Get ready to indulge in a sweet and sticky treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Mini caramel apples are a classic favorite, and we’re taking them to the next level with 20 irresistible recipe variations. From classic combinations like peanuts and sea salt to creative twists like crushed Oreos and toasted coconut, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re looking for a simple snack or a show-stopping dessert, these mini caramel apples are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make! With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create an array of delicious flavors in no time.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top 20 mini caramel apples recipes, each with its own unique twist and flavor combination. From classic peanut butter drizzle to decadent white chocolate coating, there’s something for every taste and preference. So grab a bowl of popcorn, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of mini caramel apples!
Classic Mini Caramel Apples with Peanuts
Classic Mini Caramel Apples with Peanuts Recipe
A sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for snacking or as a dessert, these mini caramel apples with peanuts are a classic favorite. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 6-8 Granny Smith apples
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
– Wooden sticks or skewers for dipping
Instructions:
1. Insert a wooden stick or skewer into each apple.
2. Melt the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until caramel reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
5. Dip each apple into the warm caramel mixture, coating about 2/3 of the apple.
6. Roll the coated apples in chopped peanuts to coat.
7. Place coated apples on parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Mini Caramel Apples
Get ready to elevate your snacking game with these delectable Chocolate-Dipped Mini Caramel Apples. Crunchy, juicy apples smothered in a sticky caramel coating and finished with a rich chocolate drizzle – what’s not to love?
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of mini apples (about 12-15)
– 1 cup of light corn syrup
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and dry the mini apples. Dip each apple into the caramel mixture (corn syrup, sugar, sea salt, and butter), making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Place the caramel-coated apples on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the caramel.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Dip the chilled caramel apples into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. Place the chocolate-dipped apples on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Cooking Time: None required! Just let the caramel and chocolate do their magic.
Enjoy your scrumptious Chocolate-Dipped Mini Caramel Apples!
Mini Salted Caramel Apples with Sea Salt
A sweet and salty twist on the classic caramel apple, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a unique dessert.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well), cored and halved
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, crushed
– Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted. Let cool slightly.
4. Dip each apple half into the caramel mixture, coating about 3/4 of the way up the fruit.
5. Sprinkle crushed sea salt over the caramel-coated apples.
6. Place the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
7. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooling time)
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Oreos
Get ready for a sweet treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving at your next party! This recipe combines the classic caramel apple with the crunch of crushed Oreos.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 apples, cored and sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Crushed Oreos (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Place over medium heat and cook until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
3. Dip each apple slice into the caramel mixture, coating evenly.
4. Roll the coated apples in crushed Oreos to create the crunchy topping.
5. Place the mini caramel apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply chill and serve.
Mini Caramel Apples with Toasted Coconut
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these bite-sized caramel apples, elevated by the crunch of toasted coconut flakes. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 1-2 Granny Smith apples
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice apples into 1-inch pieces and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and softened butter until smooth.
5. Dip each apple piece into the caramel mixture, then roll in toasted coconut flakes to coat.
6. Place coated apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
7. Enjoy your mini caramel apples with toasted coconut!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Mini Caramel Apples with Sprinkles
Mini Caramel Apples with Sprinkles Recipe Summary:
Create bite-sized caramel apples with a colorful twist by adding sprinkles to the caramel mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6-8 apple slices (about 1 inch thick)
– Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the caramel turns golden brown.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
5. Dip each apple slice into the warm caramel mixture, coating both sides evenly.
6. Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with desired sprinkles before they cool.
7. Allow the caramel to set at room temperature or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: About 10-15 minutes (caramel making), plus time for setting (about 1 hour)
Mini Caramel Apples with Chopped Pretzels
Mini Caramel Apples with Chopped Pretzels Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this sweet and crunchy treat! Mini caramel apples are the perfect combination of textures, featuring tender apples coated in a rich caramel sauce and topped with crunchy chopped pretzels.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Granny Smith apples
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pretzels
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the apples and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
4. Dip each apple half into the hot caramel, coating completely.
5. Place coated apples on parchment paper or a silicone mat.
6. Sprinkle chopped pretzels over the top of each apple.
7. Let cool and set before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Graham Crackers
A sweet and crunchy twist on the classic caramel apple, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a fun dessert.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well), washed and dried
– 1 cup crushed graham crackers
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
5. Dip each apple slice into the caramel mixture, coating both sides evenly.
6. Roll the coated apple slice in crushed graham crackers to coat.
7. Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Enjoy your delicious Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Graham Crackers!
Peanut Butter Drizzled Mini Caramel Apples
Peanut Butter Drizzled Mini Caramel Apples Recipe
Get ready for a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for snacking or as a unique dessert! This recipe combines the crunch of peanut butter with the chewiness of caramel apples.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Pinch of salt
– Chopped peanuts or pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 275°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and salt until melted. Let cool slightly.
4. Dip each apple wedge into the warm caramel mixture, coating completely.
5. Place coated apples on prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Drizzle with additional peanut butter (if desired) and garnish with chopped nuts (if using).
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Mini Caramel Apples with Chopped Almonds
Mini Caramel Apples with Chopped Almonds Recipe
Sweet and crunchy, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
• 4-6 apples (Granny Smith work well), cored and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and cook until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until caramel reaches desired color.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
5. Dip each apple half into the warm caramel, coating all surfaces evenly.
6. Roll the coated apples in chopped almonds to coat.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Mini Caramel Apples with Chopped Almonds!
Mini Caramel Apples with White Chocolate Drizzle
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine crunchy apples, gooey caramel, and creamy white chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 dozen Granny Smith apples, cored
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Dip each apple core into the warm caramel, coating about half of the apple. Place coated apples onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the caramel-coated apples.
8. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cook Time: None (assembly only)
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Pecans
A sweet and crunchy twist on a classic treat, these bite-sized caramel apples are perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 dozen Granny Smith apples (about 2-3 inches in diameter)
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup crushed pecans
– Water, for dipping
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dip each apple into the boiling water for 10-15 seconds to remove any wax and create a sticky surface.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and sea salt. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches desired color.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Dip each apple into the warm caramel, coating evenly.
7. Immediately roll coated apple in crushed pecans to coat.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Mini Caramel Apples with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
Treat your taste buds to a sweet and crunchy delight with these bite-sized caramel apples, perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Granny Smith apples, cored and halved
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until caramel reaches 300°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Dip each apple half into the warm caramel, coating entirely.
6. Roll the caramel-coated apples in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
7. Place the coated apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until caramel is set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed M&Ms
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed M&Ms Recipe
Sweet and crunchy, these bite-sized treats combine the classic caramel apple with a fun twist – crushed M&M’s! Perfect for parties or snacking on the go.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Crushed M&M’s, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Wash and dry the apples.
2. Insert a wooden stick or skewer into each apple.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
6. Dip each apple into the caramel sauce, coating about 3/4 of the way up.
7. Immediately sprinkle crushed M&M’s onto the caramel-coated apple.
8. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Note: Caramel apples are best served within a few hours of making, as the caramel will continue to set over time.
Mini Caramel Apples with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Transform crisp apples into bite-sized treats with a rich caramel coating and dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for snacking or as a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Granny Smith apples, cored
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Insert a wooden stick or skewer into each apple.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
4. Dip each apple into the caramel mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled caramel apples. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including setting time)
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Pistachios
Elevate your snacking game with these bite-sized treats that combine the sweetness of caramel and crunch of pistachios. Perfect for parties or a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 Granny Smith apples, cored
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
3. Dip each apple core into the caramel mixture, coating completely.
4. Roll the caramel-coated apple in crushed pistachios to coat.
5. Place apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including cooling time)
Mini Caramel Apples with Marshmallow Fluff Coating
Mini Caramel Apples with Marshmallow Fluff Coating Recipe
Sweet treats just got even sweeter! Mini caramel apples dipped in a fluffy marshmallow coating are the perfect bite-sized snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 mini apples (Granny Smith work well)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Marshmallow Fluff, for coating
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10 minutes, or until caramel reaches desired color.
4. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Dip each mini apple into the warm caramel, then immediately roll in Marshmallow Fluff.
6. Place coated apples on prepared baking sheet; refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Heath Bar
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine the crunch of crushed Heath bar with the gooey sweetness of caramel and crisp apple.
Ingredients:
– 1 large Granny Smith apple, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 cup crushed Heath bar candies
– Wooden sticks or skewers for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and butter. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in crushed Heath bar.
4. Dip each apple piece into the caramel mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
Cook Time: None
Serve: Stick each apple with a wooden stick or skewer for easy snacking. Enjoy!
Mini Caramel Apples with Drizzled Butterscotch
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine the crunch of apples with the richness of caramel and butterscotch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of mini apples (about 20-25)
– 1 cup of light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Butterscotch sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dip each apple into the melted caramel mixture, coating about 3/4 of the apple.
3. Place the coated apples onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle butterscotch sauce over the caramel-coated apples.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel and butterscotch to set.
Cooking Time: None! These mini treats are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Mini Caramel Apples with Crushed Cookie Crumbs
Sweet and crunchy, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a dessert topping.
Ingredients:
• 1-2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup crushed cookies (e.g., chocolate sandwich cookies or peanut butter cookies)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dip each apple half into the caramel sauce, coating evenly.
3. Roll the caramel-coated apple halves in crushed cookie crumbs to coat.
4. Place the coated apple halves on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Dot the top of each apple with butter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes