Caramel Apple Recipes for a Sweet Homemade Treat

Caramel Apples

If you're looking for a basic caramel apple recipe, this is the one. But when you're feeling like taking things up a notch, look to the 13 innovative variations (think pretzel, Hawaiian, and chocolate turtle) to turn your dessert into a gourmet caramel apple.

Dark Chocolate-Orange Walnut Caramel Apples

Dark chocolate combines with vanilla caramel candies for this amazing take on caramel apples. A hint of orange zest adds the perfect amount of citrus to every bite. The crunchy walnuts provide a nutty contrast.

Buy It: Wilton Bamboo Sticks ($3, Walmart)

Marbled Caramel Apples

This gorgeous caramel apple recipe only looks difficult. Once the base caramel apples are set, dip into a measuring cup with drizzled chocolate and vanilla candy melts (watch how to make the swirl in the recipe video) for a stunning marble effect. Turn the leftover candy melts into chocolate bark for a bonus sweet snack.

Bourbon Candied Pecan Caramel Apples

Bourbon's warm flavor is the perfect spirit for adding to caramel apples. In this case, we like making the candied pecan topping with a hint of bourbon. The sweet, crunchy pecans make an irresistible caramel apple topping.

Chocolate Caramel Apples

Chocolate lovers will devour these caramel apples with nuts (we like peanuts, but you can use your favorite). Instead of starting with caramel candies, we use a base of melted chocolate pieces. The creamier caramel flavor comes in through the addition of sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and light corn syrup.

Spiced Caramel Apples

For anyone that loves apples and caramel but not necessarily on a stick, make these fancy-looking yet easy caramel apples. Simply place apple halves in your slow cooker with spices, apple cider, and lemon juice. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce and voila! A gourmet caramel apple served deconstructed.

Buy It: Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker ($40, Target)

Salted Caramel Apples

It's amazing what a bit of salt can do for your caramel apple topping. We like using Granny Smith apples here for the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and salty. Look for larger sea salt flakes such as Maldon to achieve the signature flavor.

Buy It: Maldon Sea Salt Flakes ($8, Walmart)

Choose-a-Flavor Caramel Apples

These DIY caramel apples allow you to decide whether you want the sweet caramel coating to have chocolate, peanut butter, or cinnamon flavor added. Whichever you choose, be sure to stock up on pretzels, granola, and nuts for crunchy toppings.

Fresh Caramel Apple Pops

Here's a fun caramel apple recipe to celebrate fall's arrival. Slices of crisp apples are dipped in chocolate with a gooey caramel core. Feel free to dress these delicious treats up with sprinkles, nuts, and extra chocolate swirls.