Description

Learn how to make classic gourmet caramel apples at home, combining tart, crisp Granny Smith apples with sweet, chewy caramel. Elevate these fall favorites by adding chocolate drizzles, nuts, toffee bits, mini candies, or sprinkles for a delightful and beautiful treat that’s perfect for parties or cozy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

6 Granny Smith apples, washed and dried

Caramel

14 oz block of Peter’s Caramel or equivalent store-bought caramels (about 60 individual caramels)

Toppings (optional)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
1/4 cup toffee bits
1/4 cup mini M&M’s or sprinkles
1/2 cup chocolate for drizzling (white, milk, or dark chocolate)

Other

6 wooden apple sticks
Parchment paper or Silpat mat for lining baking sheet

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the Granny Smith apples. If apples have wax coating, dip them in very hot water for a few seconds and gently rub off the wax to help caramel adhere better.
Insert Sticks: Push a wooden apple stick firmly into the top of each apple, ensuring it is well anchored for dipping and handling.
Melt Caramel: Melt the caramel either in the top of a double boiler or in short intervals in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully melted.
Dip Apples: Holding an apple by the stick, dip it into the melted caramel until fully coated. Let any excess caramel drip off back into the bowl.
Apply Toppings: If using nuts, chocolate chips, or candies, immediately dip or sprinkle them onto the caramel-coated apple before the caramel sets.
Set Apples: Place the dipped apples on a parchment or Silpat-lined baking sheet to cool. After dipping a few apples, transfer them to the refrigerator to help the caramel set quickly.
Add Chocolate Drizzle: Once caramel has set slightly, melt the chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the apples. Optionally, add additional nuts or toffee bits on top of the chocolate drizzle.
Chill: Refrigerate the finished caramel apples until fully set, about 20-30 minutes.
Serve: Caramel apples are best eaten the day they are made. To eat easily, cut the apples into slices with four cuts crossing all the way through to create sections around the core.

Notes

For best caramel adhesion, use organic apples or remove wax coating.
Store caramel apples in the refrigerator for up to two days for freshness.
You can skip toppings or choose your favorite mix-ins for customization.
Make sure to use sturdy sticks that can support the weight of the apple.
If caramel becomes too thick while melting, add a teaspoon of cream or milk to loosen it.
Use a baking sheet lined with parchment or Silpat to prevent sticking during setting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Dipping and Setting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 caramel apple
Calories: 350
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: caramel apples, fall dessert, easy caramel apples, homemade caramel apples, gourmet caramel apples, apple treats, caramel candy, fall recipes