How to Make Caramel Apples in the Slow Cooker
No CommentsOct 27, 2026
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Making caramel apples is easy with your slow cooker! You only need three ingredients, plus your favorite toppings, to make these fun fall treats for Halloween parties, gatherings, or gift-giving.
We love anything caramel apple flavored! You will also want to try Warm Apple Pie Dip, Fireball Caramel Apples or Caramel Apple Butter.
Table of Contents
- Why this Caramel Apple Recipe is a Keeper
- What You Need
- How to Make Caramel Apples in the Slow Cooker
- How to Prepare Your Apples so the Caramel Sticks
- How do I store homemade caramel apples?
- What are the Best Apples for Caramel Apples?
- What Other Fall Apple Recipes Can I Make?
- How to Make Caramel Apples in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Why this Caramel Apple Recipe is a Keeper
- This is an easy caramel apple recipe with no complicated ingredients or candy thermometer needed.
- This is a fun recipe to make with the kids! They can help unwrap the caramels and decorate the apples.
- This recipe makes about 18 caramel apples, perfect for Halloween parties, fall get-togethers, or school events.
- This recipe is pretty much foolproof! The caramel melts to the perfect consistency and sticks well to the apples, as long as you wash and dry them thoroughly before dipping.
What You Need
Apples: I like using smaller apples so everyone can have their own without wasting any. I usually find the smaller ones in bags at the grocery store.
Caramels: I use Brach's individually wrapped caramels. Have the kids help unwrap them! You can usually find these in the Halloween candy section or the regular candy aisle.
Water: Helps prevent the caramel from burning and makes it smooth.
Toppings: Nuts, sprinkles, crushed graham crackers, or pretzels are great choices.
Other Supplies: You'll need candy apple sticks for dipping. If you're giving the apples as gifts, grab some treat bags and ribbon, too.
How to Make Caramel Apples in the Slow Cooker
- Unwrap and add all the caramels and water to the slow cooker.
- Prepare your apples, remove the stems and add the sticks.
- Dip your apple into the caramel.
- Dip the caramel apples into your favorite toppings, then place them on parchment paper.
How to Prepare Your Apples so the Caramel Sticks
- Wash your apples in HOT water - yes, this is ok. Some even like to drop them in boiling water to remove the wax. Wipe the apples well with a clean towel.
- Place your apples in the fridge for at least an hour (the longer the better).
- Before dipping your apples, wipe them again, as they may have condensation on them.
How do I store homemade caramel apples?
Store the finished apples in an airtight container in the fridge, or wrap them individually in food-safe bags. For best quality, enjoy them within 2–3 days. Refrigeration is important because inserting sticks can introduce bacteria and air into the apples.
What are the Best Apples for Caramel Apples?
Smaller apples are great if you are giving everyone their own apple (and you can feed more people for less money). Granny Smith apples are my favorite because their tart flavor balances the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples are also great choices.
What Other Fall Apple Recipes Can I Make?
For more apple recipes, try my Slow Cooker Applesauce for a homemade favorite or Slow Cooker Apple Dump Cake for an easy dessert. Slow Cooker Baked Apples are perfect for fall, and Slow Cooker Apple Butter is great for spreading on toast, biscuits, or muffins.
If you tried this Slow Cooker Caramel Apples recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Happy Slow Cooking!
How to Make Caramel Apples in the Slow Cooker
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Equipment
- Candy Apple Sticks
- Baking Sheet
- Wax Paper or Parchment
Ingredients
- 44 oz. chewy caramels, (four 11-oz. bags), unwrapped (I use Brach's)
- ½ cup water
- 18 apples, washed and chilled
Toppings
- chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed graham crackers or pretzels
Instructions
- Add the unwrapped caramels to the slow cooker with the water, and cook on high for 2 hours or until the caramel is just melted (don't let it get too hot). Stir occasionally.
- Wash all apples thoroughly under hot water. Using a clean dish towel or dry paper towels, dry the apples, making sure to remove all the wax.
- Remove the stalks from the apples as well as any leafage from the bottom. Pierce with the candy apple sticks through the top. Place the apples in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.
- While the caramel is melting prepare your “toppings station”, as well as a wax paper lined cookie sheet.
- When the caramel has all melted and stirs easily, turn the slow cooker to warm. Remove the apples from the refrigerator. You can do this in batches as you will need to work quickly with a cold apple.
- Before dipping, wipe away any condensation that has formed on the apples. Dip the apple into the caramel, twisting the stick to get the caramel all the way around the apple. Allow the excess to drip off back into the slow cooker.
- Now take the coated apple and quickly apply any toppings you may like. You have to work quickly as the caramel will harden fast on the cold apple.
- Place the apple on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining apples.
- Place cookie sheet with finished caramel apples into the refrigerator to set and firm up.
- Place in bags if you are gifting to a class or friends and tie with bows.
Sarah's Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
