Caramel Apples M&M: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Caramel Apples M and M: Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible flavors! Forget the same old caramel apples; we’re taking this classic treat to a whole new level of fun and deliciousness. Imagine biting into a crisp, tart apple, enveloped in smooth, golden caramel, and then… the satisfying crunch of colorful M&Ms!

Caramel apples have been a beloved autumnal tradition for generations, evoking memories of fall festivals, county fairs, and cozy evenings. While their exact origins are debated, the concept of coating fruit in sugar dates back centuries. But the addition of M&Ms? That’s where we inject a playful twist into this time-honored confection.

What makes Caramel Apples M and M so incredibly appealing? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The tartness of the apple cuts through the richness of the caramel, while the chocolatey, candy-coated M&Ms add a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic activity to enjoy with family and friends. Get ready to create a batch of these show-stopping treats that will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients:

• 10 medium Granny Smith apples, or your favorite tart apple variety
• 10 wooden craft sticks or lollipop sticks
• 1 (14 ounce) package of caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 cup M&M’s candies, coarsely chopped
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional: Sprinkles for extra decoration

Preparing the Apples:

1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. This is crucial! Any wax or moisture on the apples will prevent the caramel from sticking properly. I like to use a mixture of warm water and a little bit of vinegar to remove any residue. Then, dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Insert the sticks. Push a wooden craft stick firmly into the stem end of each apple. Make sure the stick is inserted deeply enough to hold the apple securely, but not so deep that it pokes out the other side.
3. Prepare your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the caramel apples from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Melting the Caramel:

1. Melt the caramels and heavy cream. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the caramel, as it can burn easily. Alternatively, you can melt the caramel in a double boiler over simmering water. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
2. Keep the caramel warm. Once the caramel is melted, keep it warm over low heat or in the microwave on the lowest setting. This will prevent it from hardening too quickly while you’re dipping the apples.

Dipping the Apples in Caramel:

1. Dip the apples. Hold an apple by the stick and dip it into the melted caramel, rotating it to coat the entire surface. Allow any excess caramel to drip back into the bowl. You can use a spoon to help spread the caramel evenly.
2. Place on prepared baking sheet. Place the caramel-coated apple on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples.
3. Chill the caramel apples. Place the baking sheet with the caramel apples in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly. This will help the chocolate adhere better.

Melting the Chocolate:

1. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and shortening. The shortening helps to thin the chocolate and gives it a smoother, glossier finish. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Again, be careful not to overheat the chocolate. You can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
2. Keep the chocolate warm. Keep the melted chocolate warm while you’re dipping the apples.

Dipping the Apples in Chocolate:

1. Dip the caramel apples in chocolate. Remove the chilled caramel apples from the refrigerator. Hold an apple by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, rotating it to coat the entire surface. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. You can dip the entire apple or just half, depending on your preference.
2. Immediately add the M&M’s. While the chocolate is still wet, immediately sprinkle the chopped M&M’s candies onto the chocolate-covered apple. Press them gently into the chocolate to ensure they adhere properly. If you’re using nuts or sprinkles, add them at this stage as well.
3. Place back on prepared baking sheet. Place the chocolate-covered apple back on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples.

Final Chilling and Setting:

1. Chill the finished apples. Place the baking sheet with the decorated caramel apples back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. This will prevent the M&M’s from sliding off and ensure that the apples are easy to handle.
2. Serve and enjoy! Once the chocolate is set, remove the caramel apples from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will soften the caramel slightly and make them easier to bite into. Enjoy your delicious homemade Caramel Apples with M&M’s!

Tips and Variations:

• Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for caramel apples due to their tartness, you can use other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will result in a sweeter overall treat.
• Caramel Alternatives: If you don’t have caramels on hand, you can use a jar of caramel sauce. However, be sure to use a thick caramel sauce that will adhere well to the apples. You may need to cook the caramel sauce down slightly to thicken it.
• Chocolate Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips. You can also drizzle the apples with different colored candy melts for a festive look.
• Nutty Goodness: If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or peanuts to the M&M’s mixture. The nuts will add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate perfectly.
• Sprinkle Magic: Sprinkles are a fun and easy way to add extra color and sparkle to your caramel apples. Use a variety of sprinkles, such as jimmies, nonpareils, or sanding sugar, to create a unique and festive look.
• Drizzle Designs: After dipping the apples in chocolate and adding the M&M’s, you can drizzle them with melted white chocolate or candy melts to create decorative designs. Use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle to create swirls, stripes, or other patterns.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of caramel flavor, drizzle the chocolate-covered apples with melted caramel after adding the M&M’s. This will create a beautiful and delicious caramel drizzle effect.
• Storage: Caramel apples are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
• Preventing Caramel Slippage: To further ensure the caramel sticks to the apples, you can lightly score the surface of the apples with a knife before dipping them. This will create a rougher surface for the caramel to grip onto.
• Adding a Sea Salt Sprinkle: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the finished apples can enhance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating a delightful sweet and salty flavor combination.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Caramel not sticking? Make sure the apples are completely dry and free of wax. You can also try chilling the apples in the freezer for a few minutes before dipping them in caramel.
• Chocolate seizing? This usually happens when water gets into the melted chocolate. Be sure to use dry utensils and bowls when melting the chocolate. If the chocolate seizes, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening to smooth it out.
• M&M’s not sticking? Make sure the chocolate is still wet when you add the M&M’s. If the chocolate has already started to set, the M&M’s won’t adhere properly.
• Caramel too thick? Add a little more heavy cream to thin it out.
• Caramel too thin? Simmer it gently on the stovetop to reduce it slightly.

Enjoy making these delicious and festive Caramel Apples with M&M’s! They’re perfect for Halloween, fall festivals, or any special occasion. Have fun experimenting with different toppings and variations to create your own unique caramel apple creations.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another caramel apple recipe; it’s a gateway to pure autumnal bliss! The combination of tart apples, chewy caramel, and the delightful crunch of M&Ms creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for more. Seriously, these Caramel Apples M&M are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for Halloween parties, fall festivals, or simply a cozy night in.

But what truly elevates this recipe to “must-try” status is its sheer simplicity. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip up a batch of these beauties. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the result is a stunning, professional-looking treat that will impress even the most discerning palates. Plus, it’s a fantastic activity to do with kids – they’ll love dipping the apples and decorating them with M&Ms!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these caramel apples. While the classic M&M version is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own signature treat.

* Nutty Delight: Swap the M&Ms for chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a more sophisticated flavor profile. A sprinkle of sea salt will enhance the nutty sweetness.
* Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle melted dark, milk, or white chocolate over the caramel-covered apples for an extra layer of indulgence. You could even use a combination of all three!
* Spiced Apple Magic: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the caramel sauce for a warm, comforting flavor that perfectly complements the apples.
* Mini Caramel Apple Bites: Use smaller apples, like crab apples, and cut them into wedges after dipping for easy-to-eat bite-sized treats.
* Presentation is Key: Once the caramel has set, wrap each apple in cellophane bags and tie with a festive ribbon for a beautiful and professional presentation. These make wonderful gifts!

For serving, I like to place the finished apples on parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’re serving them at a party, consider cutting them into slices for easier sharing. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be a delightful addition.

I truly believe that these Caramel Apples M&M are the perfect fall treat. They’re fun to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own batch of these delectable caramel apples, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy caramel apple making!

---