Homemade Caramel Apples
Get ready for the ultimate fall treat that’ll make your kitchen smell like a fancy candy shop! These homemade caramel apples aren’t just dessert – they’re an experience that’ll transport you straight back to childhood carnival memories, but with a gourmet twist that’ll impress everyone from kids to culinary critics.
The magic lies in that perfect contrast between tart, crisp Granny Smith apples and rich, buttery caramel that stretches into delicious strings with every bite. Plus, with endless topping possibilities, you can make each apple a unique masterpiece that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 7 small Granny Smith apples (about 2 1/4 lbs)
- 15 oz Werther’s Chewy caramels
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Sprinkles
- Shredded coconut
Steps
- Start with perfectly clean apples. Rinse apples under cool water and dry thoroughly with paper towels – any moisture will prevent the caramel from sticking. Insert wooden sticks 3/4 inch deep into the stem end of each apple.
- Prepare your workspace by lining a 13×9-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Place in refrigerator to chill – this helps the caramel set faster.
- In a 5-cup microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until completely smooth (2-3 minutes total). If mixture seems too runny, let stand for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Working quickly, dip each apple at a 45-degree angle, rotating to coat evenly. Let excess drip off for 5-10 seconds, then scrape bottom against bowl edge. Quickly flip apple upside down for 3-5 seconds to prevent pooling.
- If adding toppings, roll or sprinkle them on immediately before caramel sets. Work fast – you have about 15-20 seconds before the caramel begins to harden.
- Place dipped apples on prepared sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes until completely set. For best results, slice just before serving to prevent browning.
Smart Swaps
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version
- Try dark chocolate melting wafers instead of caramel for a less sweet treat
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Use sugar-free caramel alternatives (like ChocZero caramel sauce)
- Cut apples into wedges and drizzle with thin coating (1 tsp per serving)
- Pair with 1 oz of nuts to slow sugar absorption
- Approximate carb reduction: 15g per serving
Pro Tips
- Room temperature caramels melt more evenly than cold ones
- If caramel thickens while working, microwave for 15 seconds
- Twist apple slightly when removing from caramel for cleaner coating
- Choose small-medium apples – large ones are harder to coat evenly