Marry Thompson This Salted Caramel Apples recipe is an easy and classic recipe, which is made with store-bought caramel melts and crisp apples. It’s the perfect fall dessert, a fun treat for Halloween that’s ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeSalted Caramel Apples Ingredients
A simple list for a classic, customizable autumn treat.
- 8 whole apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, etc.)
- 4 packages (11-ounce each) caramel melts
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Dash of salt
- Wooden sticks or chopsticks
Fun Topping Ideas:
- Mini M&Ms
- Crushed pretzels
- Coarse sea salt
- Mini chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
How To Make Salted Caramel Apples
A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully simple and festive treat.
- Prep the Apples and Caramel: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Insert one stick firmly into the bottom (blossom end) of each apple. In a double boiler or a heatproof glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water, combine the caramel melts and the heavy cream.
- Melt the Caramel: Stir the caramel and cream mixture until it is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla and a dash of salt.
- Dip the Apples: Working one at a time, dip an apple into the hot caramel, swirling it to coat it all the way up to the base of the stick.
- Add Toppings and Chill: Allow the excess caramel to drip back into the pot for a few seconds. Immediately roll the caramel-coated apple in a bowl of your desired topping, pressing gently to adhere.
- Set and Serve: Place the finished apple on a sheet of parchment or waxed paper. Repeat with all the apples, then place them in the refrigerator to allow the caramel to set completely. Once cool and firm, they can be wrapped in cellophane for gifting or served.
Recipe Tips
For perfect, beautiful caramel apples every time.
- What are the best apples to use for caramel apples? A firm, crisp, and slightly tart apple is the best choice to balance the sweetness of the caramel. Granny Smith is the classic option. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are also fantastic choices.
- How do I get the toppings to stick properly? The key is to work quickly! You have a small window of time while the caramel is still hot and sticky. Have your bowls of toppings prepped and ready to go before you even start dipping the apples.
- How to prevent the caramel from sliding off the apple? There are two important secrets. First, make sure your apples are completely clean and very dry. Any wax or moisture on the apple skin will prevent the caramel from sticking. Second, a slightly cooler, thicker caramel will adhere better than one that is very hot and thin.
- Can I make my own caramel sauce? Yes, you can use a thick, homemade caramel sauce instead of the melts. Cook your caramel until it reaches the “firm-ball” stage (about 245°F on a candy thermometer) to ensure it will set properly on the apples.
What To Serve With Salted Caramel Apples
This festive treat is a star on its own.
Caramel apples are a quintessential fall treat, perfect for Halloween parties, fall festivals, or just a fun family activity. They are a complete treat on their own, but are lovely as part of a larger dessert spread with:
- Apple cider donuts
- A mug of hot apple cider or hot chocolate
How To Store Salted Caramel Apples
Keeping your delicious creations fresh.
- Refrigerate: Caramel apples must be stored in the refrigerator to keep the caramel firm and the apple crisp. You can wrap them individually in cellophane or plastic wrap, or store them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to one week.
Salted Caramel Apples Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per apple (caramel only).
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 15 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on toppings used.
FAQs
Yes, these are a perfect make-ahead party treat. You can make them up to 2-3 days in advance and store them, wrapped, in the refrigerator.
If your melted caramel seems too thick for dipping, you can stir in another tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it cool for a few minutes off the heat; it will thicken as it cools.
Make sure you push the sticks in firmly, at least halfway through the apple, for a secure handle. Using sturdy sticks like chopsticks, thick popsicle sticks, or specialized caramel apple sticks is much better than thin, flimsy skewers.
Try More Recipes:
Salted Caramel Apples Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes10
minutes450
kcalA classic, easy, and fun recipe for homemade caramel apples using simple caramel melts, perfect for a festive fall or Halloween treat and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
8 whole apples
4 (11-oz) packages caramel melts
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Dash of salt
Toppings: Chopped nuts, mini M&Ms, crushed pretzels, sea salt, etc.
Directions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Insert a sturdy stick into the bottom of each one.
- In a double boiler, melt the caramel melts with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Working one at a time, dip each apple into the hot caramel, swirling to coat it completely.
- Let the excess caramel drip off, then immediately roll the apple in your desired toppings.
- Place the finished apples on a sheet of parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel is completely firm.
Notes
- Using crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith provides the best flavor contrast to the sweet caramel.
- It is crucial to work quickly when rolling the apples in the toppings, as the caramel begins to set fast.
- For the cleanest results, have all your toppings prepped in separate shallow bowls before you start dipping.
- Store the finished caramel apples in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.