Homemade Caramel Apple Wraps

These homemade caramel apple wraps are such a fun way to make caramel apples. The rich condensed milk caramel circles are just wrapped around clean apples for perfect fall treat.

Have you seen those caramel apple wraps at the store? This recipe will help you make something similar at home, only better!

I have had caramel apples on my list of things to make for a few years now. But something about dipping the apples into the caramel has always stopped me.

I can just see the mess. Plus, you either have to have the caramel in a tall container, or you have to roll the apples in the warm caramel and hope it sticks.

These homemade caramel apple wraps solve both problems. Just put an apple in the center of a caramel circle and wrap it around the apple.

With a little smoothing, they look even better than the dipped version. Plus, there is a nice layer of caramel everywhere without concern about it slipping down the apple.

Making the Caramel Circles

The caramel recipe itself is the same as the caramel I use for homemade turtles. It is relatively easy to make with the help of sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter.

The hardest part is stirring it until it comes to temperature. You don’t want to let any of that sugar burn on the bottom of the pan.

I like using a thick bottomed pan, like something cast iron. And use a larger pan than you would think.

As the caramel thickens, it can splatter a little bit. Hot sugar can be sticky and ouchy if you aren’t careful. So be careful!

As the caramel gets close to done, it will take on a nice dark caramel color and texture. You want it to reach the soft ball stage, somewhere between 235F and 240F.

Then let it cool as you prep the parchment. I just used a pencil to draw 6-inch circles on parchment paper.

Flip the paper upside down so that you can see the circles, but the caramel won’t touch the pencil marks. Spread about 1/3 cup of warm caramel in each of the circles.

They don’t have to be perfect, but using the circles as a guide makes wrapping the apples easier. Continue until you’ve used the caramel.

If you have the space to chill them in a single layer, go ahead and put them in the fridge as is. Otherwise, but a second piece of parchment over the top of the caramel and stack them in the refrigerator.

You want to let them chill for at least an hour, maybe a little bit longer if you have them stacked. Then, they are ready to use.

However, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a month. That way, you can make caramel apples as the craving hits.

Making Caramel Apples

Wash your apples well. If they are store bought apples, you may want to wash them in warm water with a little mild dish soap.

That will help to remove any waxy coating on the outside of the apples and ensure better adhesion of the caramel.

Make sure your apples are good and dry. Then place an apple in the center of a caramel circle.

Gently wrap the caramel around the apple. It may feel stiff at first but should bend as it comes in contact with the heat of your hands.

Use the heel of your hand to help smooth the caramel around the apple. Again, your body heat should be enough to smooth it.

Just be patient and smooth it to your liking.

You can add any toppings you like from there. Either roll the caramel in chopped nuts or melted chocolate (or both!)

Or you can drizzle melted chocolate over the apples if you want.

We chose to go with pure caramel apple goodness this time. Though there are a lot of fun ways you can dress them up if you want.

More Great Apple Recipes:

If you have a bushel of apples to use, my great grandma’s apple pie is a wonderful option. There is a reason we still love that recipe after all of these years.

We also like apple custard pie for something different. Or try caramel apple popcorn balls for a different twist on two fall classics.

Check out my collection of apple recipes for more tasty inspiration.