Is there anything sweeter than a caramel apple in the fall? Crisp, crunchy apples covered in ooey-gooey caramel are like autumn on a stick. And while you can pick up premade caramel apples from a local grocery store or apple orchard, making homemade caramel apples is a fun and easy fall project.
Our Test Kitchen’s step-by-step guide shows you how to take three ingredients (plus all those delicious toppings) and make your own caramel apples that are perfect for snacking and entertaining all season long.
How to Make Caramel Apples
The following homemade caramel apples method uses store-bought caramels for a quick and easy approach to this classic fall treat. If you want to make them completely from scratch, use this caramel apple recipe to make your own caramel.
Ingredients
- 6 small Gala apples
- 6 wooden pop sticks
- 1 package (14 ounces) caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the apples
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Start by thoroughly washing the apples and removing the stems. Store-bought produce often has a waxy coating to keep it fresh, so be sure to rub your apples with a dishcloth until that finish is gone—they should look natural and dull. Once they’re clean, dry the apples and insert a pop stick into the top of each.
Line a baking sheet with greased parchment paper. (Greasing the paper is important so the caramel won’t stick later.)
Step 2: Melt the caramel
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Next, prepare the caramels for all that sticky goodness. Unwrap the candies (this is a great cooking task for kids) and heat the caramels in a saucepan with the milk over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. It should take 3 to 5 minutes for the mix to be nice and smooth.
Step 3: Dip the apples in the caramel
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Once the caramel is smooth, remove it from the heat and prepare for dipping. To fully coat the apple in sticky caramel goodness, tip the saucepan a bit and rotate the apple until the surface is completely covered. Allow the excess caramel to drip off before you place it upright onto the parchment-lined pan.
Test Kitchen tip: If you find that the caramel runs off the apples, don’t worry! The caramel might just be a touch too warm. Wait a minute and give it another dip.
Caramel Apple Variations
Here’s how to put your own spin on your homemade treats—but first, get inspired by these fun caramel apples!
- Pick your own apple variety. Though our recipe calls for Gala apples (we love their sweet flavor!), feel free to use whatever apple you prefer for eating. Granny Smiths are a traditional option if you prefer more tartness and a good crunch.
- Try fun toppings. After dipping and while the caramel is still sticky, roll the apples in your favorite toppings, such as:
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles
- M&M’s minis
- Crushed Oreos
- Reese’s Pieces
- Crushed graham crackers
- Add the finishing touches. For a final flourish, drizzle with melted milk, dark or white chocolate. If you like salty with your sweet, add a pinch of sea salt as the caramel is about to set.
How to Store Caramel Apples
If you’re looking to gobble up these sweet treats right away, let the apples stand until the caramel is set, about 10 minutes. Or, you can refrigerate them for a week or so—just be sure to take them out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes prior to eating so the caramel can soften a bit. However, avoid leaving homemade caramel apples out on the counter overnight. (Here’s how to store leftover caramel.)
If you want to wrap the caramel apples to give them as gifts, let the caramel set in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before wrapping. (Try these other food gift ideas, too!)
Caramel Apple Tips
How do you get the caramel to stay on the apples?
There are a few reasons why the caramel could be sliding off the apples:
- The caramel is too hot. If the caramel runs right off as you’re dipping them, try letting the caramel cool for a minute or so. Using chilled apples also helps the caramel stick better.
- The apples are too waxy. Before you begin dipping, rub the apples with a dishcloth to remove the waxy coating.
- The caramel didn’t set. Don’t forget to set the caramel by placing your dipped apples in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before eating or wrapping.
Can you make the caramel ahead of time?
Caramel can be fussy (as evidenced by these common caramel mistakes), so you’re better off making the caramel right before you’re ready to dip the apples.
However, if you make the caramel and it gets too cool and thick while you’re dipping, warm the caramel over low heat in order to regain a smooth, dip-able consistency. (For more tips, our guide on how to make caramel can help.)
Caramel Apple-Inspired Recipes
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These bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. —Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas
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Caramel Apple Rice Krispies TreatsOoey, gooey caramel meets your favorite crisped rice treat in this caramel apple Rice Krispies Treat recipe. —
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Caramel Apple FloatWho doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Caramel-Apple Skillet BuckleMy grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Caramel Apple SconesA drizzle of caramel complements the apple and whole wheat flavors of these rustic-looking scones. —Arlene Cook, Bainbridge, Georgia
Caramel ApplesWho doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple? Make a double batch because these treats always go fast! —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Caramel Apple StrudelMy father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel ToppingI developed this recipe through the years to get it exactly where we want it. I've entered several pie contests with it and placed first each time—one bite and you'll know why this pie's a winner! —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California
Caramel-Apple Shortbread CookiesThere is nothing like seeing my friends almost melt to the floor when they bite into something I made. These cookies never fail to elicit oohs and aahs. —Amber Taylor, Lenoir City, Tennessee
Caramel Apple BarsThese bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. —Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas
Caramel Apple CupcakesBring these extra special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two fall-favorite treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Oatmeal Caramel Apple CookiesThis recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Rustic Caramel Apple TartLike an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Caramel Apple Coffee Cake with WalnutsI created this recipe after a trip to an orchard with my family. This moist cake is full of hearty apples and nuts, while the caramel topping adds a delectable finish. —Sharon Cable, Dyersville, Iowa.
Easy Mini Caramel Apple CheesecakesCheesecake is the ultimate comfort food, but a big slice can be too rich. These bite-sized cheesecakes topped with apples and creamy caramel dazzle the senses. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota
Apple Crisp PizzaWhile visiting the bakery at a Wisconsin apple orchard, I tried this tempting treat. At home, I put together this recipe. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
Caramel Apple MuffinsThese muffins are perfect for anyone who loves caramel apples. They are particularly good with breakfast or during a coffee break. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana
Apple Pie BitesThese apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Gourmet Caramel ApplesThese drizzled confections look gorgeous and taste over-the-top yummy. With peanut butter flavor and a salty burst, they'll be the treats you can't wait to make each year. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chunky Apple CakeAfter taste testing lots of apple cakes, I've found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
Caramel Apple BitesKids can help make these perfect fall bites by dipping the baked cookies in caramel and nuts. It's a fun food craft for all of us. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel IcingEasy to prepare and popular with my friends and family, this apple cake is one of my all-time favorite autumn recipes. A slice of this soft treat is delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea. —Monica Burns, Fort Worth, Texas
Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel SauceThis apple bread pudding with caramel sauce has been in my life for a long time. It's a family fave and always on my buffet when I put together a brunch. It's also special enough for dinner dessert. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Apple Caramel Cheesecake BarsThe streusel topping that comes with this recipe for apple cream cheese bars is absolutely irresistible. If you can’t resist a “taste test” before a party, just arrange each apple bar on a serving platter and no one will know a piece is missing from the pan! —Katherine White, Henderson, Nevada
Caramel-Pecan Apple PieYou'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
Caramel-Pecan Apple SlicesHere's a warm, decadent side dish for fall or winter brunches. Ready to eat in only 15 minutes, the apples are also good alongside a pork entree or spooned over vanilla ice cream. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Andrea Mathis for Taste of Home
This delicious, gooey caramel apple dump cake is flavorful, moist and made with simple ingredients: apple pie filling, cake mix, butter and, of course, caramel sauce. You can add in a few warming spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, for extra fall flavor. —
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Caramel Apple Creme BruleeHere's the cream of the apple dessert crop. Fruit, caramel and cinnamon flavors enhance the rich, velvety custard. Served warm or chilled, it's a classic end to a meal. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Fluffy Caramel Apple DipThis sweet, smooth and fluffy dip is really a crowd-pleaser. Be careful—it's so good that you won't want to stop eating it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Contest-Winning Caramel Apple CrispWhen my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan
Air-Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls with Caramel SauceThese easy apple pie egg rolls can be prepared as needed, using egg roll wrappers as vessels for the fruit rather than traditional pie crust. The air-fryer method of cooking results in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender, juicy filling. Flavored cream cheese spread may be used instead of plain, depending on availability. —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Teddy Nykiel, Taste of Home Associate Digital Editor, contributed to this article.
