For the perfect bite-sized fall dessert, try these mini caramel apples! This recipe takes the full-size version and turns it into a bite-sized treat perfect for parties or as a fun activity to do with kids! The combination of tart apple, creamy caramel, and crunchy toppings make these irresistibly delicious.
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This fall season, I am making ALL the apple recipes. Apples are one of my favorite fall flavors, and I love being creative in the kitchen and coming up with new recipes!
I love to make cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling and this apple praline cake topped with pecans.
But, what's better than a classic caramel apple? A mini version that you can easily pop into your mouth!
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These mini caramel apples are the perfect size for snacking or serving at parties. Plus, they're just so dang cute!
Note: If you don't want to make mini apples, make some classic caramel apple slices.
I am so excited to serve these at my Halloween party this season. What about you?
Why you'll love this recipe
- These mini caramel apples are perfectly bite-sized. Small enough to be enjoyed without making a mess.
- Have your little ones help you make these mini treats, and let them decorate the apples however they want.
- Super versatile! You can decorate the apples with any topping you desire, from nuts to sprinkles to chocolate drizzle.
Key ingredients
Let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients needed to make this mini caramel apple recipe.
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and helps thin out the caramel while keeping it smooth.
Caramel Candies: These classic caramels are a great shortcut, but you can always make homemade caramel if you prefer.
Heather's helpful hints
- It's best to work in batches of 3-4 when making these mini caramel apples. Having an extra pair of hands can also be helpful when you're working to dip the caramels.
- Make sure the caramel completely covers the popsicle stick. If there's an opening, the water from the ice bath will seep inside, leaving a watery mess.
- The amount of coverage you have will depend on the type of caramel you purchase. I like either the baking bits or the individually wrapped Brach brand.
Step-by-step instructions
The entire recipe is below and can be printed to save for later. But, before you get there, let's walk through it step-by-step so you understand what you're doing beforehand.
Step 1
Start by peeling and scooping small apple balls using a melon baller, then insert lollipop sticks as handles.
Step 2
Gently melt the caramel bits with cream over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid any burns.
Step 3
Dry each apple ball thoroughly before dipping it into the caramel.
Step 4
Quickly dip the apple into an ice bath to set the caramel. Dry it with a paper towel before dipping it in your topping.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap apples: Try using different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
- Different coatings: Instead of traditional caramel, use white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
- Add spices: Sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top for a seasonal twist.
Suggested Toppings
Get creative with your toppings! You can use crushed nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or anything else you love. Even a dash of melted chocolate is delicious!
Equipment
I recommend a melon baller to get the perfect circle shapes out of your apples. It's possible to use a metal teaspoon, but getting that perfect circle share will be more difficult.
Feel free to use your popsicle sticks of choice. I always like the plastic ones because they hold up well, but you can use wooden ones or even a pretzel stick if you're feeling creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
These caramel apples are best enjoyed immediately. They can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 hours, but not for any longer. They can be a fun dessert to have guests enjoy making for a party and then eat right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thoroughly drying the apples before dipping ensures the caramel sticks perfectly. I usually dry them off right after scooping the apple and then again right before dipping it into caramel. A dry surface is 100% the key to success here.
I highly recommend making this homemade apple butter. It's so good!
Yes, you can, but they will take longer to melt, so keep this in mind. Make sure to chop them into smaller pieces before melting them for easier handling.
No, unfortunately, freezing will cause the apples to become mushy once thawed. It's best to enjoy them fresh!
More apple recipes
If you're in the mood for more apple-dessert inspiration, look no further than the recipes below!
Our recipe index is a great place to search all My Sweet Precision recipes!
Recipe
Mini Caramel Apples
Equipment
- 20 lollipop sticks
- 1 melon baller
Ingredients
- 3 large apples grannysmith are best
- 1 ½ cups caramel baking bits
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- crushed nuts or sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Peel apples. Using a melon baller, scoop out apple balls. Insert the sucker stick into the apple. Be careful not to puncture the stick through the other end. In a small pot add caramel baking bits and heavy cream. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly until completely melted. Fill a small bowl with icy water. Set aside.
- Thoroughly dry the apple with a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the surface. Dip the apple into the mixture, swirling to coat and being sure to get the caramel on the stick a little. This will help keep out the water on the next step. Immediately dip the caramel apple into the icy water for a few seconds to quickly set the caramel.
- Dry the caramel off gently with a paper towel. Press the top of the caramel apple into the desired topping if using. Place caramel apple into the fridge or freezer to finish setting.
Notes and Tips
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in November 2015. It was updated in October 2024 with new pictures and a few updates to the recipe.
Cheryl says
How long in advance do you think you can make these? A couple days?
Heather says
Hi Cheryl! Sorry for the delay in response! Unfortunately, these are usually best the first day. They start to get a little weepy after that. I hope you still give them a try!
The Hungry Mum says
how gorge! These little treats are adorable.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you! :)
MOM says
These pictures make me hungry all over again for these delicious treats which we had such fun making AND eating on our trip. Thanks for waiting for us to make this great fall snack.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
They were fun to make weren't they?! It's a good thing I don't have them still sitting around because I'd still be eating them :)
Lynz Real Cooking says
I love this! I am doing this for sure! i have never seen this idea and yumm, big caramel apples are so hard to eat! yumm
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Wonderful! Yes, I always think I'm going to pull out a filling or break a tooth when I'm eating a big caramel apple ;)
Lynz Real Cooking says
I love these! Yes and they are so messy! My son has made caramel apples so many times he is 12, experimenting, he will absolutely love to make these! I want to make them but I will show him and he will be thrilled! lovely
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
That's so wonderful that he is experimenting in the kitchen! I remember baking projects in the kitchen with my mom and dad when I was younger, it's such a great experience :)
Sherri says
How cute Heather, and what a great idea, especially as you say with Christmas not far away and all the good eating that entails! Lovely to have your parents visiting, what a beautiful photo of your mom, such a lovely smile :-)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you Sherri! It was such a fun weekend with my parents :) Yes, the holidays always are full of delicious treats and desserts aren't they?! I always enjoy indulging but somehow I breathe a sigh of relief when January rolls around ;)
Sherri says
I know what you mean Heather :-)
apuginthekitchen says
Really such a great idea. I avoid caramel apples they are just too big. Here is the answer to that. Love it.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
I'm right there with you Suzanne! Somehow one gigantic apple always seems like way too much. These are bite sized and perfect to pop in your mouth :)
Aimee Norasingh says
Love this! Can't wait to try it
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Yes! Such a fun project!
milkandbun says
I'd love to taste these little treats! Look yummy! :)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you Mila! They are the perfect size for a quick treat :)