Learn how to make delicious candy apples on a stick – ie., my famous caramel apple lollipops! These caramel apple pops are perfect for fall and you can customize with the toppings of your choice.

One of my favorite Halloween desserts to eat growing up was candy apples. I really didn’t care what kind of candy was used. I wanted them all. So it was natural for me to whip up these caramel apple lollipops!
Candy Apple Lollipops
These candy apple lollipops are great for portion control if you want a sweet fall dessert recipe, but don’t want to commit to a big baking production. This apple recipe is also perfect for little hands to hold.
They aren’t as overwhelmingly sweet as a typical candy apple, either. I think the size of these caramel apple pops is just perfect.
Before we dive into the caramel apple pops, I wanted to answer a few questions I get asked frequently about this recipe. If you want to read them, keep going – otherwise scroll down to get the recipe card.
Types of Apples to Use
There are so many varieties of apples that I’ve been asked more than a few times which type would be best for these caramel apple lollipops. I like an apple that compliments the caramel and chocolate versus competes with it.
I believe that Fujis or Galas have that perfect firm crunch that I look for in my apples. The Fujis are somewhat tart and the Galas are somewhat sweet.
I like Jazz apples too – they are crunchy and sweet. They are a cross breed of apple that I just don’t see that often.
As far as Granny Smith – that’s mouth puckering to me. But if you like cheek squeezing-ly tart, go for the Grannys!

Keeping Apples from Browning
One thing I recommend doing is taking preventative measures to keep your apples from browning.
No one wants to eat a caramel apple pop with brown around the edges, especially if these are for a party.
First of all, you need to cut your apples with a sharp knife. This does less damage to the apple cells (getting scientific here) and the longer your apples will stay true to their color. Then, you can also choose one of these options:
- Brush the slices in lemon or orange juice. Anything with citric acid will slow the reaction
- Soak in salt water (Monica of The Yummy Life suggests soaking in a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt per quart of water, for about 3 – 5 minutes)
- Soak in ginger ale or Sprite – or another soda with citric acid
Any of these methods will make your apple pops last for several hours; long enough to keep looking attractive on the table at a Halloween shindig.
Are you ready to get the recipe for these caramel apple lollipops? Keep reading!
Caramel Apple Pops
Ingredients
- Apple(s)
- Lollipop sticks
- Caramels (you can also use our salted caramel sauce)
- Sprinkles
- Milk chocolate chips or chunks
- Candy corn (optional/use any topping you’d like)
Directions

Wash and dry your apples. Take a sharp knife and cut it into halves, stem side up. Using a melon baller, scoop out the seeds and harsh flesh from the middle of each apple half.

Take a handful of the caramel candies and place in a microwaveable bowl. Add 1 tsp of water and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Stir really well and with a teaspoon, scoop some caramel into the center of each apple half. Place your caramel apple lollipops in the refrigerator for about five minutes, or until the caramel hardens.
Add about a cup of chocolate chips or chunks into a microwaveable bowl and heat for about 60 seconds, stirring once 30 seconds in.
Dip the apples into the chocolate and then coat with your topping of choice. The colorful sprinkles are perfect for kids!
Place the caramel apple pops on wax paper to cool. Puncture each one with a lollipop stick and refrigerate for about 5 minutes or until chocolate hardens. Then remove and enjoy!
Caramel Apple Pops

Learn how to make delicious candy apples on a stick. These caramel apple pops are perfect for fall and you can customize with the toppings of your choice!
Ingredients
- 4 apple(s)
- 6 caramels
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Wash and dry your apples. Take a sharp knife and cut it into halves, stem side up. Using a melon baller, scoop out the seeds and harsh flesh from the middle of each apple half.
- Take a handful of the caramel candies and place in a microwaveable bowl. Add 1 tsp of water and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir really well and with a teaspoon, scoop some caramel into the center of each apple half. Place the apples in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes until caramel hardens.
- Add about a cup of chocolate chips into a microwaveable bowl and heat for about 60 seconds, stirring once 30 seconds in. Dip the apples into the chocolate and then coat with your topping of choice.
- Place the caramel apple pops on wax paper to cool. Puncture each one with a lollipop stick and refrigerate for about 5 minutes or until chocolate hardens. Then remove and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition facts are calculated for ingredients shown. Any optional toppings you add will need to be added to the calculation.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 snackAmount Per Serving: Calories: 174Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 30gProtein: 1g
The only thing I would do differently next time is add the sticks into the apple after I scoop out the middle, and then fill in with the caramel.
That way it’s easier to insert the stick and the caramel will stay in better. Either way, it’s all gooey and delicious!
If you enjoyed this fall treat, you might enjoy these other desserts that are perfect for autumn:
Photography by Patty from The PKP Way
Dian57
Friday 31st of August 2018
Looks great. May I suggest you dip the cut apples in some diluted lemon juice to keep them from browning too quickly?
Paige
Sunday 18th of October 2015
Oh yum! These apples look amazing!
Paige https://www.thehappyflammily.com/