How to Make a Caramel Apple Bar
Love caramel apples but struggle with polishing off a massive treat? Then do I have the answer for you…a caramel apple bar! This self serve apple caramel apple bar lets you pick a much smaller and more manageable amount of apple and cover it with anything your taste buds desire. Even better? It’s perfect for a Fall themed after school snack or for entertaining so you can spend less time stressing about making enough delicious food for your guests and let them be responsible for at least some of the food prep.
Trying to figure out the easiest way to make a caramel apple bar? It’s shockingly simple…but I must tell you that it will get a little bit messy (but in the most delicious way possible, of course). I get as much help as I can from my local grocery store and buy pre-made caramel dipping sauce, as well as toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, gummy worms…it’s a smorgasbord of sweets, really.
I cut up the apples into chunks and place them on blunt sticks (the kind you would use for cake pops work perfectly). Once they are on a stick, I arrange them in a pretty glass jar so they are easy to select. Next, it is time to organize all of the toppings. I like to put each topping in a small bowl and then arrange all of the options on a large, tantalizing platter. Need help brainstorming some toppings?
Sprinkles
Gummy worms
M&Ms
Reese’s pieces
Chopped nuts
Coconut
Colorful frosting
Halloween candies (eyeballs, bugs, etc.)
Skittles
Mini marshmallows
Then comes the messy and yummy fun! Dip the apple into the caramel and cover it with your favorite toppings. I think you get a prettier finished product if you totally submerge your apple stick in one of the topping bowls, but that can prove to be a bit challenging for larger items such as the gummy worms.
The caramel will still be soft and gooey, so I recommend popping your finished product into the fridge or freezer for a couple of minutes so that it can harden and it is a bit cleaner to eat.
Amanda Simkin, a lifelong Chicagoan, created her blog (queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com) to share how she celebrates motherhood in Chicago. She offers “insider’s guides” for both well-known and off-the-beaten-path family-friendly gems. Her fans include Red Tricycle Chicago and Chicago Parent Magazine. You can also follow Amanda on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
