Homemade Caramel Apples

These Homemade Caramel Apples begin with crisp apples dipped in a homemade caramel sauce. You can also use the caramel as a caramel dip! Whether you’re hosting a fall campfire soiree or wrap them in cellophane for homemade holiday gifts for friends and neighbors. Regardless, these caramel dipping dipped apples will be a hit.

Easy Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe

The Perfect Homemade Caramel Dipped Apples starts with buttery rich homemade caramel. These apples are a fall tradition at our house, and the sweet homemade caramel taste combined with the crisp apples is irresistible! While both caramel and apples are certainly delicious on their own, when paired together the flavor is a classic treat. These apples can also be personalized with a plethora of toppings options to give as gifts during the holiday season. Bonus, the caramel can be served as a caramel apple dip or a caramel sauce. How to make homemade caramel for dipping apples: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Prep the Apples – Wash and dry the apples, removing the stem.
• Add Wooden Sticks – Insert a wooden stick into the center of each Set aside. Have nearby a large cookie sheet lined with wax paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Make Caramel – In a deep large pot over medium heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, dark corn syrup and salt. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Add the sweetened condensed milk. Gently bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower the heat and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 225°F. Around 15-20 minutes.
• Add Vanilla Extract – Remove pan from the heat, add vanilla extract, stir until combined.
• Dip the Apples – Dip each apple into the caramel turning to evenly coat. Tilt the saucepan as needed and spoon the caramel over the apples to evenly coat.
• Garnish – Immediately dip caramel apples in bowls filled with peanuts, mini chocolate chips, pretzels, candy or sprinkles.
• Chill to Set. Bring to room temperature to allow the caramel to soften before serving.

How to Make the BEST Caramel Apples Recipe

We tend to gravitate to the caramel apple flavor combination more during the fall months, but you can use this homemade caramel for apples as a dip anytime of year. 

• Ingredients you’ll need to make easy homemade caramel for dipping apples: Granny Smith apples, sweetened condensed milk, butter, dark corn syrup, light corn syrup, vanilla extract and chopped peanuts.
• Kitchen tools you’ll need: Sheet pans lined with wax paper or silicone baking mats, sticks, measuring cups and spoons, nonstick silicone spatula, small bowls, nut chopper and heavy bottomed saucepan.
• The sticks form the handle for the apples. They’re readily available in the candy making section of most stores such as Target and Walmart. They can also be found at craft stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.
• Caramel Apple Variations: I rolled these gourmet caramel apples in salted peanuts but the sky’s the limit with options! Sprinkle them with mini milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips, pretzels, crushed cookies, crushed butterfingers, pecans, chopped candy bars, toffee bits, peanut butter chips, M&M’s, sprinkles and beyond.
• It’s vitally important that you dip the apples into the toppings immediately while the homemade caramel is still warm.  
• Serving Options: You can also serve this homemade caramel apples as a caramel dip. Keep it warm in a fondue pot or small crockpot and dip apples, bananas, pound cake, cookies, graham crackers or any of your favorite snacks!
• You can serve this as a caramel sauce over ice cream or cake.
• Please Note: These homemade caramel dipped apples should be stored chilled, but allow time to bring them to room temperature for eating to allow the caramel to soften a bit.
• You can serve these caramel apple slices cut into into wedges for sharing as a quick dessert or snack.
• Storage and Leftovers: Store Caramel Apples wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the fridge for up to one week.
• Store homemade Caramel Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat in a microwave safe bowl and thin with heavy cream, if needed.

More Apple Dessert Recipes to Make

Once you see how simple the caramel coating is to make, you’ll want to skip the premade caramels, maybe for good. This recipe uses a combination of brown sugar, Land O Lakes Butter and  Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk to make it silky smooth. How could you possibly go wrong? 

• Praline Apple Bread is a delicious way to celebrate apple season.
• Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a grab-n-go dessert.
• Southern Fried Apples can be served as a side dish or with ice cream as a dessert.
• Caramel Apple Poke Cake is so easy bakers of all skill levels can make it with success.
• Apple Cider Glazed Doughnuts melt in your mouth.
• Skillet Apple Pie Biscuits are a fan favorite year after year!
• Apple Nachos from Life in the Lofthouse.

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Helpful Kitchen Items

• Saucepan
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Sheet Pans