Crisp apples dipped in smooth, buttery caramel and rolled in your favorite toppings. Store-bought caramels melted with a little cream make it simple, with no candy thermometer needed.
Ingredients
Each cost is for the amount this recipe uses, not the whole package. Pantry staples like flour, sugar, vanilla and spices cost more on your first trip, then last for many batches. Rows marked “Not priced”, like water and toppings, aren't in the total.
| Ingredient | Price used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6 small to medium apples (Granny Smith for tart, Honeycrisp or Gala for sweet) | $1.86/lbUSDA, 2023 · priced as about 2 lb | $3.91 |
| 6 wooden craft sticks | $0.06/stickEstimate | $0.36 |
| 1 (11-oz) bag caramel bits, or 1 (11-oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped | $3.49/bagEstimate | $3.49 |
| 2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk | $0.25/fl ozEstimate · priced as heavy cream | $0.25 |
| Toppings: chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky sea salt | Not priced | — |
| Total | $8.01 | |
| Per apple (6 apples) | $1.34 |
- 6 small to medium apples (Granny Smith for tart, Honeycrisp or Gala for sweet)
- 6 wooden craft sticks
- 1 (11-oz) bag caramel bits, or 1 (11-oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Toppings: chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky sea salt
Directions
- Prep the apples. Store-bought apples have a waxy coating that makes caramel slide off. Dip each apple in very hot tap water for a few seconds, then rub it completely dry with a towel. Pull off the stems and push a stick firmly into the top of each apple.
- Set up. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour your toppings into shallow bowls.
- Melt the caramel. Put the caramels and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute and stir, then keep microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth, about 2 minutes total.
- Dip. Holding the stick, dip each apple into the caramel and turn it to coat. Lift it and let the extra drip off, then scrape the bottom against the edge of the bowl so caramel doesn't pool at the base. If the caramel gets too thick, microwave it for 15 seconds.
- Add toppings. Right away, while the caramel is still sticky, roll or sprinkle the apples with toppings and set them on the paper.
- Let set. Refrigerate until the caramel is firm, about 20 minutes.
Tips
- Dry apples are key. Any moisture keeps the caramel from sticking.
- Smaller apples work best. They're easier to eat and get more caramel in every bite.
- Serving a crowd? Cut the finished apples into wedges with a sharp knife so everyone can share.
Storage
Caramel apples are best the day they're made. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and let them sit out for 15 minutes before eating.
How we priced this recipe
- USDA, 2023: USDA Economic Research Service, Fruit and Vegetable Prices, 2023 (the latest year published).
- Estimate: Food Butler estimate of a typical U.S. store-brand shelf price, October 2026. Neither BLS nor USDA publishes an average price for these items.
Your store's prices will differ. See all recipes.