Easy Caramel Apples

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, we may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Supplies used may be given to us free of charge, all projects and opinions are my own.

Fall is a time for apples and of course caramel apples!  These are so easy to make and delicious to eat!
My family loves caramel apples, but I don’t always love have to pay $5-$8 each to enjoy them.  Naturally the best idea is to make them ourselves.  While working with hot caramel isn’t something you want your little kids helping out with, you can have them give a hand by unwrapping the caramels or adding sprinkles if you want to dress your apples up a bit.

Easy Caramel Apples
8 apples (we used some smaller gala apples)
8 wooden sticks
1 1/2 lbs of caramels
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional:
Sprinkles
Candy pieces
Chocolate drizzle
Any other topping you’d enjoy

Directions:
While your kids or other helpers are working on unwrapping all of your caramels, remove stickers from apples and wash well.  Dry apples, remove stem, and insert wooden sticks.  Spread parchment paper on a cookie sheet to set dipped apples on.
On your stove top over medium low heat, combine caramels, water, and vanilla.  Stir consistently to avoid scorching until smooth.  If you prefer, put your caramels, water, and vanilla in a microwave safe bowl and heat at 40 second intervals until smooth.
Remove caramel mixture from heat and dip each apple.  I roll my apple to get an even coverage of caramel.
Let the extra caramel drip off the apple for a few seconds, use your spoon or spatula to wipe all the excess caramel from the bottom.  While working with your caramel, you may need to return it to the heat to keep it workable.
To help avoid puddling at the bottom of your apple, hold the apple upside down for 5-10 seconds.  I had almost no puddling on my apples and I think it makes them look better.
Set dipped apples on the parchment lined cookie sheet to cool.  If you plan on using any additional toppings, make sure you add them while the caramel is still warm so they will stick.  You may have to press down if you are using candy pieces like mini m&m’s, crushed candy bars, chocolate chips, etc.  If you would like to dip that caramel apples in chocolate, give the caramel time to set before dipping in the chocolate.  Make sure your toppings are set before serving.  Enjoy!
Make sure you also check out our super fun Perfectly Poison Apples for a fun Halloween treat!