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How to Make Professional Caramel Apples

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When it comes to indulgent treats, few compare to the classic combination of sweet and gooey caramel draped over crisp apples. If you've ever dreamed of creating delectable caramel-coated masterpieces in the comfort of your own home, you're in for a treat. Our blog is your ultimate guide to becoming a caramel apple virtuoso, and we're here to turn your kitchen into a caramel-dipped wonderland. You'll soon be crafting gourmet caramel apples that rival the finest chocolate shops!
homemade caramel apples

The Best Apple for Caramel Apples

line of green granny smith apples


While many apple varieties can be used for caramel apples, there's one standout choice that deserves special attention: the Granny Smith apple. Granny Smith apples offer unique advantages that make them the ideal partner for caramel apples.

  • Tartness: Granny Smith apples are known for their natural tartness, which provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel coating. This balanced combination of flavors creates a more complex and enjoyable taste profile.

  • Texture: The firm and crisp texture ensures that the apple remains structurally sound after being dipped into warm caramel, preventing it from becoming mushy. The sturdy texture also delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite, enhancing the overall eating experience.

  • Lower Water Content: Excess moisture from the apple can cause caramel to slide off or become overly gooey. Granny Smith apples have a lower water content compared to some other apple varieties, making them less prone to these issues.

  • Durability: Granny Smith apples boast a relatively thick skin and sturdy flesh, contributing to their durability and extended shelf life compared to many other apple varieties. This resilience makes them an excellent choice for making caramel apples in advance or for gifting purposes, as they can maintain their freshness and quality for longer periods.

Choosing the Best Caramel for Dipping Apples

Peter's Caramel

When it comes to ready-to-use caramel, Peter’s caramel is the winner. Renowned for its indulgent buttery taste and creamy texture, Peter's brand caramel is a standout choice. Yet, if you're coating the apple solely with caramel, the lush buttery goodness will flow off, even after removing the apple's wax. We tested two apples, one dipped in non-flow caramel and the other in Peter's caramel, to see what happens after a couple days of sitting. As you can see below, after two days the Peter's caramel slid off the apple.

two caramel apples dipped in flow and non-flow caramel for comparison two apples dipped in flow and non-flow two days later

You have two options when using Peter's caramel for coating apples. You can coat the caramel-covered apple in chocolate, which will prevent the caramel from sliding off. Alternatively, if you're seeking a classic caramel apple, blending white chocolate melts with Peter's caramel before coating the apple provides a reliable solution to keep that caramel in place (see the photo below). Although white chocolate melts are the norm when turning Peter's into non-flow caramel, we love using salted caramel melting wafers too!

Click here to learn more about Peter's Caramel and watch a video tutorial.

apples coated in Peter

Non-flow Caramel

Perfecto Caramel and Merckens Vanilla Caramel are types of caramel that do not have a flowing consistency at room temperature. These ready-to-use caramels are ideal for covering apples as they do not slide off the apple once the apple is covered.

Click here to learn more about Perfecto's Non-Flow Caramel and watch a video tutorial.

line of green granny smith apples

Caramel Apple Wraps

Perhaps the easiest way to cover an apple with caramel is to use premade caramel apple wrappers. These wraps are pre-cut sheets that are specifically designed to wrap around apples. They offer a convenient and mess-free way to cover apples with caramel. They are especially beneficial when making caramel apples with kids.

Click here to learn more about Caramel Apple Wraps and watch a video tutorial.

apples wrapped in caramel apple wrappers

Caramel Apple Tools

Caramel Apple Coating - Two Methods

To get caramel on an apple, you can use the traditional method of dipping the apple into melted caramel or try the mess-free method of wrapping the apple with caramel using caramel apple wraps or by rolling block caramel between parchment paper.

Dipping an Apple in Caramel

  1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly with warm water. Remove any stickers and wax coating from the apples.

  2. Insert a sturdy stick or skewer into the stem end of each apple.

  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  4. If using caramel in block form, cut the caramel into several uniform chunks. Place chunks of caramel in a microwave-safe bowl.

  5. Microwave the caramel for 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for 20 seconds. Continue melting using 20-second intervals until the caramel is fluid.

  6. Hold the apple by the stick and dip it into the melted caramel, tilting and rotating the apple to evenly coat on all sides.

  7. Allow any excess caramel to drip off the apple back into the bowl of melted caramel.

  8. Place the caramel-coated apple on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

  9. Add nuts or sprinkles before the caramel sets, or if dipping in chocolate, allow the apple to set completely.
apple being dipped into melted caramel apple being swirled and coated into melted caramel apple finished being dipped in caramel

Wrapping an Apple with Caramel

Looking for a mess-free alternative to dipping apples into melted caramel? Try this roll and wrap method. You can purchase our premade caramel apple wraps or here's directions to make your own.

  1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly with warm water. Remove any stickers and wax coating from the apples.

  2. Insert a sturdy stick or skewer into the stem end of each apple.

  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  4. Cut one pound of caramel into 3-5 even portions (depending on the size of your apples). Place caramel between two sheets of parchment paper and flatten with your palms. Note: if using non-flow caramel, the caramel may need to be softened for easy rolling. Simply place the caramel chunk in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften. Be careful- do not melt the caramel!

  5. Roll over the parchment paper with even pressure to flatten the caramel into a patty

  6. Place the apple in the center of the patty and wrap the caramel around the apple.

  7. Press and smooth the caramel, smoothing it down to ensure it adheres properly and completely covers the apple.

  8. Place the caramel-coated apple on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

caramel block cut into four squares caramel rolled out between parchement paper rolled out caramel draped onto apple apple wrapped in rolled out caramel

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Apples

three decorated chocolate dipped caramel apples

Dipping your caramel apple into chocolate elevates this already beloved treat to a whole new level of deliciousness. Chocolate brings a world of customization to the table. Whether you're a fan of dark, milk, or white chocolate, the choice is yours. Experimenting with flavored and colored chocolate coatings opens up exciting avenues for your caramel apple creations. On top of that, chocolate acts as a shield for the caramel, preventing it from slipping off. When it comes to melting and application, chocolate candy coating, also known as candy melts, is our go-to. While real chocolate or cocoa butter-based chocolate can be used, remember that real chocolate needs tempering before using. Skipping this step might result in white-streaks or improper setting, leaving your apples tacky to the touch.

caramel apple being dipped into melted chocolate wafers two chocolate dipped caramel apples


  1. Follow the dipping or wrapping directions above to cover apples with caramel.

  2. Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for 20 seconds. Continue melting using 20-second intervals until the chocolate is fluid.

  3. Hold the apple by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, tilting and rotating the apple to evenly coat on all sides.

  4. Place the dipped apple on parchment paper.

  5. If you wish to add toppings, sprinkle them onto the chocolate before the chocolate sets.

  6. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or packaging.

Decorating Caramel Apples

You can decorate caramel apples with a variety of toppings, allowing you to create a personalized masterpiece to coordinate with the current season or special event. The toppings you choose can add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Add the decorations immediately after dipping the apple in caramel or chocolate to ensure the decorations adhere.
three decorated apples - strawberry crunch, cosmic brownie, and sprinkles


Yum Crumbs

Yum Crumbs can add a touch flavor and color while providing a soft-textured bite. They come in a ton of fun flavors.

Miniature Rainbow Chocolate Chips

Make a Cosmic Brownie caramel apple or a fun colorful apple with these mini rainbow chocolate chips.

Sprinkles

Colorful sprinkles, jimmies, edible confetti or any themed sprinkle can bring a fun and festive element to your caramel apple.

three deocated chocolate coated apples


Nuts

Chopped peanuts, pecans, walnuts or almonds are classic choices that add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the caramel apple.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted onto your apple for a special touch. We carry a large assortment of colored chocolate melts to match any theme.

Mini Chocolate Chips

Add a burst of chocolatey goodness to the caramel apple with mini chocolate chips.

three caramel apples decorated with gold dust, gold leaf, gold sprinkles

Edible Glitter & Metallic Dusts

For an elegant touch, consider adding edible glitter or metallic dusts to add a sparkle and shimmer.

Edible Gold Leaf

Add glamour and shine with edible gold leaf sheets.

Caramel Apple Packaging

five decorated caramel apples in different packaging options


Candy Cups:

Large food-safe caramel apple cups are designed to contain the apple and prevent the caramel from sticking to serving plates or caramel apple boxes and bags.

Caramel Apple Boxes:

These food-safe gift boxes are designed specifically for caramel apples with a hole at the top for the stick to extend. Add a candy apple paper cup to prevent the caramel from sticking to the box.

Cellophane Bags:

Clear cellophane bags are a popular, economical choice for packaging caramel apples. They allow the caramel apple to be visible from all angles making the final presentation attractive. Place a mini round cake board in the bag to create a sturdy, decorative base for the bagged treat. Tie the gathered cellophane with a colorful ribbon twist tie to secure.

How to Store Caramel Apples

We recommend eating homemade caramel apples within two weeks if the apples are stored at room temperature. However, to extend their freshness, the apples can be stored in the refrigerator, which can help keep them edible for up to three weeks. Keep the apple wrapped in plastic wrap to ensure odors from other food items in the refrigerator do not permeate into the caramel. If the apples are stored in the refrigerator, allow to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the eating experience.

Caramel Apple Video Tutorial