These mini candy apples are dipped in caramel candy melts and toffee bits for a fun fall treat. Made with only three ingredients, they're perfect for the Halloween party dessert table.
It’s October 5 and we’re seriously considering turning the heat on. No, no, no. I won’t let us do it. Just like I refuse to wear my full-blown winter coat until December 1, I don’t think it makes sense to turn the heat on in October. Right?? It really just makes me feel like we can never just be happy. Seriously, we only just turned the air conditioner off and now we’re already wanting to turn heat on? There are really only a couple weeks where we’re just fine with no assistance from some modern technology? That’s just wrong. But ugh, my feet are cold.
Well, if I’m going to be bundling up in sweatshirts and blankets already, I’m at least going to be getting in some sort of happy chilly weather spirit. And candy/caramel apples are pretty much my favorite thing in the entire world. Honestly, it’s always a serious fall conundrum. Do I want a candy apple or a caramel apple??
I don’t seem to get many candy/caramel apple opportunities each year, so this is a big decision. And it’s usually considered gluttonous to go for both. But now I say go for it… Because these Mini Caramel Candy Apples kind of are both… Plus, they’re mini, which means you can eat way more than one.
I actually thought these minis were my own genius idea until I Googled and realized that there are others kicking around the Internet (is nothing new anymore??). But mine are just a little bit different… Instead of covering in the traditional candy coating or caramel, I used Wilton Candy Melts in Caramel Apple flavor. Sadly, these melts were limited edition and no longer available, but the Salted Caramel flavor (affiliate link) or any caramel version is super similar. They may not be green, but that's no big deal!
This all feels a little meta or something. They’re candy apples since they’re covered in candy… But caramel apples since they’re also covered in caramel. I'm game.
MINI CARAMEL CANDY APPLES RECIPE
To make the mini candy apples, all you have to do is scoop out little rounds of apple with a melon baller. While I was working, I put the apple balls into a bowl of lightly salted water to keep them from browning without making them taste like lemon.
I was excited to use my Wilton Candy Melts Melting Pot (affiliate link) for the first time. If you don’t have one, you can simply melt candy melts in the microwave according to package directions. I love this pot because it keeps the candy from hardening while you work.
Be sure to dry the apples off as much as possible before dipping them into the melted candy. Water and melted chocolate do not work well together.
Once the mini apples were fully coated in candy, I dipped them into a little bowl of Heath Bar toffee for some extra crunch.
Mini Caramel Candy Apples! They’re super mini. Think melon ball mini. Which means they're super easy to eat and fun to serve at Halloween parties.
Let's be honest, regular candy apples are tough to eat. They're big and awkward and sticky and not exactly a treat you want to eat while you're at a party chatting with friends. With these mini caramel apples, you can just pop them in your mouth and continue on.
I didn’t realize until I was done making these that this is a three-ingredient recipe. All you need is apples, candy melts, and toffee. And really, you don’t absolutely need the toffee. It’s just highly recommended.
I honestly could eat an entire three apples worth of these. Which actually doesn’t sound that crazy. If one apple a day keeps the doctor away, three apples means you’ll never have to go again.
I’m not sure how the candy melts play into that whole equation, but I do know they’ll do wonders for your happiness. Same with the toffee. So, worth it.
The only disappointing thing about these is I’m not sure how far ahead of time you can make them. I feel like they need to go in the fridge since they’re apples… But they’ll start sweating pretty quickly. I still ate them.
If there's one thing that can get me in the Halloween spirit (I'm a Halloween Scrooge!), it's sweet treats like these ones.
Would you choose candy apples or caramel apples?
If you're looking for more fun Halloween treats, check out my Halloween Party Popcorn and my Apple Cider Cookies with Caramel. And how cute is this Candy Corn Fudge from Club Crafted??
📖 Recipe
Mini Caramel Candy Apples
Ingredients
- 3 apples of your choice (I love macintosh)
- 6 oz. caramel candy melts
- ⅓ cup Heath Bar bits
- Equipment: Melon baller and 6 drinking straws
Instructions
- Using a melon corer, scoop balls out of apples. Try to leave a little skin on top of the ball. You should be able to get about 6 balls out of each apple.
- Cut a drinking straw into three equal pieces. Push each straw piece into the tops of the apple balls, where the skin is showing.
- Melt candy melts either in microwave according to package instructions or in Wilton Candy Melts Melting Pot.
- Place Heath Bar crumbles in a small bowl.
- Before dipping apple balls into candy melts, blot with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture. Apple balls should be as dry as possible before dipping into candy melts.
- Dip apples into candy melts, rotating until fully coated, making sure the skin at the top is still showing.
- Dunk coated apples into toffee crumbles and place apples on a sheet of waxed or parchment paper to dry.
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
They look wonderful, and such a great treat for fall 🙂
Beth says
Wow - I think those are the cutest desserts I've seen in a long time. And so yummy, too!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a fun idea for the fall!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
these are super cute! i love the addition of toffee--at first i thought it was nuts but toffee > nuts anyday 🙂
Pam says
So cute & tasty. My kids would LOVE these.
Rachel says
wow, these are SO adorable! perfect for an adult cocktail party or kids Halloween party! so creative!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Soo adorable!
Justine says
Very cool!!! I like how you can eat more than one!!!
Sharon Anderson says
How deliciously cute.. I LOVE these!
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
These are adorable! I had no idea they were an internet thing! In my mind, they will forever be credited to you, especially because the green candy melts are such a fun coating option 🙂
Culinary Flavors says
So fun treats especially for the kids! But also for older kids!
Mir says
These are so cute, Sues! I love the idea of covering in candy melts. And that scooping to make minis is brilliant!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Brilliant!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
So cute for Halloween! I love those bright green candy melts!
Jess @ What Jessica Baked Next says
These caramel apples are super cute! They look delicious - I love the caramel apple candy melts!