Homemade Caramel Apples

These Homemade Caramel Apples are easy and so fun to make.  This recipe will show you how to make caramel apples including our easy caramel recipe, decorating ideas, tips, and more.  

These are perfect for serving at parties or giving away as gifts and will quickly become a favorite family tradition. If you’re looking for more homemade caramel recipes, be sure to try our Best Caramel Dessert Recipes.

Homemade Caramel Apples

This is a complete guide to making caramel apples from scratch.  I’ll give you step-by-step instructions with pictures, videos, and tips on how to make the best caramel for caramel apples, which apples to use, and so much more. Before you know it you will be the go-to caramel apple expert.

Dipping and decorating caramel apples is one of our family’s highlights of the fall season.  It’s become a family tradition at our house every year.  There’s something satisfying about making the smooth, creamy, perfectly sweet caramel from scratch. Everyone will love decorating their own apples with their favorite toppings.

Homemade Caramel Apple Video Tutorial

Preparing the Apples

Unless you pick your own or purchase organic apples, you’ll want to remove the wax.  Otherwise, you will have difficulty with the caramel sliding off of the apple.  

You will know it’s working if your water turns a little murky once you begin to rub the wax off with your fingers. Here are the two main ways I like to do it:

• Vinegar Method: Wash apples to remove any wax by soaking in a half-gallon of water with 1 cup of white vinegar for about 10 minutes, then rubbing with your fingers to remove the wax.  Rinse the apples well, then dry completely with a dish towel or paper towel.
• Warm Water and Towel: You can also wash your apples in warm water and then vigorously rub your apples with a rag to remove the majority of the outer layer of wax. Be sure to lay them on a towel to air dry before dipping the apples in caramel.  The apple must be very dry for the caramel to stick. 

Key Ingredients

• Butter – you can use either salted or unsalted butter for the caramel, depending on your own personal taste.
• Sugar – you will need a combination of both white granulated sugar and brown sugar for this caramel. Dark brown will have a little stronger of a molasses flavor than light brown.
• Karo Syrup – this keeps the caramel from crystallizing while it cooks. If you can’t find Karo Syrup, you can substitute light corn syrup.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – this makes the caramel super creamy and soft.
• Apples – use crisp, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Make sure they are free of bruises and brown spots.
• Toppings – some of our favorite toppings include chopped nuts, crushed candy-like Butterfinger, and sprinkles.

Caramel Apple Sticks

There are many different options here.  You can find an assortment at your local craft store, square sticks, popsicle sticks or dowels, cut down to size. 

• Popsicle sticks:  These are our preferred sticks to use because they are sturdy and can bear the weight of a large caramel apple.
• Lollipop sticks: These work great, too, but if you have a heavy caramel apple, they tend to bend.
• Tree branches:  It’s a little bit of a hassle but they are so cute!  Just sanitize your pruning shears with vinegar before you cut the branches.  You may also want to rinse the branches in the vinegar water after you’ve washed the apples, making sure to rinse the sticks to remove any vinegar smell.

Topping Ideas

• Sprinkles
• Crushed Candy Bars
• Chopped Nuts
• Crystal Sugar
• Mini M&Ms
• Crushed Oreos
• Melted Candy Wafers (choose a color to celebrate your favorite holiday)
• Drizzled Melted Chocolate
• Toffee Bits

How to Make Caramel Apples

1. Cook the caramel. In a large nonstick Dutch oven pot over medium heat, add the butter. Melt, then add the sugar, brown sugar, Karo syrup, and sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Cook until it reaches 240 degrees F, using a candy thermometer to check.
2. Let the caramel cool. As soon as it reaches 240 degrees F, take the caramel off the heat and stir in the salt and the vanilla, then let the caramel cool for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the apples. Be sure to wash and dry the apples first, then add the sticks. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
4. Dip the apples. Carefully dip each apple into the hot caramel all the way up to the stick, then lift it out of the caramel and swirl gently to let the excess caramel drip back into the pot. Repeat with the remaining apples.
5. Add toppings (if desired). Roll each apple into your favorite toppings before the caramel sets.
6. Let the caramel set. Place the caramel-dipped apples onto your prepared baking sheet. Let the apples cool at room temperature until the caramel has set.
7. Store. Keep in the fridge, loosely covered, for up to 3 days, or enjoy immediately!

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Choose your apples wisely: Start with firm and crisp apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel. Avoid soft or bruised apples.
• Be sure to clean and dry the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Dry them completely before dipping them into the caramel to ensure proper adhesion.
• Let excess caramel drip off: Hold each apple by the stick and dip it into the melted caramel, twirling it slowly to ensure even coating. Lift the apple out of the caramel and let the excess drip off so that you aren’t left with a puddle of caramel under each apple.
• To individually wrap the apples: Once the caramel has fully set, you can wrap each apple individually in wax paper or cellophane bags. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps keep the caramel apple fresh and prevents them from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerator: store your caramel apples loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Leftover caramel: you can store leftover caramel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, just pop in the microwave or warm over low heat stirring constantly.

More Of Our Favorite Apple Recipes

• Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
• Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
• Caramel Apple Snowmen
• Sausage and Apple Stuffing
• Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
• More Best Caramel Recipes
• More Holiday Recipes

This recipe for Homemade Caramel Apples is easy and so fun to make.  I’ll show you how to make homemade caramel, how to drizzle chocolate, and add your favorite candy topping.