These Caramel Apple Slices on a Stick are a fun fall treat for kids that can be whipped up in just minutes! Enjoy with just melted caramel, or add some favorite toppings for a decorative dessert that's perfect for any fall party.
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Tasty Treat for Kids: Caramel Apple Slices on a Stick
Don't you just love homemade caramel apples? They are such a delicious and fun treat, but they are so messy and are often too big to eat the whole apple all at once!
When I wanted to make some for the kids, I knew that they wouldn’t be able to eat the entire caramel apple and it would get all over everywhere. So instead, I decided to cut the apples up into pieces and make caramel apple slices on a stick!
I guess you could call them caramel applesicles or caramel apple pops, and they are so delicious! The kids will love helping decorate them and they would make such a fun snack alternative to candy apples for a Halloween or pumpkin carving party. Let's make some together!
Supplies to Make Homemade Caramel Apples
It doesn't take many ingredients to make this perfect treat for the whole family:
- Apples: a tart variety (see more notes below)
- Caramels: I like to melt the chewy kind, but you could try to melt caramel bits instead, or make your own homemade caramel.
- Chocolate Chips (optional): Choose your favorite variety to drizzle on top!
- Peanuts (optional): Use chopped peanuts or other favorite nuts to sprinkle.
- Sprinkles (optional): An optional (but extra fun) decoration the kids can add on top.
- Small Dowel Sticks, Popsicle Craft Sticks or Lollipop Sticks: Use your favorite to turn apple slices into caramel apple pops!
What are the Best Apples to Make Caramel Apples?
The main ingredient of this recipe is of course - the apple! So let's talk about the best variety to use.
Typically I start with tart apples when making caramel covered apples, because they offset the super sweetness of the caramel. A variety like Granny Smith apples are Papa’s favorite (very tart), and Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples are my favorites (not as tart!).
These are great choices, but you can choose whatever type of apple you would like. All will work in this treat, and it would be fun to experiment a bit with different kinds.
Steps to Make Easy Caramel Apple Slices
Ready to get started? These adorable caramel apple slices are so simple to make, they will be ready in no time!
Slice the Apples
Start by cutting the apple in half, and then into slices. Trim out the seed areas of the slices, no one wants to bite into a seed!
Be sure to make the slices thick enough to get a stick into the bottom. I’m guessing they were about ¾ inch slices.
An apple corer is also perfect way slice apples, perhaps the easiest way to move quickly if you are making a larger batch. The juice just shot everywhere as I cut the apples, they were such juicy apples!
Add the Sticks to the Slices
The small dowel sticks were so easy to get into the apples. I would recommend using them as a better way if possible, but you can use other options if needed.
The popsicle stick may be a little hard to insert into the bottom of the apple, so it helps to cut a small slit and then push them in firmly.
Once they are cut, towel dry the apples (you can use a paper towel) and then put them in the refrigerator to chill while melting the caramels.
Melt the Caramel
For this recipe, I used wrapped chewy caramel pieces (Kraft brand) to make the caramel apple dip. Of course, you could also make homemade caramel for the dipping, but this melted caramel is so easy and fast!
One 11 ounce bag of caramels easily covered the slices of two large apples. It could have stretched for another had I gone a bit lighter on caramel as I dipped.
Melt the caramels in a double boiler a heat-proof bowl set over a small pot with an inch or so of barely simmering hot water. Or you can melt the caramel bits in the microwave, checking and stirring every 20 seconds or so to avoid overcooking.
Dip and Decorate the Apples
Scoop the slices into the caramel dip and set them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you are using toppings like nuts or sprinkles, sprinkle immediately.
If you'd like to make sweet chocolate caramel apple slices, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the apples, or put the chocolate in a small plastic bag and cut the corner off to use as a piping bag.
Decorate immediately with sprinkles and peanuts if you'd like!
Recipe Tips
There are a few things that a person needs to consider when making caramel apple slices on a stick rather than traditional caramel apples. Here are a few tips to help you along the way as you and the kids make this recipe!
- Keep the Apple from Browning: Once an apple is cut it begins to turn brown. If you want to prevent this, you can soak the apples in a water bath, some cold water with lemon juice squeezed into it. You'll still want to drain and dry the sliced apples before dipping.
- Helping the Caramel Stick: You can serve the apples at room temperature, but having them chilled and dry will help the caramel drizzle stick a bit better. I found the juice of the apples made the caramel a bit too runny when not dried thoroughly. With that being said, I think this is a treat that is best when eaten right away.
- Storing the Apples: As I mentioned, this is a treat that is best eaten fresh, so I would suggest cutting up the amount of apples you are going to eat, make the yummy caramel apple slices on a stick and EAT THEM UP!! However you can try saving leftover apples on the sticks for 3-5 days. Any leftover caramel can be placed in a small container, after the caramel sets you can melt it again for another treat later.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways you can customize and play with this recipe.
- Get Crazy with the Toppings!: You can enjoy the apples dipped just in caramel (delicious), but they are fun to decorate with all kinds of toppings. Try switching it up with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips (or almond bark). And how about trying all kinds of nuts, crushed candy bits, or something savory like pretzel pieces?
- Leave the Dipping for Later: It could be cute to cut the apples, add the sticks, then serve them un-dipped on a tray with the gooey caramel and toppings. This is a great way to let everyone dip and decorate their own when they are ready for them.
- Make for a Large Crowd: These sliced apples make for a great party dish! Serve un-dipped as mentioned above, or you could make a large batch all at one time by creating sheet pan caramel apples. Simply your apple slices (already on their sticks) out on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Drizzle the creamy caramel sauce over the apples, then add any delicious toppings you'd like! This saves you the time of dipping and it's an easy way for guests to take their own sweet treat right off the pan.
- Make Homemade Caramel: If you want an extra indulgent caramel sauce, you can make your own! I don't have a recipe here on the site, but you can find some great easy from-scratch caramel recipes that use heavy cream, butter, and sugar or brown sugar.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Okay I know these are a favorite fall treat all on their own, but hear me out! Wouldn't it be a great idea to serve these caramel apples as cute treats alongside a fall themed ice cream sundae?
FAQ
After you've sliced your apple, dry thoroughly with a paper towel to help the caramel from sliding off. Additionally, you'll want to chill your apples before dipping, this will help it stick a bit better.
Once an apple is cut it begins to turn brown. If you want to prevent this, you can soak the apples in a bowl of cold water with a little lemon juice squeezed into it. You'll still want to drain and dry the sliced apples before dipping. Alternatively, cut only the slices you need and eat right away!
Make sure your apple slices are chilled before dipping. Also, drying them thoroughly will help make sure the caramel sticks a bit better. I found the juice of the apples made the caramel a bit too runny when not dried thoroughly. With that being said, I think this is a treat that is best when eaten right away, before the caramel even has a chance to run!
More Easy Snacks and Treats for Kids
Looking for more great upcycled crafts and easy DIY projects for kids? Here are a few favorites for you to try:
- Simple Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Halloween Trick or Treat Candy S'mores
- Easy Homemade Fruit Popsicles (4 Ways!)
- Yummy Homemade Granola Bars
- White Chocolate Party Pretzels
- How to Make Fruit Leather
Enjoy!
If you try this craft, let me know! Go ahead and leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo with #WelcometoNanas wherever you post.
Yummy Caramel Apple Slices on a Stick
Equipment
- Mixing bowl- to melt caramel in microwave
- Cookie Sheet
- Paring Knife, Cutting Board
- Small Dowel Sticks, Popsicle Craft Sticks or Lollipop Sticks:
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- Apples (tart/crisp variety work well)
- 2 bags Caramels (unwrapped)
- 1 pkg Chocolate Chips (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cut apple in half, take out seeds, cut into slices about ¾ inch thick.
- Make a small cut in the bottom of the apple slice and insert craft stick.
- Melt the caramels according to package directions. Check often and stir.
- Dip apple slices into the caramel and set on parchment lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate.
- Optional- Melt chocolate chips and drizzle on caramel apple, sprinkle with chopped nuts and/or sprinkles. Be creative and have fun! YUM
Video
This post was originally published in November 2021 and has been updated to add more relevant and detailed content.
Shelly says
Easier to eat than a whole caramel apple.
Laura says
Mmm that melted caramel looks so tasty!