Caramel Apples are the ultimate fall indulgence — tart apples dipped in buttery caramel, coated in your favorite toppings, and served up on a stick. Whether you’re prepping treats for a Halloween bash or just craving a nostalgic sweet, this easy recipe delivers crunchy, gooey perfection every time. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have delicious, glossy caramel apples in under an hour.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic fall flavor in every bite
- Fun for all ages — kids love dipping and decorating
- Customizable toppings galore
- No store-bought caramel — this homemade version tastes 10x better
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (preferably Granny Smith, washed and dried)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, mini M&M’s, crushed cookies, sprinkles
- Equipment:
- 6 sturdy wooden sticks or skewers
- Candy thermometer (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Prep the apples
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Dip each apple for 10 seconds to remove the wax coating. Transfer to a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes, then dry thoroughly with paper towels. - Insert the sticks
Remove apple stems and push a wooden stick into the center of each apple. Refrigerate while you make the caramel. - Make the caramel
In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and ¼ cup water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until the mixture turns deep amber (about 8–10 minutes or 350°F on a thermometer). - Add cream and butter
Carefully stir in heavy cream — it will bubble vigorously — then add butter. Stir until smooth. - Let caramel cool
Remove from heat and let the caramel thicken for 15–20 minutes. Pour into a bowl deep enough for dipping. - Dip the apples
One at a time, dip each apple into the caramel. Let excess drip off and gently tap against the bowl. - Add toppings
Immediately roll each apple in your desired toppings. Place on parchment-lined tray to set. - Cool and enjoy
Let the caramel apples sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or refrigerate uncovered.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 apples
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per apple)
- Calories: ~330
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugars: 45g
- Protein: 1g
Tips & Variations
- Use different apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji add extra sweetness.
- No candy thermometer? Watch for a deep amber color and caramel that pulls slightly when dropped in water.
- Decorating tip: Dip apples in toppings immediately after caramel — don’t wait.
- Storage: Keep uncovered in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Let sit at room temp before eating.
Caramel Apples
Equipment
- Saucepan
- – Wooden sticks
- – Candy thermometer (optional)
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- – 6 large apples Granny Smith or similar, washed and dried
- – 2 cups granulated sugar
- – ½ cup light corn syrup
- – 1 tsp kosher salt
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- – Toppings: chopped nuts crushed cookies, mini candies
- – Equipment: 6 wooden sticks candy thermometer (optional)
Instructions
- Boil apples for 10 seconds, transfer to ice water, and dry thoroughly.
- Insert wooden sticks into apples. Chill.
- In saucepan, heat sugar, syrup, salt, and water until deep amber (350°F).
- Remove from heat, stir in cream and butter until smooth.
- Let caramel cool for 15–20 min.
- Dip apples into caramel, then immediately into toppings.
- Place on parchment paper to set. Serve or refrigerate uncovered.
Notes
– Dry apples thoroughly — moisture prevents caramel from sticking.
– Store uncovered in fridge up to 3 days.
FAQs
Do I need to boil the apples first?
Yes! Boiling removes the wax coating so caramel sticks better.
Can I make caramel in the microwave?
You can, but stovetop gives you better control and flavor.
How far in advance can I make these?
Make them 1–2 days ahead. Refrigerate uncovered and bring to room temp before serving.
Conclusion
Homemade Caramel Apples are a fall favorite for a reason — crisp, tangy fruit wrapped in silky caramel with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you keep them classic or go wild with toppings, they’re a festive treat that never fails to impress.