Marry This Salted Caramel Apples recipe is an easy and gooey recipe, which is made with simple caramel melts and crisp apples. It’s the perfect fall treat, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeSalted Caramel Apples Ingredients
- 8 whole Apples (more, if apples are small)
- 4 packages (11-ounce each) Caramel Melts
- 2 Tbsp. Heavy Cream (a little more is fine)
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- Dash Of Salt
- Toppings: Mini M&Ms, crushed pretzels, kosher salt, chocolate chips, coconut, crushed pecans, crushed saltines, etc.
- Chopsticks or sturdy wooden sticks
How To Make Salted Caramel Apples
- Melt the Caramel: In a double boiler or a heatproof glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water, combine the caramel melts and the heavy cream. Stir until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla and a dash of salt.
- Prepare the Apples: While the caramel is melting, wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Insert one chopstick or wooden stick firmly into the bottom of each apple.
- Dip the Apples: One at a time, dip an apple into the melted caramel, tilting the pan and swirling the apple to coat it completely.
- Add Toppings: Allow the excess caramel to drip back into the pan for a few seconds. Immediately roll the caramel-coated apple in your desired topping, pressing gently to adhere.
- Chill and Set: Place the finished apples on a sheet of parchment paper. Refrigerate them as soon as they’re coated to help the caramel set firmly. Once cool, you can wrap the apples individually in cellophane or plastic wrap.
Recipe Tips
- What are the best apples for caramel apples? A firm, crisp, and slightly tart apple is best to balance the sweetness of the caramel. Granny Smith is the classic choice, but Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji also work wonderfully.
- How do I keep the caramel from sliding off? The most important step is to wash and dry the apples thoroughly before dipping. Apples from the grocery store often have a waxy coating that prevents the caramel from sticking. A good scrub removes this.
- My toppings aren’t sticking! You have to work quickly! Roll the apple in the toppings immediately after dipping it in the caramel, while the caramel is still hot and very sticky.
- Can I make my own caramel sauce? You can, but using pre-made caramel melts is the key to making this a quick and easy recipe. If you make your own, ensure it’s a thick caramel that will set firmly.
Topping Ideas for Caramel Apples
This recipe is a perfect canvas for creativity! Set up a topping bar with small bowls of:
- Salty & Crunchy: Crushed pretzels, flaky sea salt, crushed salted crackers, chopped peanuts.
- Sweet & Colorful: Mini M&Ms, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, sprinkles, crushed toffee bits.
- Nutty: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
How To Store Caramel Apples
- Refrigerate: For the best results and to keep the caramel firm, store the finished apples in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week.
- Serving: Let the apples sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating to allow the caramel to soften slightly.
Salted Caramel Apples Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450-550 kcal (will vary greatly with toppings)
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Protein: 3g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, these are great for making a day or two before a party. Store them in the refrigerator, and if you’re wrapping them, wait until the caramel is completely firm.
Sturdy popsicle sticks, decorative twigs (that have been washed and are non-toxic), or specialty candy apple sticks from a craft store all work well.
If your caramel is too thick for dipping, you can stir in another tablespoon of heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can let it cool for a few minutes to thicken up, or melt in a few more caramel pieces.
Try More Recipes:
Salted (and Other) Caramel Apples Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes15
minutes550
kcalA classic fall treat of crisp apples dipped in gooey, smooth caramel and rolled in your favorite sweet or salty toppings.
Ingredients
8 Apples
4 (11-oz) packages Caramel Melts
2 Tbsp. Heavy Cream
1 tsp. Vanilla
Dash of Salt
Assorted Toppings
8 Chopsticks or sticks
Directions
- Melt the caramel melts with the heavy cream in a double boiler until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly and insert a stick into the bottom of each one.
- Dip each apple into the warm caramel, coating it completely.
- Allow the excess to drip off, then immediately roll the apple in your desired toppings.
- Place the finished apples on parchment paper and refrigerate until the caramel is firm.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Washing and drying the apples well is the most important step to ensure the caramel sticks properly.
- Work quickly when rolling the apples in the toppings, as the caramel will begin to set as soon as it’s off the heat.
- This is a fun and easy recipe to make with kids for a Halloween party or fall festival.
- Be creative with your toppings! The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy is what makes these so delicious.
