How to Make Caramel Apples

Learn how to make caramel apples with these easy tips and tricks. These decorated treats taste amazing and are a must-make this fall!

When I think of fall, I immediately think of caramel apples. It’s a must to enjoy at least one during the fall season…or maybe even two. ;) If I’m looking for a quicker alternative, sometimes I make this easy toffee caramel dip and serve it with sliced apples. It tastes just like the real deal, but is quicker to make!

We usually always go apple picking at the apple orchard and look for fun ways to use them up. Making homemade caramel apples is the perfect solution! They’re simple to make and are a great activity for the family to enjoy together. The kids love to help make them!

We love to make all different types – some plain, others with toppings like M&M’s and crushed nuts or even some that are dipped in both caramel and chocolate. There are so many ways to decorate them…the options are endless!

To make homemade caramel apples:

1. Wash apples and let dry. Use Fit fruit cleaner and a scrub brush. Scrub/wash the apples with warm water for about 30 seconds, then place on a towel and let dry completely. When apples are dry, place sticks in the center of the apple (these are my favorite sticks).
2. Melt the caramel. Place the Peter’s caramel in a microwavable bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir and then cook an additional minute. Add more time if needed, until it’s totally melted. You can also place it in a slow cooker and allow to melt that way.
3. Dip the apples. Dip the apples in the caramel, leaving about one inch around the top. Hold up the apples to allow any excess to drip off and then use a spatula to scrape it off the bottom. Then place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

If not dipping in chocolate: Leave as-is or coat with preferred toppings immediately. Then place in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to help the apples set. Do not store in fridge.

If dipping in chocolate: Let caramel completely set before dipping in chocolate. Melt the chocolate according to package directions. Then either dip the apples in chocolate or drizzle over the top. Then add desired toppings immediately and let set.

Helpful tips

1. Wash your apples thoroughly. Use FIT cleaner, a scrubber and warm water to remove the wax. You could also use a fine grit sand paper to lightly remove the wax from the apple.
2. Dry the apples completely. Any wax or moisture left on the apple will prevent the caramel from sticking.
3. Prepare ingredients beforehand. Get all your ingredients ready before making the caramel, because you’ll want to move quickly once you dip them.
4. Use high quality caramel. My favorite type to use is Peter’s. I usually use half of the block for 12 apples and wrap the rest for later. It tastes so much better than Kraft caramels. Werther’s caramels will work too. You can also use a homemade caramel recipe.
5. Let caramel cool before dipping. Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before dipping the apples.
6. Allow excess caramel to drip off. Once you dip your apple, hold it up for about 20 seconds to allow any excess caramel to drip off. Then scrape off the bottom with a spatula.

Favorite toppings

• Sea salt
• Drizzled chocolate
• Chopped nuts
• Mini M&M’s or mini chocolate chips
• Reese’s pieces or chopped peanut butter cups
• Crushed Oreo’s
• Sprinkles
• Crushed Butterfingers
• Cinnamon sugar
• Crushed toffee
• Crushed pretzels
• Chopped Snickers
• Candy corn
• Flaked coconut
• Graham cracker crumbs

My favorite topping combination

My absolute favorite combo is the “apple pie apple” inspired by my favorite caramel apples from Disneyland.

Follow the simple instructions below to make this version:

1. Dip the entire apple in caramel, allow to set.
2. Once set, dip the apple in white chocolate until you reach the caramel. Let the excess chocolate drizzle off.
3. Place the caramel in a bowl full of graham cracker crumbs. Let set in the bowl for a minute, then press the graham crackers onto the sides.
4. Sprinkle the top half with cinnamon sugar.
5. Then place on a piece of parchment paper to set.

Check out my other favorite Disney caramel apples for more inspiration from Disneyland.

More delicious apple treats:

• Caramel apple pie bars
• Caramel apple monkey bread
• Apple pull apart bread
• Snickers caramel apple pie
• Apple cider caramels