Candy and Caramel Apples the Easy Way

Candy and caramel apples are classic Halloween treats that fill us with nostalgia. They look beautiful sitting in a store display or on a dessert table. They’re also messy to make, difficult to eat, and it’s hard to finish one. We searched for alternatives to traditional candy and caramel apples, and we’re pretty excited about what we found. Not only do we have some great ideas for toppings, we also gathered some smart tips to help make sure your apples turn out well.

Whole Apples vs. Apple Slices

One big reason you frequently see whole candy or caramel apples is the coating adheres well to apple skin. The skin is dry, and it keeps the candy or caramel coating away from the moisture inside the apple. Apple juice will make the coating seize up or slide right off. However, one of the drawbacks of using whole apples, apart from those we mentioned above, is how tough it is to top them evenly.

Apple slices can be a good alternative to whole apples, especially for younger kids and those of us who can’t choose between a variety of tempting toppings. They’re easier to eat, the portions are smaller, and they aren’t such a risk to braces or other dental work. However, they present a few challenges too. That’s why we spent some time looking for suggestions to help make your candy and caramel apple slices a success.

Tip #1: Choose Fresh, Crisp Apples

Start with fresh apples. Choose a crisp variety over a softer one. For example, Fuji or Granny Smith are better choices than Gala or Golden Delicious. A firm, crisp apple won’t release as much moisture as a softer one. In Tip #3, we’ll explain why this point is so important. Slice across the entire face of the apple; don’t cut your apples into wedges. The broad, flat surface is easier to top.

Tip #2: Use Popsicle Sticks

To make your apples easier to dip, top, and eat, insert popsicle sticks. Lollipop or cake pop sticks are also an option, but popsicle sticks are easier to insert. Use a narrow blade  paring knife or utility knife to cut a slit in the apple slice, parallel to the surface. Then slide a popsicle stick in place.

Tip #3: Pat Dry, Twice

This tip is the most essential one out of all five. Remember why it’s easier to coat whole apples -- the skin is dry. To give your chocolate the best shot at sticking to the surface of your apple slices, pat them dry. Then just before you dip each one in chocolate, pat it dry again. If your apples are wet, or even just moist, the chocolate won’t adhere.

Tip #4: Add Coconut Oil to Chocolate

The most well-known tutorial for candy and caramel apple slices is from Domestically Blissful, and she swears by melting disks, as opposed to chocolate chips or squares. These chocolate disks are pricier than grocery store chocolate, but they give great results.

You can use grocery store chocolate too, but add a bit of coconut oil to help the melted chocolate coat the apples more smoothly. Use refined coconut oil, which won’t impart a coconut flavor to your chocolate. Two to three teaspoons will do the trick.

Tip #5: Dip, Top, and Leave Them Alone

This is the fun part! But it’s also the part where you need to have everything lined up and ready to go: melted chocolate, warm caramel, and whatever toppings you’ve chosen. Plus, you’ll need a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Be sure your sheet will fit in your refrigerator, and that you’ve cleared space for it already.

We’ve already covered the details of preparing your chocolate in Tip #4 above. For your caramel, chop it and microwave it with some water. Cook it in short bursts, as you don’t want it to get too hot. Add water a bit at a time to thin your caramel so it drizzles easily. You want it to be warm, but not so hot that it will melt the chocolate.

We do want to emphasize how important it is to put the chocolate-dipped apples on parchment paper, and leave them in place. Drizzle the caramel and sprinkle the toppings over them. Then transfer your baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Don’t try to move the apples before the chocolate, caramel, and toppings have hardened.

As for toppings, we love the ideas suggested by our sources. You can also crush or chop Oreo cookies or plain chocolate wafers, add mini M&Ms, or dust your apple slices with candy sprinkles. Just top them right after you dip them, so your toppings will stick to the chocolate. You can also drizzle them with white or milk chocolate, or colored candy melts. Get creative!