Homemade Gourmet Caramel Apples Recipe. A decadent Fall dessert the kids will love! Decorate your apples with your favorite toppings. The combinations are endless! They only take 10 minutes to make, and 30 minutes to set. A great project to do with the kids. Perfect for Halloween!
Prepare a baking sheet by lining with waxed paper, and spraying the paper with non-stick cooking spray.
Fill a large pot with water, place of medium/high heat and bring to a boil.
In boiling water, carefully add apples. Remove using a slotted spoon after 10 - 20 seconds. Wipe apples with a paper towel to dry and remove wax.
Let apples cool.
Insert popsicle sticks in the core of each apple.
In a microwave safe bowl, add unwrapped caramels and 2 tablespooons of water.
Place bowl in microwave and cook for 2 minutes on HIGH setting.
Stir and microwave another 1 minute. Stir and repeat until melted and smooth.
Pick up an apple using the popsicle stick, and dip in caramel to coat well.
On prepared baking sheet, place the coated apples
Place baking sheet in refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to allow caramel to set.
In a microwave safe bowl, add chocolate and 1 tablespoon of shortening.
Microwave in 30 second intervals stirring in between, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip apples in chocolate to cover the caramel, or using a spoon, drizzle over the top of the apples if you prefer less chocolate.
Place apples on the prepared baking sheet.
In a microwave safe bowl, add candy melts and the rest of the shortening.
Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Using a spoon, drizzle the melted candy melts over the apples.
Add nuts or sprinkles if desired.
Refrigerate a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
Wrap each apple in plastic wrap if storing for later.
Keep refrigerated. They should last up to about 2 weeks.
Notes
Notes: * Substitute any topping ingredients with your favorites. You can use sprinkles, white chocolate, any type of chopped nuts, etc. Using colored candy melts, or white, like I did.* Be sure to refrigerate long enough. It's best if they are refrigerated overnight. * Should last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.