Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples - A Semi-Homemade Fall Favorite

Jump to Recipe

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie and the sweet crunch of a classic caramel apple, this Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples recipe is the perfect fall treat! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet-style caramel apple right at home, no candy thermometer or fancy equipment needed.

This semi-homemade recipe lets you choose your shortcut: use store-bought caramel wraps for a quick, mess-free version, or make your own soft caramel wraps with your favorite store-bought wrapped caramels. Either way, the result is a decadent apple that tastes like a mix between apple pie, caramel, and a slice of heaven.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples

Bring the cozy flavors of fall to life with these Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples! This semi-homemade recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet treat that tastes just like a slice of apple pie on a stick. You can use store-bought caramel wraps for a quick shortcut or make your own creamy, buttery caramel for that classic homemade touch. Each apple is rolled in cinnamon-sugar graham cracker crumbs to capture that comforting apple pie flavor with every bite.

Perfect for fall festivals, Thanksgiving desserts, or edible gifts, these caramel apples are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they look just as beautiful as the ones from your favorite candy shop.

COPYCAT ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY APPLE PIE CARAMEL APPLES INGREDIENTS LIST- full printable recipe below in recipe card

5 medium Granny Smith apples
5 homemade or store-bought caramel wraps
1 pound white vanilla melting wafers or almond bark
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
5 caramel apple sticks

HOMEMADE APPLE PIE CARAMEL APPLES – JUST LIKE THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE CARAMEL APPLES: (scroll down for more caramel-making options)

Wash apples in hot water, then dry and remove the wax.
Use the warmth of your hands to stretch the caramel wraps.
Remove the apple stems and place an apple stem side up on a piece of parchment paper or the paper the wrapple came wrapped in.
Lay the stretched caramel wrap over the apple as evenly as possible.
Stretch the caramel wrap around and under the apple.
NOTE: The apple will have caramel folds. Use the warmth of your hands and roll the caramel-coated apple with your palms.

FOR THE BROWN SUGAR CINNAMON MIXTURE:

To a medium-sized bowl, add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Pour the brown sugar mixture into a fine sieve.
Press the mixture through the mesh sieve.
Stir together and set aside.

FOR THE WHITE CANDY COATING:

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and refrigerate it.
Add white candy coating to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stirring until melted and creamy. If the candy still has lumps, continue heating for 30 seconds and decrease to 15 seconds.
Dip a caramel-coated apple into the melted candy, shake off any excess, then dip it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
Transfer the coated apple to the prepared cookie sheet that has been placed in the refrigerator to harden (about 15 minutes).

CARAMEL OPTIONS

There are three caramel-making options that range from easy to a little more difficult. All of them taste amazing. If you catch it at the right time, using Wrapples is by far the easiest. Plus, they are just as tasty as the other two options. The only problem is that they are a seasonal product. So when you see them in the produce department, stock up! But of course, I wanted caramel apples when they were no longer available in my stores, so I figured out how to make wrapples at home. So far, the options are to purchase store-bought wrapples or make them at home. The last option is the obvious one. Old Fashioned Caramel Apples. Yes, dipping apples in caramel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Pie Caramel Apples taste like something straight from a candy shop, yet they’re incredibly easy to make at home. The cinnamon-sugar crumb coating gives them that warm apple pie flavor, while the caramel adds gooey sweetness and shine.

Whether you’re planning a fall party, looking for Thanksgiving dessert ideas, or just want a sweet way to celebrate apple season, this recipe brings all the cozy apple pie vibes in one handheld treat.

7 Recipe Variations & Alternatives for Apple Pie Caramel Apples

SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE APPLES: For a sweet-and-salty twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel before dipping them in the melted vanilla candy. The contrast between the buttery caramel and salt enhances the apple pie flavor beautifully.
WHITE CHOCOLATE APPLE CARAMEL APPLES: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it generously over your coated apples. It adds a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar apple pie coating.
CRUMBLE-TOPPED APPLE PIE CARAMEL APPLES: Add a homemade streusel topping made with butter, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. It gives the apples that true apple pie crumble flavor and texture.
APPLE CRISP CARAMEL APPLES: Roll your dipped and coated apples in crushed oatmeal cookies or granola. The crunch adds a fun texture that’s reminiscent of a cozy apple crisp dessert.
CINNAMON ROLL CARAMEL APPLES: Use cinnamon sugar and finely chopped pecans for a flavor that’s part caramel apple, part cinnamon roll. Finish with a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an irresistible treat.
APPLE PIE CARAMEL APPLE SLICES: Want a bite-sized version? Slice your apples into thick rounds, then dip each slice halfway into caramel, coat it with vanilla candy, and finally dip it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. These are not only easier to serve at parties but also great for kids!
GLUTEN-FREE OR DAIRY-FREE OPTION: Use gluten-free graham crackers and a dairy-free caramel (made with coconut milk or vegan butter) for a recipe everyone can enjoy, no flavor lost!

Bonus Tip:

You can mix and match coatings like crushed shortbread cookies, spiced nuts, or toasted coconut for different flavor profiles. Each variation retains the apple pie caramel apple base while adding a fun new twist.

How to Store Caramel Apples

To keep your caramel apples fresh and delicious, store them in the refrigerator once the caramel has fully set. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from softening the caramel. Properly stored caramel apples will stay fresh for up to 7 days.

Before serving, let the apples sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes so the caramel softens slightly and the flavor shines through. If you’ve sliced the apples, store the pieces in an airtight container and enjoy them within 1–2 days.

Pro Tip: To keep the caramel from melting or sliding, avoid storing apples in humid areas or near heat sources. For gifts or party favors, wrap each apple in clear cellophane and refrigerate until ready to serve. They’ll stay shiny, firm, and picture-perfect!

FAQ: Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples

How do you keep caramel apples from sliding?

To keep the caramel from sliding off, make sure your apples are washed and completely dry before dipping. Store-bought apples often have a wax coating that prevents the caramel from sticking. Dip the apples in hot water for a few seconds, then dry them well. Chilling the apples before dipping also helps the caramel set faster.

How long do homemade caramel apples last?

Homemade caramel apples will stay fresh for about one week in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture from softening the caramel. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for the perfect texture.

What are the best apples to use for caramel apples?

Firm, tart apples work best because they balance the caramel’s sweetness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are popular choices. They hold up well to dipping and pair beautifully with the apple pie cinnamon-sugar coating.

Can I make caramel apples ahead of time?

Yes! You can make caramel apples 1–2 days ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. For the best presentation, wait to drizzle with chocolate or add decorative toppings until the day of serving.

Can I use store-bought caramel wraps instead of homemade caramel?

Absolutely! Caramel wraps are a great shortcut for this semi-homemade caramel apple recipe. They save time and make cleanup easy, all while giving you that rich caramel flavor. Just warm the wraps slightly after applying for a smooth, even coating.

How do you store caramel apples?

Once the caramel has set, store the caramel apples in the refrigerator. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers to keep the coating firm. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I make these caramel apples for a party or gifts?

Yes! These easy apple pie caramel apples make beautiful homemade gifts. Wrap each apple in cellophane, tie with a ribbon, and keep them chilled until you’re ready to give or serve. They’re perfect for fall parties, bake sales, and Thanksgiving dessert tables.

More Caramel Apple Recipes to Try

If you love these Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples, you’ll definitely want to try a few more fun and delicious caramel apple recipes! From classic dipped caramel apples to Halloween-themed caramel apples, there are endless ways to dress up this fall favorite. You can even make mini caramel apple slices for parties. Each version is just as easy and irresistible, the perfect way to celebrate apple season, one sweet bite at a time!

LATEST POSTS

This easy caramel apple recipe is proof that you don’t need to be a professional candy maker to create something spectacular. Semi-homemade, stress-free, and absolutely delicious, these Apple Pie Caramel Apples are sure to be a new fall favorite for your family and friends.❤️ Sheryl

Apple Pie Caramel Apples

Yield: 5 Caramel Apples

Ingredients

5 medium Granny Smith apples
5 homemade or store-bought caramel wraps
1 pound white vanilla melting wafers or almond bark
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
5 caramel apple sticks

Instructions

NOTE: This caramel apple recipe uses store-bought Wrapples. Wrapples are a seasonal product found in most grocery store produce departments. If you can't find them, you can either make caramel wraps or make old-fashioned caramel apples. Please refer to the post to learn how to make caramel wraps or make caramel from scratch.

For the Caramel Apples:

Wash apples in hot water, then dry and remove the wax.
Use the warmth of your hands to stretch the caramel wraps.
Remove the apple stems and place an apple stem side up on a piece of parchment paper or the paper the wrapple came wrapped in.
Lay the stretched caramel wrap over the apple as evenly as possible.
Stretch the caramel wrap around and under the apple.
NOTE: The apple will have caramel folds. Use the warmth of your hands and roll the caramel-coated apple with your palms.

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Coating:

To a medium-sized bowl, add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Pour the brown sugar mixture into a fine sieve, and press the mixture through the mesh.
Stir together and set aside.

For the White Candy Coating:

Add white candy coating to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute and stir until melted and creamy. If the candy still has lumps, continue heating for 30 seconds.
Dip a caramel-coated apple into the melted candy, shake off any excess, then dip it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
Set the candy aside to harden.

REFER TO THE POST FOR 7 RECIPE ALTERNATIVES

**NEWSLETTER:** Receive (twice a month) seasonally themed newsletters full of recipes, tips, and tricks. EVERY NEWSLETTER HAS AN EXCLUSIVE RECIPE JUST FOR YOU! Click here for the Newsletter→**CURTAIN CALL NEWSLETTER**.

THANKS FOR VISITING❣️

Lady Behind the Curtain

Bringing the simplicity of entertaining into your life

Easy Apple Pie Caramel Apples – A Semi-Homemade Fall Favorite