Mini Caramel Apples is one of the simplest and easiest recipes ever. Only four ingredients and a few steps. But once it's made you will have to wait around two hours before you get to taste this sweet treat which is perfect for any holiday season.
Hello my friends, today I have for you one of the simplest and easiest recipe ever... Mini Caramel Apples!! This dessert or snack recipe is kid friendly. With just one bite, you can give your kids their daily fruit portion :) from the apple, a fun crunch from the toasted pecans, holiday aroma/flavor from the cinnamon, and a sweet and delicious taste from the caramel sauce.
Related: Apple Olive Oil Bundt Cake | Caramel Apple Cider Vodka Punch
Caramel Decisions to Make
When I started to plan this recipe for Mini Caramel Apples, I knew that I wanted to make something with apples, caramel, and nuts. The first idea that I got was the traditional whole large apple covered in caramel and small pieces of nuts. Another idea was to create an apple caramel bar with a lot of toppings for a fun birthday party for the kids. All those ideas sound like a lot of fun for kids, but they sound too basic and traditional for me. You know me if you have been following me; I like to cook simple recipes but also add a twist.
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Instructions to Make Mini Caramel Apples
Okay, to the kitchen to explain this super easy caramel apple recipe. Turn the oven on to 225F degrees. Wash and peel the apples, then grate them using the food processor or a traditional grater. Take two cookie sheets and on one of them put parchment paper, spray on some butter and layer the grated apples evenly. Sprinkle on some ground cinnamon.
Place the pecans on the second tray (you don't need to butter this tray). After you have both trays ready, put them in the oven and set the timer for 1.5 hours. Make sure to check frequently and stir so that the apples and the pecans toast and dry evenly.
After the oven time is up, scrape the apple from the tray into a medium bowl. In a plastic bag crush some of pecans in small pieces, then add them to the bowl with the apples. With the rest of the pecans, crush them very fine or use a coffee grinder. Most of them will be powdered and some in very tiny pieces. Set aside.
Take the jar of caramel sauce and heat it in the microwave for 10 or 15 seconds, and stir it in the jar. We just need the caramel to be soft and workable. Pour the caramel sauce into the pecan-apple mix and mix well. Cover and leave it in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. In my case I forgot about it, and I left the mixture in the fridge overnight. It’s okay.
Next, form a small ball using a small ice cream scoop. When you try to form a ball with your hands, it will be very sticky, and it will be better to use gloves during this step. Place the mini caramel apple balls on the plate and roll them around in the powdered pecans, until they are well covered.
Place the Mini Caramel Apples Bites in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. Perfect for snacking throughout the day for a boost of sugar and energy. After you try this recipe, with the leftover caramel sauce you can make my first drink recipe with caramel sauce that everyone is loving called Caramel Apple Cider Vodka Punch!
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to share your feedback and variations in the comments section below! You could also share your creations with us on social media by tagging us @Spoonabilities on Instagram and on Pinterest!
UPDATES: This recipe is also part of our special group of caramel sauce recipes called 6 Creamy Dreamy Caramel Sauce Recipes, and don't miss our other seasonal & holiday recipes.
Have a happy and fun week!
Carlos Leo
Your Recipe Concierge
Mini Caramel Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 25 Balls 1x
Description
Mini Caramel Apples are easy to make with 4 ingredients. Tasty holiday treat or snack for kids and adults. Made with caramel sauce, apples, pecan, & cinnamon. You can make around 20-25 balls. It will depend the size of the ball.
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Ingredients
- 2 peeled and grated Granny Smith apples
- 1 jar of Caramel Sauce
- 12oz pecan halves
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Butter or cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven 225 degrees Fahrenheit
- Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and spray with butter. Place the grated apple evenly on the tray. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon on top.
- Add pecans to a second cookie sheet.
- Place in oven for 1.5 hours, turning apples and pecans a few times to dry out evenly.
- Take apples and pecans out of the oven. Scrape apples into a bowl.
- Crush in small chunks 8oz of the pecans. Add to apples.
- Crush the remaining pecans until mostly powder and little pieces. Put aside.
- Put the Caramel Sauce in the microwave for 10 seconds and stir. And, put it for 5-10 more seconds
- Add the Caramel Sauce to the pecan and apple mixture. Stir well.
- Place in fridge for 3-4 hours (I did it overnight).
- Take mixture out of the refrigerator. Using a small ice cream scoop, form small balls. If you use gloves it is easier to give the round shape.
- Roll balls in the powdery pecans.
- Store in a container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 240 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients & Equipment available via these links:
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We use special ingredients like maple syrup and brown butter from our wonderful food suppliers. They also give 10% discount to Spoonabilities customers.
Hey there, I'm Carlos, a food and drink enthusiast, recipe blogger and 
Veena Azmanov
This is truly unique. I cant wait to try making some for family. Looks moist and delicious.
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Veena. Yes, they are moist and delicious, for sure. Let us know what your family thinks about them.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
These look ever so delicious and I love that they only need four ingredients!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thanks for noticing that Bintu. We try to make easy 1-2-3 recipes that are simple to make and delicious to eat.
Helen
These little treats look easy to make and sound so yummy. The sauce sounds great, made in small batches is good for quality control.
Geoffrey Swetz
Hi Helen. Yes, all of the products we used to sell in our e-Pantry are made by small producers that create their deliciousness in small batches. It's great for making sure the quality is superb. Glad you like the mini Caramel Apples!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
These look super yummy. And that caramel sauce........oh my! I have to trick myself by buying something like that for a specific recipe and either pretend the leftover sauce doesn't exist, or give it away so I don't sit with the jar in my hand and scoop the contents into my maw! These caramel apple balls look so good that I will definitely have to try them.
Geoffrey Swetz
Hi Elaine. Thank you for commenting on our Mini Caramel Apples. YES the caramel sauce is excellent. The primary reason we started Spoonabilities is to make sure that people had many recipes available for each product. That way half full jars don't sit around in your refrigerator. But yes, with this caramel sauce I've just eaten a spoonful from time to time... don't tell Carlos!
Happy New Year!
Janine Acceturo
My mouth is already watering! OMG! And gluten free!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Janine for checking out the recipe! You should try it.
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Four ingredients and a few steps makes these my kinda caramel apple bites to enjoy! I could probably sub in the apple chips I have for these as well. By the way, I love Ina Garten and Giada de Laurentiis - love hearing how they were your inspiration to get cooking!
Thanks for this recipe - glad to have bumped into ya through FBC Social Sharing - Happy New Year to ya!
Carlos Leo
Hello Shashi - Yes, Giada and Ina are my inspiration. I love their style and the easy way how they cook. The apple chips sound like a good sub. If you try let me know.. I'm curious:)
I love to see your comments. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Tara
Such a cute kid-friendly snack! I love all the fall/winter flavors. That salted caramel sauce sounds incredible!
Geoffrey Swetz
Hi Tara. Yes the caramel sauce really is incredible. We tasted quite a few (tough job I know) before we picked this one to sell to our customers. Thanks for checking it out
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Oh my goodness this sounds so good! Such fun little bites of deliciousness! Love that salted caramel!
Geoffrey Swetz
The salted caramel IS really good. Thanks for checking out the recipe!
Tania Sheff
These Mini Caramel Apples look absolutely scrumptious!!! I am saving the recipe for later. Thanks!
Geoffrey Swetz
Hi Tania. Do try to make them. They really are so easy to make and delicious!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I absolutely love this recipe and need to be more like you using up pantry ingredients. Note to self - must do better.
Carlos Leo
Hi Jacqueline, I don't know how I missed this comment. Thank you for the comment and Happy holidays!
Luci's Morsels
These look so good and I love how easy they are to make! I have to try these ASAP!
Carlos Leo
Hi Luci, Let us know when you try. You will love it!!
Elizabeth
This is such a great idea! I do love salted caramel and this is a really creative way to cook with it. Love it!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Elizabeth. We love the salted caramel too. Always looking for ways to pour it on or in something.
Edyta at Innocent Delight
These look absolutely amazing. I'm pretty sure my 4 year old will love them. And mind you, he is a picky eater. I cannot wait to make them :)
Geoffrey Swetz
I'm pretty sure your 4 year old will love them.. and you too if he leaves you any ;) Do let us know if you make them and tell us what you think.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
There's something so fun about mini desserts! These caramel apples would be perfect for a party!
Geoffrey Swetz
Yes Liz! They are perfect mini desserts for a party. Let us know if you make them for a holiday party this year. You'll love them
Christina Shoemaker
Where has this been all my life?!? This looks incredible! You've ruined me for all other food I think. At least until breakfast tomorrow. ?
Geoffrey Swetz
LOL, so glad you like them Christina. Sorry we had to ruin you. I hope you recovered at breakfast time. If you ever want to be ruined again, check out our Pumpkin Tiramisu recipe
Jenni
Oooooooh, these look SO amazing! They would definitely help from keeping that jar of caramel sauce from getting pushed to the back of the fridge! Delicious!!
Carlos Leo
Jenni, Geoffrey keeps complaining because every time he leaves a half jar left in the refrigerator and when he goes back can't find it. Because when I'm cooking I grab any leftover and add it to the meal, I'm making.
Danielle
Yay - it's autumn! All the apple recipes are here :) These look like a tasty little snack.
Carlos Leo
Yes, I declared Fall season a bit earlier this year. I'm so excited for yummy apple recipes.
Ginny
These are so smart and I can just imagine how good they taste. I must make soon!
Carlos Leo
Ginny, They were so much fun to make, and it's the perfect snack for this fall.
Laura
These mini caramel apples look amazing, a very creative recipe. The caramel sauce sounds fantastic, I wish I could find it here in Europe. Your Spoonabilites is full of resources, I love to discover all those fun ideas
Carlos Leo
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Laura, for your wonderful comment about our site. We try to have fun curating these recipes.
Luci's Morsels
Where have these been all my life? And just a hair over 100 calories per serving? Yes please! I have to try these ASAP!
Carlos Leo
Hi Lucy, They were here waiting for you to try this fall. Let us know what you think after you try:)