Few desserts are more closely associated with fall than caramel apples. Tart, crisp apples and sweet, chewy caramel make such a delicious pair! These classic fall treats are quite easy to make, and yield impressive results. Dress up your caramel apples with chocolate, nuts, or small candies to create an extra beautiful and decadent dessert.
~ How to make gourmet caramel apples ~
You’ll need…
Apples (most commonly, Granny Smith)
Wooden apple sticks (available at the craft store or grocery store)
Caramel*
Toppings such as chocolate (milk, dark or white), nuts, toffee bits, mini M&M;’s, or sprinkles.
*For the caramel you can use individually wrapped store-bought caramels such as Brach’s or Kraft. I used a large block of Peter’s Caramel which allows you to skip all the unwrapping.
Directions ~
1. Wash and dry apples. If you can use organic apples that is best. Traditional (non-organic) apples are coated with wax, which can make it hard for the caramel to stick to the apple. If your apples are waxed, dip apples in very hot water for just a few seconds, then rub off the wax the best you can.
2. Melt caramel in the top of a double boiler or melt caramel in a large, microwave-safe bowl, in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
3. While the caramel is melting, push wooden apple sticks into the apples.
4. Holding the stick, dip apples (one at a time) into the melted caramel. Allow excess caramel to drip off.
5. Set freshly dipped apple on a parchment-lined (or Silpat lined) baking sheet. After you dip a few apples, put freshly dipped apples in the refrigerator to help the caramel cool quickly.
Options~
If you’d like to dip your apple in nuts, mini chocolate chips, etc. do that before setting the apple onto the parchment.
Additionally, after the caramel apples have set up a bit, melt white, milk or dark chocolate and drizzle it on top of the apples. You may also top the chocolate with nuts or toffee bits or sprinkles.
Caramel apples are usually best the day they are made, but may be stored in the refrigerator up to two days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your apples, I find they’re easiest to eat when cut into slices. Make four cuts (each all the way across the apple), creating a square core (as shown below). Eat and enjoy!
For gift giving, I found some boxes from Confectionery House just for caramel apples!
Have a delicious Fall!
Elfcrafts says
Yummy! That recipe looks so easy, I think me and my little one will have to give this a go. They may not turn out as beautiful as yours xx
Monica J @ Sofamilyonline says
Wow, I made caramel apples last week with my preschoolers in school and lets's just say they were not gourmet, but they were still delicious. You're images are so gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
manda says
These are very pretty. I am going to have to try to make them someday.
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Cecilia says
Yum! Carmal apples are one of my favorite fall treats! Love it!
Love you!
~Cecilia
Karen says
You make everything look so professional! I think it's your attention to detail. You're an inspiration to slow down and make every little part important.
♥ Elena says
I've been craving caramel apples and these look amazing. I might just have to make some for Thanksgiving. 😀 Thanks for sharing!
Chele says
I have to admit to not being the biggest fan of toffee apples … but I'm pretty sure I would be a BIG fan of these caramel ones. They look A-mazing!
Amanda says
These are just gorgeous!!! You are so talented girl!
cookies and cups says
Gorgeous!! SO pretty 🙂
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme says
I love these! I have been wanting to make these for my husbands birthday party/halloween gathering this weekend and you just inspired me to do so! Absolutely beautiful! Like SweetSugarBelle commented, I wish you could mail them to me too! 🙂