When you want all the flavor of caramel apples — without the mess or the big slices — these Mini Caramel Apple Bites are your answer. Crisp apple cubes get dipped in rich caramel, then optionally drizzled with chocolate or sprinkled with nuts. You’ll have a tray full of fall flavor, perfectly poppable, in a fraction of the time.
These are perfect for fall dessert tables, lunchboxes, bake sales, or just snacking on while watching the leaves fall outside.
🍎 Ingredients
- 2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite crisp variety)
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels (or homemade caramel)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (if melting caramels)
- Optional coatings & toppings:
• Melted chocolate or chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Sea salt or cinnamon sugar
• Sprinkles
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the apples: Wash and dry the apples well. Core them, then cut into bite-sized cubes (~1” pieces). Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Melt the caramels: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels and heavy cream in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth and pourable.
3. Dip the apple bites: Using toothpicks or small forks, dip each apple cube into the caramel; allow excess to drip off. Place onto parchment-lined tray.
4. Add toppings (optional): While caramel is still warm, drizzle melted chocolate over the bites, sprinkle nuts or sea salt, or finish with a dash of cinnamon sugar.
5. Let set: Chill briefly in the refrigerator (~10–15 minutes) until caramel is firm.
📝 Notes & Tips
- Dry the apples well — extra moisture prevents caramel from sticking.
- If the caramel becomes too stiff, stir in a teaspoon of cream and reheat slightly.
- Want easier prep? Use caramel sauce instead of candy caramels.
- For variety, swap apple with pear chunks or even banana slices (work quickly so they don’t brown).
📋 Serving Tips
Serve the bites on a wooden board or slate with extra sprinkles around. Use mini picks for easy grabbing. They’re perfect as party snacks or dessert buffet bites.
🔄 Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: After caramel sets, dip the bottom half of the apple bite in dark chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Apple Bites: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before the caramel sets.
- Nutty Caramel Apples: Roll the freshly dipped bites in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Spiced Apple Bites: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel before dipping.
🧊 Storage
Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days (caramel may soften in warm rooms). Refrigerate for firmer texture, but bring to room temp before serving.
Mini Caramel Apple Bites
Ingredients
- 2 –3 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or similar
- 1 11 oz bag soft caramels
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Optional toppings: Melted chocolate, Chopped nuts, Sea salt, Sprinkles, Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Prep the apples: Wash, core, and cut apples into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the apple pieces: Insert toothpicks into each apple piece and dip into the warm caramel. Let excess drip off.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with desired toppings while caramel is still soft.
- Chill: Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 10–15 minutes to set.
