Mini Caramel Apples are a festive, bite-sized twist on the classic fall dessert—and they’re perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, Thanksgiving feast, Christmas celebration, or simply a game day snack, these charming little apples are a hit with kids and adults alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients and your choice of toppings, you can create a custom caramel apple bar that doubles as both a dessert and an interactive party activity. Even better, they only take about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

A Short History of Caramel Apples

The caramel apple was invented in the 1950s when a Kraft Foods employee experimented with melting down leftover caramels. The result? A sweet, chewy coating that paired perfectly with the tartness of crisp apples. Since then, caramel apples have become a seasonal favorite throughout autumn and into the holidays.

Mini Caramel Apples take this tradition and make it even more accessible. By using small apple pieces instead of whole apples, you get the flavor and fun without the oversized serving—making them ideal for parties and sharing.

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Ingredients

Servings: 12 mini caramel apples
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

  • 8 ounces soft caramels (unwrapped)

  • 1/4 cup Sherry wine jam (or substitute apple jam or apple butter)

  • 4 green apples (Granny Smith preferred for tartness and firmness)

Topping Suggestions:

  • Chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, or almonds)

  • Shredded coconut

  • Toffee bits

  • Cookie crumbs

  • Colorful sprinkles

Preparation

  1. Prepare the surface:
    Lightly grease a piece of parchment paper and set it on a tray or baking sheet for the finished apples to rest on.

  2. Cut the apples:
    Core and cut the apples into large bite-sized pieces or use a melon baller for uniform mini rounds. Insert small skewers, lollipop sticks, or toothpicks into each piece for easy dipping.

  3. Melt the caramel:
    In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the soft caramels with the Sherry wine jam, stirring regularly to prevent scorching. The jam adds a rich flavor and helps loosen the caramel for smoother dipping.

  4. Cool slightly:
    Once the caramel is fully melted and smooth, pour it into a deep heat-safe bowl. Let it cool for about 5 minutes so it thickens slightly and clings well to the apple pieces.

  5. Dip and decorate:
    Dip each apple piece into the caramel, turning to coat. Immediately roll or sprinkle with your choice of toppings. Place the coated apples on the greased parchment paper to set.

  6. Chill and serve:
    Allow the mini caramel apples to cool completely or chill briefly in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips and Variations

  • Use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness.

  • Swap the jam with maple syrup or a splash of bourbon for a more adult version.

  • Make them festive by using holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar.

Conclusion

Mini Caramel Apples are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that adds fun to any seasonal celebration. With just a few ingredients and limitless topping combinations, they’re a delightful treat to serve or share any time of year. Try them for your next holiday party, birthday, or cozy fall gathering—and watch them disappear one bite at a time.

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