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Halloween Caramel Apples & More Boo-tiful Ideas

Halloween caramel apples are a fun and delicious treat you can make for your family and friends. You’ll love this healthier version, both kid and mom-approved!

Halloween Caramel Apples - Homemade Caramel Apples Without Corn Syrup - Dipped in Seeds, Nuts, Coconut and More

Before we get to the recipe for these caramel apples, I must confess that Halloween really isn’t my thing. I know there are some people who go all out, but I simply can’t wait for the first of November when it’s a little more acceptable to start preparing for Christmas. However, after seeing more and more fun and pretty Halloween projects in the past while, I’m starting to warm up to it. A bit, anyway…

Am I alone in this? Are you somewhat of a Halloween scrooge too? Although, I do have to say I love seeing the little ones dressed in their costumes. So cute!

Okay, back to the apples…

Although there are many recipes for Halloween caramel apples out there already, I wanted to share a version that’s a little healthier than you’d typically find. To begin with, there’s no margarine or corn syrup in this recipe. As well, they’re dipped in healthy bits like nuts and coconut (for a bit of crunch) instead of more candy. Yes, they’re still full of sugar and butter, but if you can’t enjoy some sweets on Halloween, when can you? I say, go ahead and indulge once in a while.

So, how do you make these homemade caramel apples without corn syrup?

Halloween Caramel Apples

Ingredients

  • Apples (about 20 medium sized- I used gala and granny smith)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 300 ml can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Toppings: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, unsweetened coconut, and other healthy bits.

Wooden skewers (same number as apples)

Halloween Caramel Apples Dipped in Nuts, Dark Chocolate, Coconut and More Healthy Options

Directions

  1. Most apples have a food grade shellac on the peel to keep them fresh. I’m guessing you probably don’t want to eat this! Plus, the caramel will stick to the apple better if you get rid of the coating. To remove, soak the apples in a sink of water plus a few tablespoons of vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a clean tea kitchen towel.
  2. Set up your dipping station by placing your toppings into bowls (so you can immediately dip the apples after you’ve coated them in caramel). Also, line a large pan or your countertop in parchment paper.
  3. Remove the stem from each apple and skewer.
  4. To make the caramel, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan on medium high heat. Stir in the brown sugar and reduce heat to medium, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is incorporated. Add the maple syrup, and mix thoroughly. Finally, add the sweetened condensed milk, and return to medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then cook, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 235°F (use a candy thermometer for best results). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
  5. With one hand, tip the saucepan on a slight angle and dip the clean, skewered apple into the caramel with the other hand. Rotate the apple on its side until it is fully coated. Allow the excess caramel to drip off into the pan, then dip into the toppings (I dipped the bottom of the apple into one topping and then sprinkled some of the others on the sides over a plate). Work quickly before the caramel starts to set up. 
  6. Place on parchment paper and allow to cool before serving.
How to Make Healthier Caramel Apples for Halloween

Ready to Eat Your Decorated Candy Apples?

If you’re like me, you’ll want to cut up your apple before eating (to avoid the mess). So, how do you cut a caramel apple? Remember that handy cutter my son gave me for Christmas? It cuts through caramel apples no problem. Perfect for sharing too!

How to Cut a Caramel Apple with an Apple Slicer

How Long Will Caramel Apples Stay Fresh?

These apples will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but are best eaten the same day they’re made. I make them on Halloween day. I always end up with way too many, but the neighbours don’t seem to mind!

How to Bake Caramel Apples

You can also remove the core and bake them in a parchment lined dish at 375°F for 30 minutes or until they’re tender.  I just throw any toppings that fall off into the center. So yummy with a bit of ice cream!

Halloween Caramel Apples

Halloween Caramel Apples
Rich and delicious caramel apples made without corn syrup or margarine and dipped in healthy bits!
Total Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 20

Ingredients

  • 20 medium apples I used gala and granny smith
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 300 ml sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Toppings

  • dark chocolate chips
  • shelled pumpkin seeds
  • unsweetened coconut flakes
  • chopped pecans

Supplies

  • 20 Wooden skewers

Instructions

  • Most apples have a food grade shellac on the peel to keep them fresh. I'm guessing you probably don't want to eat this, plus the caramel will have a harder time sticking if it's left on. To remove, soak the apples in a sink of water plus a few tablespoons of vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a clean tea towel.
  • Set up your dipping station by placing your toppings into bowls (so you can immediately dip the apples after you’ve coated them in caramel). Also, line a large pan or your countertop in parchment paper.
  • Remove the stem from each apple and skewer.
  • To make the caramel, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan on medium high heat. Stir in the brown sugar and reduce heat to medium, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is incorporated. Add the maple syrup, and mix thoroughly. Finally, add the sweetened condensed milk, and return to medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 235°F (use a candy thermometer for best results). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • With one hand, tip the saucepan on a slight angle and dip the skewered apple into the caramel with the other hand. Rotate the apple on its side until it is fully coated. Allow the excess caramel to drip off into the pan, then dip into the toppings (I dipped the bottom of the apple into one topping and then sprinkled some of the others on the sides over a plate). Work quickly before the caramel starts to set up.
  • Place on parchment paper and allow to cool before serving.

More Halloween ideas

Check out some Halloween recipes and craft projects from some of my friends. Enjoy!

9 Halloween Projects

A Witches’ Brew Martini from Suburble
Halloween Dropcloth Sharpie Pillow from The Happy Housie
Healthier Halloween Caramel Apples from Satori Design for Living
Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats and Free Printable from Clean and Sensible
Halloween Planter Decorations: Chalkboard Wood Bats from The DIY Dreamer
Jello Jar Monsters from Echoes of Laughter
Black Cat Velvet Pumpkins from The DIY Mommy
Halloween Rat Wreath from Fynes Designs
Creepy Crawly Resin Tray from Craftberry Bush

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Have a boo-tiful day!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes


20 Comments

  1. WOW Shauna!! The caramel apples look delicious!!! The caramel sounds divine! I may just try the recipe and forget to buy apples…. caramel and a spoon… YUM hehe :) Pinned to my Halloween board :)

  2. These look amazing – delicious and gorgeous! I love caramel apples so much but have never made them at home…who knew they were so easy!

  3. These look incredible Shauna!! I am going to have to go ahead and make these now…they remind me of my childhood when my best friend’s mom would make them every Halloween. Pinned and I have to share these on my facebook page!! Have a great day:)

  4. I haven’t tried making caramel apples before but I should – we have sooo many apples right now!

  5. I tried making these by melting caramels last year, and it was a total gong show. Everything dried way too fast! I will try your method this year!

  6. These look awesome Shauna! I love the idea of the pumpkin seeds on them…double the fall fun! When the kids were small I used to try making these with those awful caramel sheets you can buy at the store and it was always an epic fail. A big mess and nobody ate them anyway. I think I’ll try your version though…we have a ton of apples to go through right now! Pinning!

  7. I’ve never made caramel apples, but I love the look of these ones…they don’t look overly sweet and sticky…perfect.

  8. WOW! These look delicious. I definitely need to try them! I’m not a huge fan of Halloween decor either, but I love cute or beautiful decor/ideas like our group has come up with. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

  9. I love that this caramel recipe is from scratch, as opposed to melting caramel candies! Thanks for the tip about removing the shellac too. :)

  10. 5 stars
    These are beautiful Shauna!!! Featuring you tomorrow! XO, Aimee – ItsOverflowng.com

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