How to Make Caramel Apples {The Easy Way!}

If you’re looking for an easy fall activity (and look like Martha Stewart), then you’ll love this easy take on how to make caramel apples!

I actually learned how to make caramel apples when I went to a ‘Make Your Own Caramel Apple Party’ with the lovely Kit, Maya, Jess and Emily. Not only was it a blast, but to my surprise, super easy. Not to mention it’s a fabulous activity for all ages! Kids, girlfriends, boys, grandparents and more.

Kit, our host, graciously shared her infamous bourbon, caramel recipe and I got the low down on the table decor. It’s so simple you won’t believe it!

Try this for Halloween or even Thanksgiving weekend. You can only sit around and talk for so long right?

Let’s get started!

 

Hostess Tips

• If you’re making a party out of this, let each guest bring a topping to share. This saves you money and time.
• You can make this as easy or as complicated as you’d like. Wait until the last second? Skip the decor and focus on the apples. The toppings alone make for a great tablescape.

 

How To Make Caramel Apples

It doesn’t get any more basic than this. All you need are apples, caramel and toppings. Here’s the scoop on it all!
APPLES: Honey Crisp Apples are where it’s at in my opinion. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, crunchy and juicy. Purchase enough so guests can enjoy a caramel apple {or two!} on the spot and plus enough to take home.

SAUCE: You can always purchase pre-made caramel (usually by the apples in the produce section this time of year) or make your own. This EASY homemade whiskey caramel by Kit was OFF THE CHAIN and only a few ingredients. We were dipping apple slices in this stuff and eating it like chips and dip. If you’re going the homemade route, just be sure tomake it prior to your guests’ arrival. Here’s Kit’s famous recipe:

 

EASY HOMEMADE WHISKEY CARAMEL SAUCE

by Kit Graham

YOU WILL NEED:
1/4 CUP WHISKEY
1 CUP BROWN SUGAR
1/2 CUP BUTTER
1/2 CUP HEAVY CREAM
1 TBS VANILLA

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then add the sugar and whisk until melted.
STEP 2: Add the whiskey. Let simmer steadily for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
STEP 3: Add the cream and let the sauce slowly simmer and reduce for 20-25 minutes, until it has thickened. 

 

TOPPINGS: As mentioned above, cut the work out by letting each guest bring their own topping idea. You’ll love to see what each person brings and the options are endless! But of course, you can grab them too. To get your juices flowing, I listed what we had below. Have fun with it and GO NUTS! There really is no method to this madness, except have fun. Kit sliced a few apples to let us dip in caramel and try various flavors and toppings. Such a great treat!

TOPPING IDEAS

CHOCOLATE CRISPS
WALNUTS
RAINBOW SPRINKLES
MARSHMALLOWS
CRUSHED GINGERSNAPS
CRUSHED PRETZELS
CHOCOLATE CHIPS
CRUSHED HEATH BARS

 

 

SET THE SCENE (AKA DECOR): Whether it’s just you and a friend or you host an entire party, the decor is shockingly the easiest part! Kit used a parchment paper runner to add topping labels (write it right on the paper!) and keep the table clean. Simple but adorable right? Use mini gourds and pumpkins as autumn center pieces. Set out plates (for sprinkling), cocktail glasses and you could even create name tags. And if you just don’t have the time or energy, the toppings, apples and plates are more than enough to make for a pretty table top.

 

 

Oh! And don’t forget the apple cider mimosas. The easiest and tastiest fall cocktail EVER.

 

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Do you know how to make caramel apples? What fall festivities to you like to do? I have my annual girls trip planned to New Buffalo, Michigan. We go pumpkin picking and hit up all the vineyards for a little wine tasting! Cannot wait to share.

 

All gorgeous photos by Maya!