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You are here: Home / Make Food / Dessert / Mini Caramel Apples

Dessert

Mini Caramel Apples

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mini caramel apples on little plates
mini candy apples with sticks on a stand
caramel apple with peanuts
tiny caramel apples on a silver stand
apples bites dipped in caramel sauce on a plate

Let’s welcome fall with a delicious and easy dessert recipe like mini caramel apples, shall we?

If you love candy apples, these mini caramel apple bites are just what you need in your life.

Don’t let pumpkin spice completely steal the show. Fall is great for apple desserts, as well!

Mini caramel apples on a stand on a table

The easiest recipe for mini caramel apples

A recipe for full-sized caramel apples is on the back of the Kraft Premium Caramel Bits bag.

There are other recipes out there for mini caramel apples, but the goal is to make them as easy as possible.

On many of the versions of the candy apple recipes using bagged caramels, readers comment that they struggle to get the caramel to stick to the apples.

Have no fear that this is the recipe you need to make the easiest mini caramel apples that stick and set.

caramel apples on a board

Mini Caramel Apples Ingredients

(exact measurements in printable recipe card below)

  • Granny smith apples
  • Caramel bits
  • Water
  • Choice of optional toppings such as sugar, sprinkles, and chopped peanuts

Mini Candy Apples Directions

Line a refrigerator-safe plate or cutting board with wax paper or parchment paper and set aside.

balls scooped out of a granny smith apple

Using a metal teaspoon or melon baller, scoop round balls out of the apple.

sticks in apple balls

Insert the candy sticks into the top of the apple balls and blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

melted caramel in a sauce pan

In a small saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the caramel bits and water. Stir constantly until smooth.

apple about to dip into caramel

Dip each apple piece into the caramel allowing the excess to drip off.

caramel dripping off apple

Dip into your toppings if desired.

dipping caramel apple into nuts

Place caramel-dipped apples onto the prepared plate or cutting board and put into the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

mini caramel apples on a stand

Recipes Notes and FAQ

Best apples for caramel apples

Granny smith apples are the best apples to use for caramel apples. The crisp texture and tart flavor of granny smith apples combined with the sweet smoothness of caramel is perfection. If you disagree, feel free to use any variety of apples you like. Jonathon, Pink Lady, Honey crisp, or Gala apples will all be delicious choices.

granny smith apples in a bowl

How to get the caramel to stick to the apples

A crucial step in the instructions is to dry the apples so that the caramel will stick. Excess moisture allows the caramel to slip right off the apples. It’s impossible to remove it all, but blot as much moisture off the apples with a paper towel as you can.

Put the apples in the fridge after they’ve been dipped to help set the caramel more quickly and prevent it from sliding off the apples. 

While the ingredients in this recipe are nothing unique, the instructions are. Please do not skip over this step to help ensure success.

Should apples be cold when making caramel apples?

Yes. Apples that have been chilled in the refrigerator at least a day help make the caramel stick to the apples more readily. 

caramel apple before toppings

Best caramel to use

The best caramel to use when making candy apples are Caramel Bits from Kraft. Caramel Bits melt super fast, set up nicely, and maintain a shine after setting. Of course, you can use other brands of caramel made for melting. However, you might need to adjust the amount of water or omit it completely depending on the brand suggestions.

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Kraft Candy Bits
Kraft Candy Bits
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01/24/2021 07:35 pm GMT
Kraft Caramel Bits in a pan

Suggested Toppings

Mini caramel apple toppings are optional, but highly recommended. Part of the fun of making caramel apples is dunking them in your favorite toppings. Different toppings also add to the appearance if you’re putting the mini apples on display. Here are some suggested toppings:

  • Granulated white sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Sparkling sugar
  • Sprinkles
  • Chopped nuts
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Toffee bits
sugar topping on a mini candy apple

Storing the caramel apples

These mini candy apples do not keep very well in the fridge and are best served fresh. After a few hours, the caramel begins to slip off the apples. It’s best preparing the apples the morning you plan to serve, and keep them fresh in the refrigerator until it’s time to put them out.

mini candied apples on a table

Caramel Apple Slices

If you don’t have a melon baller or sticks, caramel apple slices are just as delicious. Simply cut your apples into slices and dip one side with caramel and toppings. Leave the other end of the slice plain so it’s easier to grab.

Make sure to pin this recipe in case you go apple picking this season or find yourself in need of a tasty and easy fall dessert!

Continue to Content
Yield: 20

Mini Caramel Apples

Mini caramel apples on a stand on a table

Mini caramel apple bites that are easy to make and perfect for fall treats.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 granny smith apples
  • 1 11oz (0.42 kg) bag caramel bits/melts
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • Optional: Toppings such as sugar, sprinkles, chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Line a refrigerator-safe plate or cutting board with wax paper or parchment. Set aside.
  2. Using a metal teaspoon or melon baller, scoop teaspoon round balls out of the apple.
  3. Insert the candy sticks in the top and blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the caramels and water stirring constantly until smooth.
  5. Dip each apple into the caramel allowing the access to drip off. Dip in toppings if desired.
  6. Place on a prepared plate or cutting board and put in the refrigerator to set until you are ready to serve.

Notes

Be sure to blot as much moisture away from the apples as possible. This helps the caramel stick.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper
    Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper
  • Caramel Candy Bits 
    Caramel Candy Bits 
  • Measuring Spoons
    Measuring Spoons
  • Melon Baller
    Melon Baller
  • Lollipop Sticks
    Lollipop Sticks

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 48Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 54mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g

Nutrition facts are an estimate only.

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Cuisine: Dessert / Category: Dessert

More recipes with apples

  • Apple cinnamon pancakes
  • Apple cinnamon muffins
  • Wild rice salad with apples
apples bites dipped in caramel sauce on a plate

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Tag me in your pictures if you make mini caramel apples!


About Jennifer

Jennifer is the founder of A Magical Mess. She is married to a wonderful man, and together they live with their three rescue dogs. Jen is an entrepreneur at heart. Hobbies and interests include working, reading, playing word games, and learning new things.

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