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)Â 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!
Dashing trend. Thanks for share it
I am going to do this for my adult son’s bd this Oct. He was born Oct 29th. I only need a few but will be fun to do.
I love all your stuff! I had a tearoom so I would make up treats, then I realized that I spent more than I earned. So, I still make treats for my friends and I really enjoy it. Do you have cookbooks with pictures? Let me know!
Your caramel apples are so pretty and it’s been many years since I have had one so I will have to use your picture as inspiration as I try to make some this year. Thanks
Hi there I am looking to purchase chocolate boxes. Are you based in Johannesburg?
Can the block if caramel be frozen if not used all at once?
It stores great and lasts a long time.
These apples look wonderful – I am going to make them with my cooking students. About how much caramel did you use per apple? Thank you so much!
Hi Courtney,
The block of Peter’s Caramel I used is HUGE (5 pounds), so I only used a portion when I made these apples (I think I made about 8 apples for this batch). I would guess that if you were planning to use the entire 5 pound block of caramel you could do at least 30 or more apples (but this is a rough guess).
Happy apple dipping!
How many large apples will a block of Peters Caramel do? I thinking about ordering one. Thanks!!
Hi Donna,
The block of Peter’s Caramel I used is HUGE (5 pounds), so I only used a portion when I made these apples (I think I made about 8 apples for this batch). I would guess that if you were planning to use the entire 5 pound block of caramel you could do at least 30 or more apples (but this is a rough guess).
Happy apple dipping!
where can i get a box to place them in like yours????
Hi Brandon, I found the boxes from My Candy Crafts, and there is a link to the source included in the post.