I only recently became a caramel apple fan. My husband grew up eating caramel and candy apples so I thought I’d create a caramel apple gift of sorts. Even a sweet twist on the old apple for the teacher. I’ve always found caramel apples difficult to eat so I thought that slicing the apple then dipping in the caramel would be much easier. It worked well.
This makes a great gift or favor because you unwrap the caramels, melt them in the jar in a microwave, then dip and coat with Reese’s pieces. I thought fall candies would be the best choice and then I remembered how much my Mom loved to dip apple slices in peanut butter. That’s why the Reese’s pieces. Certainly if there is a peanut allergy concern, choose another fall candy like the autumn mix of M&M’s.
Granny Smith apples are a favorite in my house so that is what I used. Honey crisp, Jongold or any other eating variety that you enjoy. I wanted a glass jar that was large enough to hold the candies and caramels so I went with the Ball Jars in the half pint or 8 ounce size.
A fun idea to share with others to celebrate #appleweek!
Ingredients
- For each gift:
- 12 wrapped caramels
- 1/4 cup Reese's pieces or other similar candies
- 1 apple
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 8 ounce canning jar, washed and dried
- Lollipop sticks
Instructions
- To assemble gift:
- Place candies in bottom of jar. Top with 12 wrapped caramels and seal. Place apple on top of jar and tie with ribbon, twine, raffia or similar.
- To make caramel apple:
- Remove caramels from jar and unwrap. Remove candies from jar and place in lid. Place caramels back into jar with 1 teaspoon water and microwave for 30 seconds. Remove jar from microwave and stir caramel. Microwave in 15 - 20 second increments until melted and smooth. Gently remove jar from microwave as it will be hot.
- Core and slice apple. If you have a tool, use it so slices are uniform. In the end of each apple slice, gently press a lollipop stick into one end of each slice. I used the tine of a fork to start the hole for the lollipop stick. Gently dip each slice into the caramel (or spoon caramel over slice) and roll in candies or press candies onto caramel.
- Enjoy!
Monday: Appetizers and Drinks
Apple Pie Martini by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
Apple Pie Smoothie by Feeding Big
Caramel Apple Float by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Caramel Apple Martini by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Caramel Appletini by The Speckled Palate
Hot and Boozy Caramel Apple Cider by Love My Messy Messy Mess
Hot Fireball Apple Cider by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Mulled Apple Shrub Mule by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Pumpkin Spice Crockpot Apple Sauce by I Say Nomato
Red Hot Apple Cider by New South Charm
Roasted Apple and Acorn Squash Soup by Caroline’s Cooking
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Tuesday: Main Dishes and Sides
Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries by Feeding Big
Chopped Apple Salad by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Fall Apples Become Yummy Applesauce for the Year by Crafty Mama in ME
Harvest Brats with Apple Slaw by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
Sausage Stuffed Apples by A Palatable Pastime
Sage Pork Chops with Apple Pan Gravy by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
Scalloped Apples Casserole by Red Cottage Chronicles
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork by Cooking With Carlee
Southern Style Fried Apples by New South Charm
Wednesday: Sweet Treats
Apple and Nut Drop Cookies by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Apple Brown Betty by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread by Feeding Big
Apple Dumplings by A Palatable Pastime
Apple Oatmeal Cookies by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Apple Pie & Cinnamon Things by Crafty Mama in ME
Apple Pie in a Jar by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Baked Apples with Chocolate and Caramel by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Brown Butter Apples by Cricket’s Confections
Mini Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
Nana’s Apple Pie by The Crumby Cupcake
Sparkling Cider Pound Cake by Family Around The Table
Thursday: Apple Projects
Apple Bacon Jam by Caroline’s Cooking
Friday: Anything Apple Goes
1 Minute Caramel Apple Dip by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
Apple Cinnamon Shortcakes by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Apple Fritters by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Apple Pie Skillet by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Caramelized Apple and Bacon Jam Crostini by Caroline’s Cooking
Creamy Peanut Butter Apple Dip by New South Charm
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Apple and Peppered Bacon by Feeding Big
Smoky Apple Pulled Pork by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
What a cute teacher’s gift or fall party favor! I know I would love to have one!
What a cute idea 🙂 Candy coated sunflower seeds would be fun too.
Yes they would!
Oh mylanta! I love this! how fun! Thanks for sharing at Country Fair Blog Party!
This is such a cute idea! I When I was working as a teachers aide at the school, I was lucky enough to receive such a little thoughtful gift, just like this one, it had nuts instead of candy, and it was so good! Thanks for sharing with us at The Wednesday Showcase!