Creepy Crawly Caramel Apples

By Sweet July

A tasty treat that screams Halloween.

Serves: 4

Time: 30 minutes

Caramel apples are the quintessential Halloween treat, with loads of room to customize for all your favorite toppings and flavors.

While we support a fully loaded caramel apple with crushed cookies, candies and nuts (do you, boo!), we equally appreciate the simplicity of the more straightforward version. Our Creepy Crawly Caramel Apples use tart Granny Smith apples and are decorated with a white chocolate web pattern and (of course!) small toy spiders.

Watch how to make a Creepy Crawly Caramel Apple Platter →

Ingredients

- 4 Granny Smith apples, rinsed and de-stemmed
- 1 10.8-oz bag soft caramel candies
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 cups bright white candy melts or white chocolate chips
- 4 lollipop sticks
- 4 plastic spiders, optional
- 4 small black ribbons, optional

Instructions

step 1

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it lightly with non-stick spray. Set aside.

step 2

Insert a lollipop stick into the top of each apple, pressing down firmly to ensure the stick is at least ¾ way into the apple core.

step 3

Fill a medium-sized bowl with hot water. Dip each apple into the hot water and wipe with a clean kitchen towel to remove the waxy outer coating. Place the apples in the fridge to chill while you prepare the caramel.

step 4

Place the caramel candies, heavy cream and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for increments of 30 minutes until the caramel is smooth and a thermometer registers a temperature of 190° F.

step 5

Dip each apple into the caramel. Use a spatula or the side of the bowl to remove any extra caramel that drips down. Place the apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to cool and harden.

step 6

Place the white candy melts (or chocolate chips) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% for 1 minute, then in increments of 30 seconds until smooth and no lumps remain. Apply the spiderweb pattern. You can use a pastry bag if you have one available, but if not, a fork will work. Allow to harden completely before decorating with spiders and bows. Enjoy.