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Easy Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are a fun treat for any age. Especially when you can have fun making them and coating them with yummy extras. You could even dip the caramel coated apples with chocolate before adding the extras for a more decadent treat. But for now, we’re keeping it simple. Things also get a lot simpler when you use store-bought caramels instead of making your own caramel!
You will need ...
- Granny Smith Apples*
- Store-Bought Caramels
- Cream
- Popsicle Sticks**
- Extras – tiny candies, sprinkles, cookie crumbles, nuts, etc.
*NOTE: you can use other apples, but the tartness of the Granny Smith pairs well with the overly sweetness of the caramel and candies.
**NOTE: you can also use take-out chopsticks!
Step One
NOTE: Most apples come with a coating of wax on them. Be sure to wash this off as best you can before using the apples so the caramel doesn't just slide off. The apples will need to be well dried off, too.
First, take the holder that you are using for the apples and poke them directly into the top and center of the apple. Do not poke it all the way through, but instead, just go about halfway. This will ensure that you do not poke the stick all the way to the other side, and then end up with an apple that spins on the stick. Not ideal – too difficult to eat. Then, place the apples on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step Two
Place the caramels in a glass bowl. Place the glass bowl over a pot of simmering water (be sure the water is low enough that it doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl). As they start to melt, stir it a little to move things around. Once the caramels have melted completely, add in a little warm cream. Do this in additions of about 1 tsp each. Once the caramel becomes like honey, stop adding the cream (you should only need about 3 tsp of cream for one 11 ounce package of caramels).
Step Three
Next, hold the apple by the stick and dip one side into the caramel. Repeat this while rotating the apple around so that all sides are coated. It is up to you how high you wish to coat the apple. I personally like to still see some of the apple, so I only go about half way. Then, hold the apple over the bowl for a few seconds to allow for the excess to run off.
NOTE: You can also double dip your apples if you want to have a thicker coating of caramel. Just dip them once, let them firm up in the fridge for 1 hour, then dip them again before applying the extras. Note that this will require repeating step 2 and will require more ingredients.
Step Three
Next, roll the caramel part of the apple in the bowl of extras. Be sure to press a little to help the candies or sprinkles or nuts stick to the caramel better. Once all the caramel is covered, place the apple on the parchment paper.
NOTE: If you find the caramel is slipping off the apple, you can place the tray in the fridge and the cold will help the caramel set up faster.
These apples will keep for about 5 days in the fridge. Enjoy!