Caramel Apples

5 from 1 vote
caramel apple on plate
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Caramel apples are a fall staple and are easy to make at home. This super simple recipe is one that your entire family will have fun creating together. The best part is that once you make your apples, you can customize them to your liking!

Caramel apple on plate

This recipe is Sponsored by SweeTango.

Whether you call them caramel apples or “carmel” apples, these are always a fall favorite!

If you are a fan of the fall, we’d be willing to bet you enjoy caramel apples. Sure you can pick them up at your local grocery store, farmers market or pumpkin patch. However, making your own at home is cheaper. Plus, your family can make them together and use your favorite toppings!

How do you keep caramel from sliding off the apples?

First, you want to make sure you wash and completely dry your apples. Any moisture or leftover water from the apples can prevent the caramel from sticking.

What is the difference between candy apples and caramel apples?

Candy apples have a hard candy coating that is made with sugar and corn syrup. A caramel apple is dipped in just that, caramel, whether store bought or homemade and can be topped with a plethora of toppings!

Topping Ideas:
  • Crushed Oreos
  • Chopped nuts
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Mini M&Ms
  • Sprinkles
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Crushed pretzels

They are also delicious dipped in melted chocolate or white chocolate. You can also drizzle chocolate over the apples.

How do you get toppings to stick?

You need to ensure that the caramel is still hot so that any of the toppings that you are going to use will stick. As the caramel begins to cool, it will not allow toppings to stick to it. You want the temperature of the caramel to be between 160-180 degrees. Using a candy thermometer can help with this.

Produce Moms Tip: Make sure all of your toppings are ready to go before you melt the caramel.

How do I thin out the caramel?

If you are wanting to add toppings to your caramel apples, we suggest thinning the caramel out. To do this, simply add 2 tbsp of water, milk or heavy cream to the caramels before you microwave. 

Ingredients 

Ingredients on counter: apples, nuts, sticks and caramels
  • SweeTango® apples
  • Caramel square candies
  • Heavy cream or water
  • Various toppings
  • Popsicle or candy sticks

How to Make Caramel Apples

Rinse and thoroughly dry the SweeTango® apples with a paper towel.

Insert a caramel apple stick. Have your toppings ready if you plan to dip your apples.

Line a 13 by 9-inch baking sheet or baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper, spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray and set in the fridge.

melted caramel

In a medium bowl, melt the caramels in :30 second increments. Be sure to stir in between.

dipping apple in caramel

Next, dip apples one at a time into caramel at an angle so it covers nearly to the top center. Then, rotate and turn to coat the apple. Lift the apple and let excess run off the bottom of the apple along the inside edge of the bowl to remove excess caramel. Finally, lift the apple and turn the apple upside down to let caramel run up the apple.

4 apples after being dipped in caramel and nut toppings

Immediately roll in toppings (or sprinkle with toppings) before caramel sets.

Turn apples upright and place on a prepared baking sheet in the fridge, repeat the process.

Allow caramel to set completely, at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

caramel apple with nuts

More Fall Recipes Our Readers Love

Why We Chose SweeTango® Apples

We absolutely love the big crunch and bigger taste of SweeTango®  apples. They are crisp and sweet apples with a touch of citrus, honey and spice – a perfect combination of flavors! The SweeTango® apple is not like any other apple variety – it is a special breed. Once you’ve had one, you’ll want more!

Apple lovers all over the world rave over the crisp, incredibly juicy, and distinctly flavorful qualities of a SweeTango®. They have so many superfans around the world. Join in the hype and follow along on Instagram. No other apple compares to the fun flavor, crisp crunch, and terrific texture of a SweeTango apple. 

Is your mouth watering yet? Use the store locator to find where you can find SweeTango apples near you!

5 from 1 vote

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are a fall staple and are easy to make at home. This super simple recipe is one that your entire family will have fun creating together. The best part is that once you make your apples, you can customize them to your liking!
Prep Time5 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4 people

Ingredients 

  • 4 SweeTango® apples
  • 11 oz. Caramels candy
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream optional
  • Caramel apple sticks

Instructions 

  • Rinse and thoroughly dry SweeTango® apples with a paper towel.
  • Insert a caramel apple stick. Having toppings ready if you’ll be adding some to apples.
  • Set up toppings if you plan to dip your caramel apples.
  • Line a 13 by 9-inch baking sheet or baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper, spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray and set in the fridge.
  • In a medium bowl, melt the caramels in :30 second increments. Be sure to stir in between.
  • Dip apples one at a time into caramel on an angle so it covers nearly to the top center. Rotate and turn to coat apple. Lift apple and let excess run off run bottom of apple along inside edge of bowl to remove excess caramel. Lift apple and turn apple upside down to let caramel run up the apple
  • Immediately roll in toppings (or sprinkle with toppings) before caramel sets.
  • Turn apples upright and place on prepared baking sheet in fridge, repeat process.
  • Allow caramel to set completely (at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

Video

Notes

If you are wanting a thinner caramel to coat your apples, use 2 tbsp of heavy cream or water to thin out the caramel.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 418
Keyword: apples, caramel
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About Lori

Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

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