These Mini Caramel Apples Bites are a fun way to serve caramel apples to guests! Serve them as mini bites, wedges or skewers for a bite-sized fall treat!
Eating a huge caramel apple is not very easy to do and usually the last thing you want to do at a party!
So make them bite-sized so your guests can enjoy them with just their fingers.
If you have a large picking of apples this season, you HAVE to try my Spiced Apple Fries or my Fried Apple Fritters!
🛒 Ingredients
- Apples- You can use any kind of apple you like. Granny smith is common but any type of apples with work.
- Caramel- You can make your own however it is tricky to get right so I suggest purchasing store-bought caramel candies.
- Nuts- I used crushed peanuts but any nut will work.
📝 How To Tips
You need apples and caramel. The apples are easy. The caramel on the other hand, can be tricky.
If using store-bought (pre-made) caramel, make sure its melted and runny before dipping your apples! Caramel hardens quickly so it's super important to work quickly.
Expect to reheat your caramel a few times while making these apples. Using a small bowl or mug is helpful.
Step 1: Once your apples are cut, lay them onto a non-stick mat or parchment paper. This is important.
Step 2: Then drizzle your skewers or dunk your wedges into the caramel. If your caramel isn't hot, it wont stick well.
Step 3: Lay your apples onto the nonstick surface and immediately sprinkle with nuts!
Step 4: Refrigerate until ready to eat.
🍎 Three Ways To Serve Your Apples
Option 1: Wedges
Cutting your apples into wedges is the EASIEST method since you do not need to be as precise or need special tools. You have the option to serve your apples just as is OR you can skewer them! Either way, the portion size is perfect for kids and adults. You have the choice of drizzling caramel OR dunking the entire slice.
Option 2: Individually skewered
These are the cutest option and offers a fun presentation. You'll need a melon baller to get the right sized apple rounds but kids can help! You'll also need mini toothpick skewers to dunk and serve them on! These look the most like MINIATURE caramel apples so if that's what you're going for, this is the option for you.
Option 3: Skewered kabobs
These are a fun option but takes the most time to do. You'll need to scoop out balls then skewer them onto longer wooden skewers before drizzling the caramel.
👨🍳 Expert Tips!!
Although this recipe is just three ingredients and looks simple, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure your caramel apple bites come out perfect every time.
- Make sure your caramel is hot! You will need to reheat it multiple times or consider using a double boiler or mini crock pot to keep it warm while dipping.
- If using store-bought caramel candies, make sure you look for the caramel that is on the softer not hard.
- Experiment with different caramels. They are all different. I prefer Werther's.
- Once your apples are coated, add your nuts immediately! Caramel cools very quickly.
- Use parchment paper to lay your apples on then transfer them to another sheet before adding to the fridge. This prevents the caramel from sticking to the first sheet.
- Refrigerate your apples until ready to serve to keep the caramel from melting.
- There is a lot of moisture in apples so make sure to dry off your apples with a towel before coating! This will keep your mini caramel apples from looking "runny".
- Leave the skin on your apples!
Leftover apples? Make my Mulled Apple Cider with Spices!
💬 FAQ's
You want to dry your apples with a towel after cutting them to absorb some moisture. You can leave them out for an hour too to allow the moisture to evaporate.
I like Werther's SOFT caramels. Any soft caramel will work. Just don't use the hard stuff.
Yes! Change them up to suite the occasion.
Other Fall Treats You'll Love!
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Puree Gingersnap Dip
Pumpkin Spice Pie Crust Cookies
Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Blender Muffins
📖 Recipe
Mini Caramel Apples Bites (Skewered)
Ingredients
- 3-4 large apples (*granny smith works well)
- 4-5 ounces caramel (*Werther's soft caramels work well)
- ½ cup peanuts or any nut
Instructions
- Cut your apples into wedges or use a melon baller. Depending on the size of your apple, you should get 8-12 wedges per apple and 8-12 balls per apples.
- Skewer your wedges or balls if using wooden skewers. Dry all cut apples fully with a paper towel to sop of any moisture. The moisture will keep the caramel from sticking so this is important. You can also leave the cut apples out to dry on the counter for an hour.
- Heat your caramel in a mug or small bowl so it is fully melted making sure not to burn it. It should take 45-60 seconds in the microwave. Stir well to make sure it's creamy and lump-free.
- Dip your your wedges or balls into the caramel so it's fully coated and place onto parchment paper or a non-stick mat. Immediately coat with nuts.If drizzling, lay your apples onto your non-stick surface and dip a small spoon into the hot caramel. Move the spoon back and forth over the apples until nicely coated.Immediately top with nuts.
- Move apples to another nonstick surface to prevent the excess caramel from sticking to your apples when removing them later.
- Refrigerate until ready to eat!
Video
Recipe Notes
- Make sure your caramel is hot! You will need to reheat it multiple times or consider using a double boiler or mini crock pot to keep it warm while dipping.
- If using store-bought caramel candies, make sure you look for the caramel that is on the softer not hard.
- Experiment with different caramels. They are all different. I prefer Werther's.
- Once your apples are coated, add your nuts immediately! Caramel cools very quickly.
- Use parchment paper to lay your apples on then transfer them to another sheet before adding to the fridge. This prevents the caramel from sticking to the first sheet.
- Refrigerate your apples until ready to serve to keep the caramel from melting.
- There is a lot of moisture in apples so make sure to dry off your apples with a towel before coating! This will keep your mini caramel apples from looking "runny".
- Leave the skin on your apples!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!