Apples are closely tied to Halloween and fall. Apple picking is a fun, festive way to spend the day since fall is when apples are at their ripest. At Halloween, bobbing for apples is a traditional party game. Though candy apples may have started as a Christmas treat, they were quickly adapted for Halloween.

Caramel- or chocolate-covered apples can be the perfect treat for parties or just celebrating the season on your own. While you can buy them at the store, you can pretty easily make them for yourself and add your own personal flair. Here’s how you can do it!

The Basics

Whatever type of covering you dip your apples in — whether it’s candy, caramel, or chocolate — the basic directions will be the same. For traditional apples on a stick, you’ll want to wash and dry the apples. This cleans and removes some of the waxy film that coats some apples, making the candy stick better. If your apples are still feeling waxy, try dipping them in boiling water (or boiling vinegar) for a few seconds and drying them again.

The best way to do this is to remove the stem and insert the pointed end of your stick at least an inch into the apple.

Next, it’s just a matter of dipping the apples in your preferred topping. To do this without losing your apple, you’ll need to make sure your dipping stick is placed firmly. The best way to do this is to remove the stem and insert the pointed end of your stick at least an inch into the apple. Then start dipping your apples and placing them on greased parchment paper to cool and harden.

If you don’t want to coat full apples or are serving a full party instead of a few people, you can slice the apples into smaller pieces. Once dipped, you can allow the slices to cool just like full apples, only now, you have excellent small-serving desserts for a Halloween party.

Candied Apples

When we think of candy apples, the first thought is usually that sticky red coating. We’re going to learn how to make that for yourself! If you’ve been reading the Shop & Enroll blog for a bit, you’ve already got a head start. The process to making this candy coating is very similar to that of making candy canes. Just don’t use the cream of tartar if you want the traditional hard candy coating, since cream of tartar prevents sugar from crystalizing.

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Homemade Candy Apple Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2-6 apples
  • 3 cups of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2/3 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1/4 tsp of cream of tartar
  • 2 tsp of cinnamon extract (optional)
  • 5 drops of red (optional)
  • A candy thermometer
  • Sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings (optional)

Directions

  1. In a thick-bottomed pot or saucepan, add the water, sugar, corn syrup, and cream of tartar to a gentle boil.
  2. Without stirring, cook the mixture until the candy reaches about 275°F, though it can go as high as 300°F.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the red dye (optional) and cinnamon extract.
  4. Dip your apples so they are thoroughly coated and place them on a greased sheet of parchment paper until they’ve cooled and hardened. During this phase, you can add other toppings like sprinkles or nuts if you wish. Just make sure to do that before the candy hardens.

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are the equally iconic cousins of candy apples, and perhaps a bit easier to make. If you purchase pre-made caramel candies, you’re already halfway there. All that’s left is to gently melt the caramels and dip away. Adding cream helps the caramel melt smoother.

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Homemade Caramel Apple Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2-6 apples
  • An 11 oz bag of caramel cubes, unwrapped
  • 2 tbsp of heavy cream
  • Sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine the caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan and heat over low.
  2. Stirring occasionally to prevent burning, melt the caramels until it creates a thick, creamy sauce. Be careful not to stir too often as this can cause bubbles to form.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat.
  4. Dip your apples so that they are thoroughly coated and place them on a greased sheet of parchment paper until they’ve cooled. If you’re adding toppings, do so before the caramel has cooled.

Dark Chocolate Apples Of the three, dark chocolate may be the simplest candy coating to make and requires the fewest ingredients. All you need to do is melt the chocolate in a double boiler (don’t worry, there’s an easy way to do this) and dip your apples. After allowing your dipped apples to cool and harden, it’s time to snack!

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Homemade Dark Chocolate Apple Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2-6 apples
  • 20 oz of dark chocolate chips
  • A metal or glass bowl
  • Sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings (optional)

Directions

  1. Bring a pot filled halfway with water to a gentle simmer.
  2. Place the dark chocolate chips in the metal or glass bowl and place the bowl on the pot with the simmering water creating a seal. Make sure the bowl isn’t touching the water. This creates a double boiler.
  3. Stir the dark chocolate chips until they’ve melted and remove your double broiler from heat when the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  4. Dip your apples so that they are thoroughly coated and place them on a greased sheet of parchment paper. While the apples are cooling, apply any toppings you may want before the chocolate hardens.