Delicious M&M Caramel Apples

This caramel apple recipe transforms ordinary apples into a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of tart fruit, sweet caramel, and colorful chocolate candies. Whether you're looking for a fun fall activity or a special dessert that kids and adults will enjoy, these M&M Caramel Apples deliver nostalgic carnival vibes with homemade charm.

I started making these with my nieces during our annual pumpkin patch visits. The first time we made them, the kitchen was a complete mess, but seeing their faces light up when biting into these colorful treats made it all worthwhile.

Ingredients

• 5 medium apples: Choosing crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offers the best texture and tartness to balance the sweet toppings
• 11 ounce bag individually wrapped caramels: Using store bought caramels saves time while still providing that authentic stretchy caramel texture
• 2 tablespoons water: Helps thin the caramel to the perfect consistency for dipping
• 2 cups M&Ms Brand Chocolate Candies: Their candy shell prevents melting and adds colorful visual appeal that kids absolutely love
• Popsicle sticks: Sturdy wooden sticks work best for handling during the dipping process

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Insert a popsicle stick firmly into the core of each apple, making sure it goes at least halfway through for stability. Briefly dip apples in boiling water and swirl them around for just a few seconds. This crucial step removes the natural wax coating that would prevent the caramel from adhering properly. Dry the apples completely with paper towels to ensure the caramel will stick.

Melt the Caramel:

Unwrap all caramels and place them in a medium pot with two tablespoons of water. Heat over medium low heat, stirring continuously with a silicone spatula to prevent burning. The caramel will take about 5 minutes to melt completely into a smooth, pourable consistency. If it seems too thick, add a tiny bit more water, one teaspoon at a time.

Coat with Caramel:

Hold each apple by the stick and dip into the melted caramel, twirling to ensure even coverage. Let excess caramel drip off for about 10 seconds, which creates the perfect thickness without puddles forming at the bottom of your apple. Work relatively quickly as the caramel will start to set as it cools.

Add M&M Coating:

Immediately after dipping in caramel, roll each apple in the M&Ms, gently pressing the candies into the soft caramel to secure them. Cover as much or as little of the surface as you prefer. Place the decorated apples on greased parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking while they set.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the apples for at least 30 minutes to completely set the caramel before serving. This helps the caramel firm up and prevents the M&Ms from sliding off when you take that first delicious bite.

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The mini M&Ms actually work even better than regular sized ones because they cover the apple more uniformly and are easier to bite through. I learned this after making them for my sons birthday party where one little guest lost a loose tooth biting into an apple with the larger candies. The smaller ones have been our family standard ever since.

Troubleshooting Caramel Issues

Sometimes caramel can be temperamental when coating apples. If your caramel is sliding off, your apples likely still have moisture or wax on them. Make sure they are completely dry after the boiling water dip. If your caramel becomes too thick while working, place it back over low heat with a splash of additional water and stir until it reaches the right consistency again. Never heat caramel on high as it can burn quickly and develop a bitter taste.

Creative Variations

While traditional M&Ms create a colorful classic look, you can easily customize these apples for different occasions. Try seasonal M&M varieties like the peanut butter ones for an extra flavor dimension or the mint flavor for Christmas themed apples. For a more grownup version, use dark chocolate M&Ms and add a sprinkle of sea salt after the caramel layer. You can also create themed apples by choosing specific M&M colors for holidays or sports teams.

Serving Suggestions

These caramel apples make quite a substantial dessert, so consider slicing them before serving. Use a sharp knife to cut them into wedges while keeping the stick in place as a handle. Serve alongside small bowls of additional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate sauce for guests to customize their slices. For an elegant dessert table presentation, place each apple on a small plate with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce around the base.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the caramel from sliding off the apples?

To help the caramel stick, remove the wax coating from the apples by briefly dipping them in boiling water, then drying thoroughly before dipping.

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

Absolutely! Homemade caramel works perfectly and allows you to adjust the flavor to your preference.

→ How can I make the apples easier to coat with M&M's?

Let the caramel set slightly after dipping before rolling the apples in M&M's. This helps them adhere better to the coating.

→ How should I store leftover caramel apples?

Place them on parchment in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days for best freshness.

→ Can I use different toppings instead of M&M's?

Yes, feel free to customize with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for variety.