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September always makes me think of apples, and caramel apples have been a favorite fall treat in our family for years.
When my children were younger, I wanted a way to keep the fun tradition of making caramel apples while using some ingredients that were a little closer to what we normally kept in the kitchen.
This version uses coconut oil and gives you the option of using organic whole cane sugar instead of the brown sugar and shortening found in the original recipe. If you use whole cane sugar, the coating won’t be quite the same as traditional caramel, but it still makes a fun fall treat.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy apples this fall, be sure to try my apple cider from apple juice, apple fritters, and easy apple crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Caramel Apples Recipe
- A fun fall tradition: Caramel apples are perfect for apple season and especially fun to make with children.
- Simple ingredients: You only need apples and a handful of ingredients for the homemade coating.
- Easy to customize: Leave them plain or add nuts, melted chocolate, or other favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Apples – Small or medium apples are easiest to coat. Tart varieties such as Granny Smith are especially good with the sweet coating.
- Whole cane sugar or brown sugar – Whole cane sugar can be used for the original healthier variation, while brown sugar gives you a more traditional caramel.
- Milk – Helps create the smooth caramel mixture.
- Coconut oil – Used in place of vegetable shortening.
- Vanilla extract – Adds classic vanilla flavor to the finished coating. It’s so easy to make your own homemade vanilla extract!
How to Make Healthier Caramel Apples
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making these Healthier Caramel Apples:
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Remove the stems from the apples. Insert a wooden popsicle stick into the stem end of each apple.
Step 3: Add the sugar, milk, coconut oil, and salt to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Using the whisk attachment on an electric mixer, beat the caramel mixture on medium speed for about 7 minutes, or until it thickens and loses some of its gloss.
Step 7: Dip each apple into the caramel, turning it to coat the entire surface. Allow the excess caramel to drip back into the pan.
Step 8: Place the dipped apples on the prepared baking sheet and let them set for at least 1 hour before serving.
Step 9: If you have caramel left over, drizzle it over the apples. Add chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
Tips for Making Caramel Apples
- Choose tart apples. Granny Smith apples are a great choice because their tart flavor balances the sweet coating.
- Use smaller apples. They’re easier to dip and give you a better caramel-to-apple ratio.
- Have your apples ready before making the caramel. Once the coating is thick enough, you’ll want to work fairly quickly.
- Add toppings right away. If you’re using chopped nuts, add them while the coating is still soft enough for them to stick.
- Use brown sugar for a more traditional caramel. Whole cane sugar produces a different texture and flavor and won’t give you exactly the same result as classic caramel.
Caramel Apple Topping Ideas
These apples are delicious just as they are, but toppings make them even more fun. Try chopped walnuts, pecans, peanuts, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
You can also set out several toppings and let everyone decorate their own apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
A firm, tart apple works especially well. Granny Smith is a classic choice, but other crisp apple varieties can also be used.
Yes. In fact, brown sugar will give the coating a more traditional caramel flavor and texture.
Whole cane sugar behaves differently from brown sugar, so the finished coating won’t have exactly the same traditional caramel consistency. That’s normal for this variation.
Yes. Chopped nuts and melted chocolate are both great options. Add nuts soon after dipping so they’ll stick to the coating.
Allow them to set for at least 1 hour after dipping.
More Apple Recipes You Might Like
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!
Healthier Caramel Apples
Equipment
- Wooden sticks or real twigs
Ingredients
- 6 small or medium apples
- 6 wooden popsicle sticks
- 2 cups organic whole cane sugar or packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chopped nuts, optional
- Melted chocolate, optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Remove the apple stems and insert a wooden stick into each apple.
- Combine the sugar, milk, coconut oil, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Beat with an electric mixer for about 7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and loses its gloss.
- Dip each apple into the caramel and allow the excess to drip off.
- Place the apples on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add chopped nuts or melted chocolate if desired.
- Allow the apples to set for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Granny Smith or another tart apple works especially well.
- Whole cane sugar produces a different coating than traditional caramel.
- For a more traditional caramel, use packed light brown sugar.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The original recipe came from the lovely cookbook, Farm Fresh Southern Cooking, by Tammy Algood.
These look so delicious, and I love the option of having healthier ingredients. I’m featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things tomorrow. Congrats!
Thank you, Pam!
They sound good, and I love having a healthier alternative.
I love caramel apples. I only indulge every so often.
Thanks for your recipe!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Wow, these look great. Caramel Apples are a sure sign of fall !!! And I love the fact that they are better for us. Looking at the apples in the pantry with new eyes. Thanks for sharing.
My children love these–I need to make them again! If you make them I hope you like them! 🙂
Thanks for post this recipe! I use organic sugar and coconut oil so I will give them a try this way!
Fun!
Deanna
Hope you like them! They are fun and messy to eat. 🙂
Thank you so much for your recipes! I will have to buy some apples this year to make them. It is because our apple orchard doesn't have much apples this year. This month must make a lot of good memories with your kiddo's. [o=
Blessings and ((HUGS)) my SSiC
-Mary
I hope you like them, Mary! I think a lot of apple orchards here were hurt because of the severe drought.
Blessings to you!
Thanks for sharing a 'definitely' more healthy recipe 😉
We LOVE carmel apples~
If you get a chance to try them, I hope you like them! 🙂
Oh! You beat me to this post! I was just about to post a caramel apple blog. I guess if you snooze, you lose 😉 Your apples look great! I love the idea of using real sticks, instead of the popsicle sticks that I used. I'm pinning this on Pinterest 😉 Happy Labor Day!
That's funny, Michelle! I've had that same thing happen to me so many times…I guess there are so many bloggers that we tend to have the same ideas. Go ahead and post yours! I hope you're having a nice Labor Day (it's business as usual, for us)! 🙂