Easy Caramel Apples

For some odd reason, kids aren’t big on apples. I get it; they’re not very exciting. But caramel apples — now that’s something worth getting excited about!Just 2 simple steps to make these Easy Caramel Apples treats! They are the best fall treats out there!

This super-fun autumn treat is the perfect way to bring your kids around to the idea that apples can be delicious. And all you need are two simple ingredients. They are so good, and kid-approved.

This homemade easy easy caramel apples for beginners recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and don’t be surprised if you start getting requests for them for school, church or community functions. This is your warning to maybe keep this little treat to yourself and your own family and create a new fun, fall tradition!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

When the beautiful green skin of a juicy apple slowly melts into the caramel sauce, it’s magic! Here’s some practical reasons you will love this family friendly easy caramel apples dish: 

• It’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty, sticky and smooth. 
• It’s my family’s favorite. We are gaga for this quick easy caramel apples recipe.
• It’s super easy to make with no complicated instructions or obscure ingredients.  
• Only thirty minutes, a few crunchy apples, and lots of caramel love! 
• You can pair this with a fall activity like picking apples, then come home and make this treat to cap off an amazing day. 

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

I love Granny Smith apples. Their acidic tang and bright, tart taste work like magic with caramel sauce. Plus, the skin is really crisp. So, every bite has a nice crunch to it. But if you want options, here are some substitutions:

Caramel Sauce: For me, simple and short is a “winner” method. So, I pick my caramel from the store. But if you’re in the mood for cooking, make your own caramel sauce. I’m sure it’ll be just as tasty if not more so! If you do make your own, you can even make a healthy easy caramel apples version, by replacing heavy cream with low-fat options. 

Apples: Honeycrisp is naturally sweet with a hint of pear flavor, and pippin apples have a kick of tartness and mild citrusy notes. So, choose what you like, my friend.

Ingredients for Easy Caramel Apples:

• Granny Smith Apples
• Caramel sauce

How To Make Easy It, Caramel Apples:

Step 1. Cut each apple in half lengthwise.

Use a spoon to core the apple and scoop out a hole in the middle of it. You can also use a fruit scoop to prep those family friendly easy caramel apples. 

Step 2. Pour the caramel sauce into the apple. You can place the apples on an upside-down muffin or donut pan to hold them steady until the caramel sauce hardens if needed.

Warm the caramel sauce up to make it easy to pour if desired, either using the microwave or the stoptop. (more tips on melting the caramel below.)

Step 3. Chill the apples until the caramel has hardened.  Place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. Avoid leaving them in the fridge too long as the condensation can make them too sticky. 

Slice each caramel apple half into wedges and serve.  This is the best part! Enjoy! 

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Tips For Success

When answering the question about how to melt caramel sauce, I do it the double-boiler way. Place the caramels, butter, and water in a heat-safe bowl (Pyrex works like a charm). Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water and stir until everything melts well. The consistency should be like honey. Don’t overcook, or it’ll burn! You can also use a saucepan on the stovetop method. Use heavy cream and melt over low heat.

You can also microwave caramel sauce if you are in a pinch for time. Place the caramel in a microwave-safe container and then heat in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds at a time, then strip and repeat. 

Another key tip when making this delicious treat is to choose the right type of apple to begin with. You want a slightly tart, crisp and firm apple, like a Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith. The tartness pairs well with the sweetness of the caramel and the texture helps hold the coating. 

Storage & Reheating

Unfortunately, when answering the question, “can you make a double batch of caramel”? The answer is really only if you have a lot of eager apple lovers waiting for their share. Generally, I don’t recommend it because the caramel sauce sets no matter what you do, and you will have to reheat it every time before pouring, which is just an additional task. 

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and keep them fresh, but the apples need to be in an airtight container and make sure you wrap them in plastic wrap to protect them from moisture and air. Be sure to avoid storing apples at room temperature. Of course, this won’t remedy the issue of having to reheat the caramel. So, honestly, this is a treat best enjoyed right when you make it. 

Serving Suggestions

Easy easy caramel apples for beginners is a great treat to enjoy on its own. However, you can get creative and add toppings. Anything and everything, really! Chocolate chips, crushed nuts, and sprinkles are some of my family’s favorites. You can also try crushed Oreos, mini M&M’s, or shredded coconuts. Yum, yum, yum!

The best way to serve caramel apples is CHILLED! Once you’ve filled the apples with the sauce, pop them in the fridge and let them cool really well. Trust me; they’ll be gone in minutes!

Creating an apple bar is also a fun idea where you keep slices separate and then let everyone pair their apple with what they prefer. Or pair them with other fall treats like Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting or Fresh Apple Cake. 

Notes: 

The simple easy caramel apples meal is a wonderful addition to our yearly fall adventure of going to the apple orchard. This is a great way to end the day after scouring to choose the most delicious apples. To come back home that day, or maybe the next and make this amazing dish, is one of my kids’ new favorite fall traditions!