How to Make Mini Caramel Apples (Easy and Less Messy!)
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Dessert recipe: Learn how to make Mini Caramel Apples that easy and less messy! Perfect little bite of Autumn without – the mess!
There is something wonderful about the combination of a slightly sour apples and the super sweetness of caramel! I remember getting a caramel apples every year at a farmer’s market – I swear the apple seemed as big as my head! While I as a little kid really enjoyed the caramel apple – my mother didn’t care for the mess the candy apple left behind – peanut droppings bits of caramel in my hair. Now as a mom I can relate to her pain. I have the perfect solution – where kids can enjoy caramel apples and mess is kept to a minimum! The Mini caramel apple is the perfect Autumn bit – without the gobs of mess (that first bite of a caramel apple is always the messiest!).
What are the best apples for caramel apples?
When it comes to caramel apples, granny smith is my ultimate favorite apple to use! I love the
crisp and tart flavor with the rich, smooth caramel. But if you are not a fan of granny smith
apples you can choose whichever varietal you would like. Give Jonathon, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp
or Gala a try.
How to do you keep the caramel from sliding off the apples?
Caramel tends to slip off of apples when moisture is present, so try and blot off any extra
moisture you can before dipping the apples in the caramel. It will be impossible to remove it all,
but do the best you can so your caramel will stick.
How do you melt caramel?
I absolutely love these caramel bits from Kraft for this recipe. Not only do the caramels melt
super fast, but they set up really nicely and still maintain a shine after setting. If you can not find
these in your store, you can use any caramel made for melting. You may need to adjust the
quantity of water or omit it completely depending on the brand suggestions.
How to Make Mini Caramel Apples:
Step 1 – Prep the space
Wash the apples. Line a refrigerator safe plate or cutting board with wax paper or parchment. Set aside
Step 2 – Make the mini apples
Using a metal teaspoon or melon baller, scoop out teaspoon round balls out of the apple
Step 3 – Blot
Insert the candy sticks in the top and blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Set aside.
Step 4 – Prep the Caramel
In a small saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the caramels and water stirring
constantly until smooth.
Step 5 – Dip!
Dip each apple into the caramel allowing the access to drip off.
Dip in toppings if desired
Step 6 – Ready to Serve
Place on a prepared plate or cutting board and put in the refrigerator to set until you are
ready to serve
Delicious Min Caramel Apples
Equipment
- Melon Baller
- lollipop sticks
Ingredients
- 4 whole Granny Smith Apples
- 1 bag 11oz of caramel bits
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup toppings (salt, sugar, peanuts)
Instructions
- Wash the apples. Line a refrigerator safe plate or cutting board with wax paper or parchment. Set aside.
- Using a metal teaspoon or melon baller, scoop out teaspoon round balls out of the apple.
- Insert the candy sticks in the top and blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the caramels and water stirring constantly until smooth.
- Dip each apple into the caramel allowing the access to drip off. Dip in toppings if desired.
- Place on a prepared plate or cutting board and put in the refrigerator to set until you areready to serve.
This recipe is fantastic! They tasted great and with very little mess. I think I will change a few things for next time. I will rinse my scooped apples in salted water or water with a little lemon juice in it. Wipe them down and put them in the fridge until the caramel has been melted. Then I will dip the apples. I am hoping this will help set up the caramel faster. I will used unsalted cashews instead of peanuts too.