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.
How to Make Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are a staple to fall food, right? 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. Don’t you agree?
Not only should you try our Pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin cupcakes, you must make caramel apples. The best part… they are SO cheap to make because apples are cheap in the fall. Plus, you really don’t need a lot to make them!
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!
Let’s make caramel apples.
Ingredients for easy caramel apples:
- 6 Apples
- Sticks and if you want for decoration, decorated straws
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Corn Syrup
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- ¾ cup Chopped Peanuts (optional)
How to Make Caramel apples:
- 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 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 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!
Tip: 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.
If you want, you can then add a decorative straw over the sticks to make the apples look gorgeous for your party display! All you have to do is cut them to size. It just makes them even cuter! Don’t you think? Here are a few of my favorites that would be perfect.
- Orange Polka Dot Paper Straws (2 dz)
- Orange Striped straws
- 50-Pack Vintage Halloween Paper Straws, Chevron, Orange/Black
Popsicle sticks also work! This is larger than a lollipop stick and much sturdier.
Topping ideas for caramel apples:
- Chopped nuts. Peanuts are great!
- mini m&m’s
- white chocolate drizzle
- milk chocolate drizzle
- crushed toffee or butterfinger candy bar. Any type of candy bar would work. Just use what you love!
- cookies- Crush cookies and roll the apple in them. Oreo cookies are amazing.
- mini peanut butter morsels. Peanut butter fans will love these!
It is always fun to just make traditional caramel apples. However, we do have fun making a few with toppings. I let each child make one with all of their favorite toppings.
Their creativity really shines and it is so fun to see how everyone makes their caramel apples. Let us know how you make yours and what toppings you use.
We love new ideas and seeing your creativity!
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.
Do you love making caramel apples?
We look forward to doing this every year and it is a real treat for everyone. Not only is it so fun to make but they taste amazing. I love that we get to spend time together while making these delicious and tasty apples.
You might even want to make extra to give to friends. Once the apples have set, wrap them in a cellophane bag. You can tie with a pretty fall or Halloween ribbon.
This would be darling to hand out to neighbors, friends and family. So fun! I know it would make my day to get a sweet treat from someone.
Surprise someone today and give them a delicious apple treat. We love to share baked goods and it is such a blessing to see how happy it makes everyone.
So make a few extra and brighten someone’s day. 🙂
Since you are already getting cheap apples, you might as well try my easy crockpot applesauce recipe. YUM!
Let us know what all you decide to make. We love hearing how things turn out and what your family thinks.
This might become an annual tradition at your house too! Our entire family looks forward to making and eating these. 🙂
Print this caramel apples recipe below:
How to Make Caramel Apples
Ingredients
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!
Nutrition Facts
If you love this easy homemade caramel apple recipe, then try these 15 Creative Homemade Caramel Apple Recipes.
Try these other easy apple recipes:
- Homemade Apple Cider
- Baked Apple Chips Recipe
- Crockpot Applesauce
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- 3 Ingredient Snicker Apple Salad
- Crockpot Apple Pie Dump Cake
Try these easy Fall desserts:
- Halloween Snack Mix
- Mummy White Chocolate Truffles
- Easy Halloween Desserts for Kids
- 25 Easy Halloween Cupcake Ideas
- 20 Easy Halloween Cookie Recipes for Kids
- Easy Halloween Treats for Kids- Ghost Twinkies
