How to Melt Caramels

This recipe will show you How to Melt Caramel to make caramel dipped apples, melted caramel sauce, and other caramel treats the easy way. This method takes just a few minutes and uses only soft caramel candies and a splash of water.

Sure, nothing can compete with Homemade Caramel Sauce, but when quick and easy is your priority, this is the absolute best way to melt caramel.

How to Melt Caramel for Apples and More

Learning how to melt caramels in the microwave will give you a quick and easy way to make a wide variety of caramel treats with very minimal effort. You can use melted caramel to make dipped candy apples, fillings for brownies, caramel sauce, caramel popcorn, and so much more. 

Probably the most difficult step is the tedious task of unwrapping each caramel candy. Otherwise, all you need to do is place them in a microwave safe bowl or a saucepan on the stove, add a splash of water, milk, or cream, and heat until melted and smooth. The looser you need the caramel to be, the more liquid you need to add. 

What to make with Melted Caramels

• Dipped Pretzel Rods– These are some of our favorite treats to make during the holidays. It looks super fancy but is really pretty simple to make. You can take a pretzel rod, dip it in melted caramel, let it set and then dip again in chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles. So easy!
• Homemade Snickers– This is a fun recipe to make and suprisingly easy. You can make individual dipped snickers or make them into more of a bar treat.
• Nilla Wafer Candy– This one is super easy, you can simply add a dollop of melted caramel on a nilla wafer, or a Ritz cracker for that matter, and then some melted chocolate for a quick and easy homemade candy recipe.
• Caramel Apples– If you don’t want to make your caramel from scratch, you can easily make homemade caramel apples in no time.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Caramel Candies – any kind of wrapped soft caramels will melt perfectly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure to unwrap them first! 
• Water – the caramel stays slightly soft if you add a touch of water while melting. You could also use cream or milk instead of water. The more you add, the thinner and softer the caramel will be so depending on what you plan to use it for, you may need to add anywhere from 1-4 tablespoons to get your desired consistency.

How to Melt Caramels 

1. How to Melt Caramel in the Microwave: Place unwrapped caramels in a microwave safe bowl along with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, stir until smooth, then heat longer if needed.
2. Stovetop Method: Place unwrapped caramels in a medium-sized saucepan on the stovetop and add 1 tablespoon of water. Heat on medium low heat while stirring the caramel for 2-3 minutes, or until completely smooth.
3. Slow Cooker Method: Place unwrapped caramels in a heat-safe bowl that can fit inside your slow cooker without touching the edges. Add 1 tablespoon of water. Fill the slow cooker with water so that it is even with the caramels in the bowl, creating a double boiler inside the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, or until the caramels are melted. Stir well before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• To reheat: to reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe container or a saucepan and reheat as directed above, adding slightly less water.

More Easy Caramel Recipes To Try

• Homemade Caramel Sauce
• Chocolate Covered Caramels
• Caramel Pecan Pie
• Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread
• Homemade Caramel Popcorn
• Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
• Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Rods
• Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
• Homemade Caramel Apples
• Caramel Candy
• Caramel Apple Nachos
• More Homemade Desserts
• More Best Caramel Desserts

Melting caramel is a simple kitchen hack that will save you loads of time. Use this quick and easy melted caramel to make caramel apples, sauce, popcorn, and more.