It's finally October and the beginning of my favorite time of year! I love decorating for Halloween and making adorable Ghost Cupcakes. But if you want to make this time of year even sweeter, grab the kids (or grandkids) and make some Gourmet Caramel
Yes, you can buy pre-made Candy A
Not to mention, when making your own Gourmet Caramel Apples, you decide what toppings to use. If you don't see your favorite topping listed in my recipe, just substitute your favorite topping in step six of the recipe.
How to Make This Recipe
Remove the stem from the apples and replace it with a popsicle stick (or reusable treat stick).
Place a piece of wax paper over a baking sheet. Spread the softened butter over the waxed paper and set aside.
Dip apples, one at a time, into boiling water for 10 seconds; wipe dry. This process helps to remove the wax off the apples, which in turn helps the caramel to stick to the apples.
Place the toppings (toffee bits, mini M&M's, butter-finger bits, and chopped peanuts) into their own individual bowls.
Unwrap the caramels and add to a small saucepan, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Place over low heat and allow to melt, stirring frequently.
Dip apples, one at a time, into the caramel sauce; turn to coat. Quickly dip into the topping of choice, while turning.
If there are bare spots, fill with additional topping.
Place the Gourmet Caramel Apples on waxed paper and allow to set for approximately 30 minutes.
When making these Gourmet Caramel Apples, don't forget to get the kiddos involved. Yes, it might mean a bit more mess, but that's what memories are made of.
Believe me, before you know it, you'll be longing for these days, so make the most of them while you can!
Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips
Unlike baking a pie, I don't think there is a wrong apple to use when it comes to making candied apples.
I believe that Granny Smith apples are usually used to balance out the tartness of the apples with the sweetness of the caramel, and toppings.
However, if you prefer Honey Crisp, Galla, Fuji, or my personal favorite, Pink Ladies, go for it! There are no "gourmet caramel apple police" the last time I checked!
Dip apples, one at a time, into boiling water for 10 seconds and wipe dry. This process helps to remove the wax off the apples, which in turn helps the caramel to stick to the apples.
Undipped caramel apples are good for up to a week whether stored on the counter or in the refrigerator.
Dipped caramel apples, however, are best when eaten within the first few days. Especially when using ingredients that can taste stale after a few days, for example, shredded coconut or candy bits.
- Another way to help the caramel to stick to the Gourmet Caramel Apples is to place the apples in the fridge for an hour or so prior to dipping them. The caramel will harden quicker on the cold apples.
- Caramel apples can be refrigerated, however, they should not be frozen.
- After dipping the apples, pop them into the refrigerator to set up quicker.
- Although you can use popsicle or lollipop sticks, I used reusable treat sticks that I purchased at Walmart (made by Wilton).
Gourmet Caramel Apples Topping Ideas
As you can tell, I like mixing things up. I don't always take the traditional path when it comes to my candied apple recipe.
Don't get me wrong, I love a juicy apple, covered with gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts as much as anybody. Yet, I also enjoy playing around with other flavors.
One of my favorite flavors is toffee. Mini M&M's might be a bit too sweet for my taste, but kids love them. Not to mention, they sure do look festive! Some like adding sprinkles, but I've never been a sprinkle-kind of girl. Rather, I prefer some of the following toppings:
- Toasted coconut
- Reese’s pieces
- Crushed pretzel pieces
- Drizzled chocolate
- White chocolate, peanuts butter, or butterscotch mini chocolate chips
- cookie crumbs
So, what's your favorite topping?
Related Recipes
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Caramel Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. softened butter
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples (or a variety of apples)
- ½ cup toffee bits
- ½ cup mini M&M's
- ½ cup butterfinger bits
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- 1 11 oz. bag Kraft caramels
Instructions
- Remove the stem from the apples and replace with a popsicle stick (or reusable treat stick).
- Place a piece of wax paper over a baking sheet. Spread the softened butter over the waxed paper and set aside.
- Dip apples, one at a time, into boiling water for 10 seconds; wipe dry. This process helps to remove the wax off the apples, which in turn helps the caramel to stick to the apples.
- Place the toppings (toffee bits, mini M&M's, butterfinger bits, and chopped peanuts) into their own individual bowls.
- Unwrap the caramels and add to a small saucepan, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Place over low heat and allow to melt, stirring frequently.
- Dip apples, one at a time, into the caramel sauce; turn to coat. Quickly dip into topping of choice, while turning. If there are bare spots, fill with additional topping.
- Place apples on waxed paper and allow to set for approximately 30 minutes.
Notes
- Another way to help the caramel to stick to the apples is to place the apples in the fridge for an hour or so prior to dipping them. The caramel will harden quicker on the cold apples.
- Caramel apples can be refrigerated, however, they should not be frozen.
- After dipping the apples, pop them into the refrigerator to set up quicker.
Kelly Methey says
I love candy apples! I haven’t had one in years, this recipe is going to fix that! The possibilities are endless with the toppings! What a fun thing to do with kiddos and adults! Thanks for reminding me how good they are. Can’t wait to make these and bite into all that gooey goodness!
Anne Herrington says
YUM
HildaSterner says
Yes! You should make some with Judah!