- mini m&m's, toffee bits or mini marshmallows would be fantastic
- chocolate drizzles would look super fancy!
- crushed candy bars
- graham cracker crumbs
- dark chocolate sprinkled with sea salt
Instead of caramel to dip your gourmet apples, use melted chocolate, white chocolate, or pretty candy melts - YUM!
Instructions
- Insert a wooden stick into the center of the apple.
- Unwrap the caramel candies and place in a microwaveable bowl. Melt the caramels.
- Dip apples in hot caramel.
- Allow the excess caramel to drain back into the bowl.
- Take dipped apples and dunk and roll the apple in your topping of choice. Use a variety of different toppings.
- Place apple on parchment paper.
- Refrigerate at least 15 minutes so the caramel will set and harden. Keep apples in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve them.
How to prepare apples for dunking
- Rinse each apple well and dry the apples with a paper towel.
- If there is a wax coating on the apples dip each apple for 1 or 2 seconds in boiling water, pat dry.
- Remove the stems from the apples and insert a caramel apple stick into the center.
- Refrigerate the apples. The caramel will stick better to the cold apples.
- Prepare the pan to rest apples on after dunkin
g : Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper, spray with non-stick cooking spray.
I love using pre-made caramel. Melting the rich caramel in the microwave makes it super because there's no need to use candy thermometer.
Essential tools for this recipe
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- Microwave proof medium-sized mixing bowl
- Small bowls to hold the topping
- Popsicle sticks
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
There is no hard/fast rule for the best apples. Choose your favorite apples. Look for smaller, tart apples like crisp, tart Granny Smith apples, gala, Macintosh or fuji. Honeycrisp apples are amazing and organic apples are always a great choice!
Yes, the caramel will stick better to the apples and cool more quickly if you have cold apples.
Your apple could have a light wax coating or they could be warm.
Dip the apples into boiling water for just a second or two, then wipe them with a paper towel.
Yes, after making them, store gourmet caramel apples in the refrigerator.
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Each apple will need about ¼ cup of topping. Plan accordingly for the
Test kitchen tips
- Start with dry apples. Remove the stem and refrigerate them. I do this the day before because I found the caramel will stick to the apples better if they are good and cold.
- Allow excess caramel to drizzle off the apples before dipping into the topping.
- Use good crisp apples!
- Be sure to spray the parchment paper with non-stick spray to avoid sticking.
Store the apples in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy them. Remove them about 15 minutes prior to serving. They are best served at room temperature. That way the caramel will warm up a bit and won't be hard when you bite into it.
The kids will enjoy eating it just like a lollipop. Bigger kids (like you and me!) might appreciate having it sliced.
Storage
Once you're done decorating them, refrigerate the gourmet caramel apples. Remove them from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving.
To package them, I wrapped them in wax paper or cellophane and tie them with a pretty bow. They make great gifts or teachers' gifts!
Serving suggestions
Aren't these super fun? You'll love this classic fall treat! If you're having a get-together here are more yummy recipes for your Halloween party!
- For the main dish, how about a Mummy Meatloaf, YUM!! Or if you're keeping it casual, grill some Halloween Hot Dogs - so fun!
- This recipe for Halloween Meatballs uses a couple shortcuts. They take no time at all to make! Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- This post has loads of recipes for more Halloween Party Food!
Related recipes
Whether you're preparing for a party or just filling bellies before trick or treating, here are a few more recipes to check out!
- This recipe for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is so delicious! You'll love how easy it is to make too! When you make it, double the recipe because it everyone will love it!
- This from scratch Pumpkin Butter is another wonderful treat - it tastes like pumpkin pie in a jar!
- Butterscotch Pudding Dessert - this is the most lovely fall dessert and another easy recipe! Perfect for a dinner party or Sunday supper.
- Full of tender, apples in a buttery cake this recipe for Apple Cake with Brown Butter Sauce, this cake is a delicious grownup dessert.
What's your favorite topping for Gourmet Caramel Apples? Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear it!
Homemade Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 11 ounces baking caramels I used individually wrapped Kraft brand
- 3 tablespoons water
- 5-6 apples Recommend smaller apples
- popsicle sticks, toppings of choice
Instructions
- Rinse the apples, remove the stems, dry apples with a paper towel and refrigerate until you’re ready to make the treat. Insert a stick into the core, set aside.
- Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper, spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwaveable bowl. Add the water. Microwave for two minutes, stir well. Depending on your microwave you may need to zap it again at 30-second intervals until melted.
- Insert a wooden stick into the center of each apple. Dunk the apples in melted caramel. Allow the excess caramel to drain back into the bowl. Quickly dunk and roll the apple in your topping of choice. Set on the parchment paper.
- Refrigerate at least 15 minutes to allow the topping to harden. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for making Caramel Apple Recipe
- Clean the apples well, remove the stem and refrigerate them. I do this the day before because I found the caramel will stick to the apples better if they are good and cold.
- Start with a dry apple, if it's damp or wet, the caramel will not stick.
- Allow excess caramel to drizzle off the apples before dipping.
- Be. sure to spray the parchment paper with non-stick spray so the apples don't stick to the paper.
- Plan on ¼ cup topping for each apple.
- Remove from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes prior to serving.
Lois says
This is a wonderful special dessert. Very easy to put together. So tasty.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Angela Paris says
These look SO yummy! I know my kids would love to make them 🙂
Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
The kids will have a blast making their own caramel apples!