DIY Caramel Apples
After a day full of hayrides, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes, treat yourself to something sweet and crunchy.
Sep 23, 2025
What comes to your mind when you think of a caramelapple? The sweet taste and the loud crunch — what a combo.
Now, you might be tempted to purchase said caramel apple after a day ofautumnal adventures, say strolling through a pumpkin patch or one of those pick-your-own farms. However, did you know that you can make your own caramel apples at home?
Homemade caramel apples are actually quite easy to assemble and require only a few ingredients. Many recipes call for using a candy thermometer, but not this one. I've simplified this recipe even more by using store-bought caramels.
By using store-bought caramels all you need to do is unwrap them and add them to a saucepan with some whipping cream — this ensures the caramel sauce doesn't become too thick for dipping and helps the caramels melt smoothly which results in a luxurious, silky sauce.
Here are a few words of wisdom when it comes to perfecting homemade caramel apples:
Wet = Mess
After washing your apples make sure you thoroughly dry them prior to dipping them into the hot caramel. Any trace of moisture left on the apples will cause the caramel sauce to slip right off. Once they're dry and you've melted the caramels, you'll insert a lollipop stick into the center of the apples and then dip them into the caramel.
Tiny toppings
Now, this is where things can become a little adventurous if you choose to add different toppings to your caramel apple. Sprinkles, mixed nuts, and shredded coconut are favorites in my household. The key here is that the smaller, more finely chopped the toppings are, the better chance you have at them staying on the caramel as it cools.
You can also stay the purest route and enjoy the caramel apple as is. If you want to offer them at a party, you can let your guests have a say with a choose-your-own-adventure style.
Cool avoids pool
Don't be afraid to go big and add a second layer of caramel to the apples. If you do choose to live dangerously, you need the first layer to cool completely before dipping. Fifteen minutes in the fridge should do it.
