These bite-size versions of a fall favorite are the perfect snack! Because they are so small, you can eat more than one, and the topping choices are limitless. One bite and you will be taken back to all of your favorite autumn-time feelings as you enjoy a crisp, tart apple covered in butterscotch or peanut butter chips, then rolled in goodies such as toffee bits, peanuts, sprinkles, or coconut. So cute and fun to serve at parties or family gatherings. You can get the kids in on the action too!
Mini Caramel Apples
2 dozen
2 Granny Smith apples
1/2 bag butterscotch or peanut butter chips
Choice of toppings such as chopped nuts, coconut, sprinkles, toffee bits
Other materials needed:
Melon baller
4-inch lollipop sticks
Small paper candy cups
First, cut your lollipop sticks in half at an angle, giving each half a pointy end. With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple. Each ball should have a section of apple peel. Push the pointy end of the lollipop sticks into the peel side of each apple ball. Sit the apples in a shallow bowl of cold water mixed with a little lemon juice or fruit protector to prevent browning while working. Prepare the butterscotch or peanut butter chips by melting according to package directions in a glass measuring cup in the microwave until smooth. Place your toppings each in small bowls for rolling. When ready to dip, one by one, dry off the apple ball with paper towels, swirl in the melted chips (you can use a spatula to help spread if necessary - the key is to have the apple as dry as possible), then immediately roll in one of the toppings. Place in paper candy cups to set.
Step-by-step tutorial:
Gather your ingredients and supplies needed to make these adorable mini caramel apples. You will need 2 Granny Smith apples (or apple of choice - I like the tartness of Granny Smith for caramel apples), butterscotch or peanut butter chips (both are equally delicious), and toppings of your choice. You can get creative! Today I used chocolate nonpareils, orange sprinkles, coconut, chopped peanuts, and heath toffee bits. You will also need some lollipop sticks (Wilton brand is good), some paper candy cups, and a melon baller. If you don't have a melon baller, you really should think about getting one! They are so much fun with fruit, especially melons!
Cut 12 lollipop sticks in half at an angle so each half has a sharp end. This will make it easier to push into the apples.
Using a melon baller, scoop out balls of apple, being sure there is some of the peel on each ball.
Push the sharp edge of the lollipop stick into the peel end of the ball, until it's almost all the way through.
As you are working, you can place the apples in a shallow bowl with cold water and either a little lemon juice or some fruit protector (Ball makes a good one) to keep them from turning brown.
Prepare your toppings by placing each in a small shallow bowl for rolling.
When ready to prepare, first dry off the apple ball with paper towels. The trick to getting the melted butterscotch or peanut butter to stick is having the apple as dry as you can. Dip and swirl it in the melted chips. You can use a spatula to help spread it if needed.
Immediately roll the covered apple in the topping of choice, then place in a paper candy cup to set.
I loved the look of these orange sprinkles! So perfect for fall, and they add a nice crunch.
Coconut is a favorite. Toasted coconut would be really good too!
The great things about the tiny size, is you can eat them in one or two bites, and then you can have several so you can try all the different toppings.
Aren't these the perfect fall treat? Anyone you share with will "oooh" and "awww" at how cute they are, and then love them even more after taking a bite. I hope you'll try these soon!
Recipe Source: Adapted from a recipe in Family Fun magazine