As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air fills with the scent of woodsmoke and ripe fruit, our thoughts turn to warm, comforting desserts that bring people together. And what’s more cozy than a sweet treat featuring the star of the season: the humble apple? This year, we’re indulging in 20 decadent caramel apple recipes that will satisfy your cravings and make your taste buds do the happy dance.
From classic caramel apples dipped in crushed nuts to show-stopping pies and cakes, these treats are sure to become new fall favorites. Whether you’re a fan of gooey caramel, crunchy textures, or the perfect balance of sweet and tart, we’ve got you covered with a range of recipes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Classic Caramel Apples with Crushed Nuts
This classic treat is a staple of fall festivals and Halloween celebrations. Crunchy nuts add a delightful texture to the sweet and sticky caramel-coated apples.
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
– 1/4 cup crushed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)
– Optional: sprinkles, chopped candy pieces, or cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Insert wooden sticks into the stems of each apple.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to 300°F (hard-ball stage). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Dip each apple into the caramel, coating evenly. Immediately sprinkle with crushed nuts.
5. Let apples cool and harden completely. If desired, add additional toppings like sprinkles or chopped candy pieces.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on the temperature of your saucepan)
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these gooey, caramel-filled bars that combine the flavors of apple pie and salted caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, caramel sauce, apple, and sea salt to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and indulgent caramel apple cheesecake dip, perfect for dipping fresh fruit, graham crackers, or even pretzels!
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in caramel sauce until smooth. Gradually add chopped apples; stir until well coated.
4. Fold the apple-caramel mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Pour mixture into a 9-inch springform pan or a shallow serving dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set and lightly browned on top.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dippers!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These sweet treats combine the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the delight of caramel apples. Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat, these rolls are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Spread caramel sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Arrange apple slices on top of the caramel layer.
5. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one long side. Cut into 12-15 equal pieces.
6. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each roll.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
This rich dessert combines the warmth of caramelized apples and sweet bread pudding, perfect for a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together bread, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in apple mixture and bread mixture until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
A sweet and gooey dessert that combines the classic flavors of caramel apples with a convenient dump cake recipe. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of apple pie filling
– 1 bag of Granny Smith apples, sliced
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of melted butter
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups of yellow cake mix
– 1 cup of caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine apple pie filling and sliced apples. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter evenly over the top of the apples.
5. Spread the cake mix over the sugar mixture.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake mix.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Warm up with a sweet treat that combines the comfort of oatmeal cookies with the tanginess of caramel and crunchy apples. These chewy treats are perfect for a cozy afternoon or as a snack to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1 medium-sized apple)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in diced apples and caramel sauce.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying twist on classic French toast. This recipe combines the flavors of caramel, apples, and cinnamon to create a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or brioche work well)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1-2 sliced apples (Granny Smith or Gala work well)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and granulated sugar.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. While French toast is cooking, drizzle caramel sauce onto one slice of cooked French toast, then top with a few apple slices.
6. Fold the other half of the French toast over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
7. Repeat with remaining bread and filling ingredients.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
A sweet and satisfying dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a crunchy oat topping and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and drizzle with caramel sauce.
8. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Monkey Bread
Caramel Apple Monkey Bread: A Sweet and Crunchy Treat!
This recipe combines the classic flavors of caramel apples with the comforting warmth of monkey bread, perfect for a cozy fall or winter gathering. With its gooey caramel topping and crunchy apple pieces, this sweet treat is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough (12-15 biscuits)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces.
4. Dip each piece of dough into the sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place a few pieces of apple onto each piece of coated dough.
6. Arrange the dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the monkey bread is still warm, drizzle with melted butter and caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramel Apple Pecan Cobbler
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines the flavors of caramel, apples, and pecans in a crispy, buttery cobbler crust.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour melted butter and caramel sauce over the apple mixture; toss until coated.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place apple mixture in the center of the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Fold the crust over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and caramel sauce bubbles up.
Caramel Apple Fudge
Enjoy the sweet combination of crunchy caramel apples and creamy fudge with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
– 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) chopped dried apples
– 1/4 cup (30g) caramel bits
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and melted.
3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped dried apples and caramel bits.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
5. Cut into squares and serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Caramel Apple Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these sweet and indulgent pancakes that combine the flavors of caramelized apples, crispy pancake batter, and pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1-2 apples, peeled and sliced (depending on size)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve with caramelized apples (cook in a pan with butter and sugar) and drizzle with maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramel Apple Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting
These chewy blondies are packed with tender apples and gooey caramel, topped off with a rich brown sugar frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2-3 medium-sized)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce, melted
– Brown sugar frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in diced apples and melted caramel sauce.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Brown Sugar Frosting:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail
As the leaves turn golden, warm up with a cup of apple cider and elevate it to new heights with this sweet and tangy cocktail. The perfect blend of fall flavors, featuring caramel-infused simple syrup and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 3/4 oz caramel simple syrup (see note)
– 2 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Ice
– Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, caramel simple syrup, apple cider, and lemon juice.
3. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None
Caramel Apple Popcorn Balls
Combine the crunch of popcorn with the sweetness of caramel and apples for a delightful snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup popped popcorn
– 1/2 cup chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, 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.
4. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and chopped apples in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.
5. Let cool slightly, then use your hands to shape into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until caramel is set.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Caramel Apple Ice Cream Sundae
A sweet and crunchy twist on the classic sundae, this Caramel Apple Ice Cream Sundae combines the flavors of crispy apple, gooey caramel, and creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– 2-3 crisp apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well), cut into thin slices
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a sundae dish or tall glass.
2. Arrange the apple slices on top of the ice cream, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, followed by a drizzle of honey.
4. If desired, top with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an extra-special treat.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Caramel Apple Pull-Apart Bread
This sweet bread recipe combines the flavors of caramel and apples, perfect for a cozy morning treat or afternoon snack. The pull-apart design makes it easy to serve and enjoy.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Gala)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add sugar, caramel sauce, apples, beaten egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
5. Cut into squares or strips, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes
Warm up with these moist and flavorful cupcakes, infused with the sweetness of caramel, crunch of apple, and warmth of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup apple sauce
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– Chopped fresh apples for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, apple sauce, and caramel sauce. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with chopped apples, if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Apple Galette with Puff Pastry
Caramel Apple Galette with Puff Pastry: A Delicious Fall Treat
This Caramel Apple Galette is a perfect dessert for the fall season, combining the sweetness of caramelized apples with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. It’s easy to make and impressive to serve!
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a bowl, mix together sliced apples and granulated sugar. Add unsalted butter and toss until apples are evenly coated.
4. Arrange apple mixture in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the puff pastry up over the apples to form a crust.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples and fold the edges again to enclose.
7. Place galette on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready for fall with these indulgent caramel apple recipes! From classic treats like caramel apples with crushed nuts to creative twists like salted caramel apple pie bars and caramel apple cheesecake dip, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at sweet breads like caramel apple cinnamon rolls and pull-apart bread, or go savory with a caramel apple stuffed French toast. Even kids will love the fun treats like caramel apple popcorn balls and monkey bread. Whatever your craving, these 20 decadent recipes are sure to satisfy.
