Name: Best Caramel Candy Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 apples (orchard picked are better, no wax); 1 11 oz. package caramels; 1 cup white chocolate morsels; 1 cup pistachios; ½ cup dried cherries; red chocolate candies; 1 tbsp water; Sticks for apples; Straws to decorate sticks; Parchment paper; Spray oil

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Caramel Candy Apples. Crunchy Apples dipped in glossy caramel and decorated with tasty toppings are one of fall’s most delicious sweet treats! This easy recipe for Caramel Candy Apples is a great way to create gorgeous gourmet apples that are perfect for parties, holidays, and gifting.

It wouldn’t be fall without that magical flavor combination of apples and caramel. This recipe will lead you through how to make mess-free Caramel Candy Apples that will delight your friends and family. Get the kids in on the action and let them help dip and decorate the apples, too.

If you happen to live near an apple orchard, consider a family outing for apple picking! Almost any apple will work for this recipe and fresh apples are the best, of course!

The caramel sauce for this recipe is easy because it uses packaged caramels. Adults, as well as kids, will have fun dipping the apples in the warm caramel sauce and then decorating their creation with all sorts of yummy toppings.

Fall and winter have so many holidays that make these Caramel Candy Apples the perfect sweet treat to offer your family and friends. Plus, these make awesome gifts!

What You Need To Make Caramel Candy Apples

6 apples (orchard picked are better, no wax)

1 11 oz. package caramels

1 cup white chocolate morsels

1 cup pistachios

½ cup dried cherries

red chocolate candies

1 tbsp water

Sticks for apples

Straws to decorate sticks

Other Ingredients:

Parchment paper

Spray oil

What variety of apples work best for Caramel Candy Apples?

Almost any variety of fresh apples will work for this recipe. However, the bright green Granny Smith apples are a great choice since the tart and crisp flavor is a tasty contrast to the sweetness of the caramel coating. For fun, choose several different varieties to try!

Prepping The Apples

If there is wax on your apples, you’ll need to remove it so that the caramel can stick to the apples. An easy way to do this is by dipping the apples in boiling water. The water will melt the wax off and won’t hurt the inside flesh of the apple.

After dipping in boiling water, give the apples a wipe with a paper towel to remove any excess wax. Let them dry completely on a towel and if you can, refrigerate and chill them for 1-2 hours before continuing with the recipe.

Don’t worry if the apples look dull after you remove the wax. Remember, you’ll be covering them with caramel and decorating them, anyway!

What’s the best way to eat a caramel apple?

The traditional way to eat a caramel apple is right off of the stick! However, if you’re looking for a more refined way to eat these delicious treats, try cutting the apple into wedged slices. Use a fork or your fingers to pick up the slices and enjoy!

How to make Caramel Candy Apples

Wash apples in warm water to get rid of any wax and chill for 1-2 hours before dipping.
In a pot, melt caramels and water.
In a double boiler, melt white chocolate in a dish.
Crush pistachios and chop dried cherries.
Insert sticks into apples and dip apples into caramel.
Dip caramel apples into crushed pistachios and then drizzle with white chocolate.
Stick dried cherries to the sides before white chocolate dries. Top with red chocolate candies.
Place apples in the refrigerator to set up.
Before serving, cut straws to size and snip up one side so that it can open and wrap around the stick.

What other toppings work well for these Caramel Candy Apples?

Depending on your event or holiday, choose toppings that reflect the theme. Here are a few ideas that will work well and stick well on the caramel.

Crushed pretzels
Chopped nuts
Sprinkles
Mini Marshmallow Bits
Mini M&M’s
Chopped Candy Bar Bits
Shredded Coconut
Crushed Oreos
Coarse Sea Salt

How to store Caramel Candy Apples

These apples will remain fresh for up to a week. Cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator.

If you’ve never made Caramel Candy Apples before, I’m sure this recipe will convince you that this should be an annual tradition! And the best part? You don’t need to wait for the holidays to make these because delicious apples are available all year! So have some fun exploring all the yummy toppings that you can use to decorate your Caramel Candy Apples.

Related Recipes

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Swiss Apple Pie

Apple Blondies With Cinnamon Glaze

Instant Pot Apple Cheesecake

Caramel Apple Sticky Buns

Nettie is a wife and mother who is passionate about cooking and baking. With 5 children, Nettie insists that all meals, snacks, and desserts come together quickly! You will find a wide variety of easy yet scrumptious recipes on her very popular website Moore or Less Cooking

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Makes 6 Caramel Apples