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If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the fall season, these DIY Mini Caramel Apples are just what you need! Perfectly bite-sized and coated with rich, buttery caramel, they’re easy to make and even easier to eat. With their crisp apple centers and delicious caramel coating, these treats capture all the fall flavors in every bite.
DIY Mini Caramel Apples!
I have always been a fan of apple desserts! This underrated fruit has taken part in many of my recipes before. Check out my apple nachos, apple crisp with oats, and my irresistible apple pie roll ups recipes.
As a kid, biting into a sticky, sweet caramel apple was always a treat, but let’s be honest—it could get pretty messy! With caramel dripping down my hands and apple bits everywhere, it was a delightful but chaotic experience.
That’s why these mini caramel apples are the perfect choice. They offer all the joy of the classic treat without the mess, making them ideal for little hands and less cleanup. It’s the best way to enjoy the flavors of fall without the fuss!
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: No-cook, Assembly
Skill Required: Easy
Signature Taste: Sweet and buttery caramel with a crisp apple crunch
Diet Info: Vegetarian
Table of Contents
- Recipe Overview
- Mini Caramel Apples Ingredients
- Pro Tip
- What Are the Best Apples for Caramel Apples?
- Caramel Dip Sliding Off?
- Toppings Suggestions
- Recipe Variations You Might Enjoy!
- Tips for Perfect Caramel Candy Apples!
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Other Delicious Recipes You Must Try
- DIY Mini Caramel Candy Apples Recipe
Mini Caramel Apples Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples: Choose firm, tart apples that hold up well to the caramel coating. Their crisp texture and slightly sour flavor complement the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.
Caramel Soft Candy: For the rich, buttery caramel coating. You can use individually wrapped caramel candies or pre-made caramel sauce.
Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream: This helps to melt the caramel smoothly. Milk will give a slightly lighter consistency, while heavy whipping cream adds a richer, creamier texture.
Crushed Peanuts or Sprinkles: For a delightful finishing touch. Crushed peanuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, while sprinkles offer a fun and festive look.
Pro Tip
If you don’t have a melon baller, then turn the round apples bites into caramel apple slices (wedges). Cut apples into slices on a cutting board, dip half of each slice in caramel and toppings, and enjoy!
What Are the Best Apples for Caramel Apples?
When it comes to caramel apples, Granny Smith is my top choice for its crisp texture and tart flavor that pairs beautifully with rich, smooth caramel.
However, if Granny Smith isn’t your favorite, there are other great options. Try Jonathon apples for a slightly spicy kick, Pink Lady for a perfect balance of sweet and tart, Honeycrisp for extra juiciness, or Gala for a sweeter touch. Each variety offers a unique twist on this classic treat!
Caramel Dip Sliding Off?
It is pretty frustrating watching all of your dreams of enjoying a delicious afternoon snack with the kids slip away as the caramel sauce slides off the apple bites. But don’t you worry! Here are a few tips that will keep the caramel sticking to your apples like magnets!
First, make sure your apples are free of moisture. You can either use cold apples (refrigerated) or place the scooped apple bites on parchment paper or paper towel to remove the excess moisture.
You can also place your caramel dipped apple bites in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. Make sure you don’t leave them for too long! This recipe is best enjoyed right away!
Finally, keep the caramel in a saucepan on low heat as you dip the apple bites. This will ensure that your caramel doesn’t harden and allows it to stick to the tart apples easily.
Toppings Suggestions
While these caramel-covered treats are irresistibly delicious on their own, I’m sure you’re eager to experiment with your favorite toppings! Here are a few of my personal suggestions to elevate your caramel apples to the next level:
Since there is no such thing as too much sweetness, dip your mini apples in Oreo crumbs, white or brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs (crushed graham crackers), mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, caramel bits, or sparkling sugar.
You can easily find any of these variety of toppings at your local grocery store!
And if you are looking for a festive presentation, then sprinkles are what you need!
Also, chopped nuts make a pretty good option too if you feel like your mini caramel apple bites need a little extra crunch!
Recipe Variations You Might Enjoy!
Despite its addictive taste, here are some variations to this Caramel Candy Apples recipe I bet your whole family will have fun testing!
Dip it away!
Ditch the caramel and try dipping your apple bites in melted dark or white chocolate.
Also, if you are interested in a dip for those extra sliced apple pieces, then mix cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl and enjoy!
These Mini Caramel Apple Bites Hit Different!
Tips for Perfect Caramel Candy Apples!
Feel free to use whatever caramel candy you prefer. Just make sure you adjust the amount of heavy whipping cream you use.
These caramel candy apples are best enjoyed right after they are made. If you leave them at room temperature for too long, you will notice that the coating is starting to slip off completely.
Instead of using a small saucepan over low heat, place your caramel bites in the microwave. Different technique, same incredible results!
Let the apples come to room temperature before dipping. Cold apples can cause the caramel to harden too quickly and may lead to cracking or an uneven coating.
Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, work quickly to dip the apples. The caramel will start to set as it cools, so keep it over low heat to maintain a dipping consistency if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Sure! I use tart granny smith apples because their crisp texture complements the overall flavor of the caramel and makes them the best apples for the job. However, other types like Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala make good options too!
I wouldn’t recommend that. Waiting on your candy apples for a few hours will leave you with the risk of the coating on top of the apples slipping off. Don’t gamble and enjoy them right away!
You know I always have a few tricks here and there! If you are not a fan of heavy whipping cream then a small quantity of water works as well. I have seen some recipes calling for a tablespoon of water and ending up with beautiful results!
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, peel the green apples. Then, using a melon ball scooper gently carve into the apple to scoop out a round-shaped apple ball.
Each apple should make about 8-10 mini apple balls.
Next, unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a small saucepan with ¼ cup of milk. Melt and mix on medium-low heat until melted and warm.
Then, place an apple ball onto a lollipop stick gently, making sure to puncture the other side of the apple. With a paper towel, gently dap the apple ball to remove juice and wetness.
Finally, dip the apple ball on the stick into the melted caramel, then place it on parchment paper. It is optional, but you can dip the caramel apple into crushed peanuts or sprinkles. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes, so that the caramel hardens.
Other Delicious Recipes You Must Try
DIY Mini Caramel Candy Apples
Ingredients
- 2 green apples, large
- 25 caramel pieces, or 1 cup caramel
- ¼ cup milk, or heavy cream
- ¼ cup peanuts, crushed
Supplies
- 20 lollipop sticks
- melon baller scoop, melon ball scooper
Instructions
- Peel the green apples. Then, using a melon ball scooper, gently carve into the apple to scoop out a round shaped apple ball. Each apple should make about 8-10 mini apple balls.
- Unwrap the caramel candies and place in a small sauce pan with ¼ cup of milk. Melt and mix on medium low heat until melted and warm.
- Place an apple ball onto a lollipop stick gently, making sure to puncture the other side of the apple. With a paper towel gently dap the apple ball to remove juice and wetness.
- Dip the apple ball on the stick into the melted caramel, then place on parchment paper. It is optional, but you can dip the caramel apple into crushed peanuts or sprinkles. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes so that the caramel hardens.
