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14 Best Caramel Apple Toppings for the Ultimate Fall Dessert

Sprinkles, marshmallows, and cookie crumbs are just the beginning!

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candy coated caramel apples on a white plate
The Pioneer Woman

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This spooky season, there's more than just Halloween candy to satisfy your sweet tooth! Caramel apples are a delicious way to celebrate autumn and use up all those fresh-picked apples from your latest orchard trip. Instead of simply dipping apples into glossy golden caramel, why not level up your Halloween dessert by rolling them in crushed candies, chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, and other tasty toppings? Ahead, discover the best caramel apple toppings to make your fall treats stand out.

Even Ree Drummond loves to get creative with this apple dessert. "The great thing about caramel apples is that the possibilities are endless," she says. "Whether you leave the caramel plain and glossy and beautiful or decorate it with everything you can get your hands on, the end result is always individual and special."

Want something festive and colorful? Sprinkles can be customized to match holidays, birthdays, or even your favorite football team's colors. Chocolate dessert lovers might go straight for Ree's crushed cookie-covered caramel apples. And don't stop there—you can turn an apple into a tasty chocolate and peanut butter dessert by mixing toppings and crushing up Reese's. You might consider mini marshmallows sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist, or popcorn paired with M&M’s for a movie-night-themed treat. Making these apple desserts is a fun fall activity the kids will love, and the finished products are perfect for serving at parties or wrapping in cellophane as thoughtful gifts.

For more sweet ways to celebrate spooky season:

1

Crushed Chocolate Cookies

caramel apple toppings crushed chocolate cookies
CORAL VON ZUMWALT

Double the crunch of your caramel apple with a coating of crushed chocolate cookies! Ree's cookie-coated caramel apple recipe is chocolatey and customizable, as you can choose your favorite cookie to use like chocolate wafer cookies, Oreos, or fudge stripes.

SHOP WOODEN STICKS

2

M&M's

caramel apple toppings m and ms
The Pioneer Woman

For a rainbow candy-coated treat, try your hand at these caramel apples studded with a rainbow of M&M's. It's the perfect way to add color to your Halloween sweets spread.

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3

Pretzels

caramel apple toppings pretzels
The Pioneer Woman

If classic candy apples are too sweet for your taste, you'll love this salty take on it using crushed pretzel pieces. To take things to the next level, you can even add mini chocolate chips or a chocolate drizzle for a little chocolate-covered pretzel action.

4

Salt

caramel apple toppings salt
The Pioneer Woman

If you want to keep things simple, just add a sprinkle of kosher salt. It's Ree's favorite!

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5

Marshmallows

marshmallow topping and chocolate covered apple
Imagesbybarbara//Getty Images

Whether or not you cover the caramel apples in chocolate, mini marshmallows are a delicious addition! Try a combination of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs for a play on a s'mores dessert.

SHOP MARSHMALLOWS

6

Graham Cracker Crumbs and White Chocolate

dessert shaped like an apple with a caramel topping and a stick
Courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything

Give caramel apples a cozy, pie-inspired twist by dipping themi in white chocolate and rolling them in crushed graham cracker crumbs. Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth!

Get the Apple Pie Caramel Apple recipe at The Girl Who Ate Everything.

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7

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy

peanut butter cups yum
jjpoole//Getty Images

Combine two beloved treats by first spreading a thin layer of creamy peanut butter over your caramel apples, then coating them with chopped peanut butter cups. Finish with a chocolate drizzle for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat!

8

Nuts

single candy apple on parchment paper with defocused candy apples in background
CatLane//Getty Images

Use any kind of chopped nuts you like best (or whatever you have handy in your pantry!). Chopped peanuts, slivered almonds, or even pistachios would add nutty flavor and crunch.

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9

Popcorn

classic sweet popcorn in a white bowl, white marble background, copy space
vaaseenaa//Getty Images

You'll want to put on your favorite movie for this fun idea! The classic movie theater snack adds salty, buttery flavor and crunch to sweet caramel apples.

10

Pumpkin Pie Spice

caramel apple toppings pumpkin pie spice
Maria Lichty

A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice mixed into your caramel will get this treat even more autumnal flavor. The warm seasoning blend can be found at most grocery stores or you can make your own with our pumpkin pie spice recipe.

SHOP SPICE JARS

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11

Toasted Coconut Flakes

toasted crispy coconut flake in glass bowl on marble background
Premyuda Yospim//Getty Images

These toasted coconut flakes will give your caramel apples a hint of tropical flavor. You can also used shredded coconut if you prefer!

12

Sprinkles

hand dipped caramel apple covered with multi color sprinkles
arinahabich//Getty Images

You can't go wrong with sprinkles! Rainbow sprinkles are. great for birthdays, but you can use any colors you want depending on the occasion. These harvest-inspired sprinkles are perfect for fall!

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13

Chocolate Drizzle

caramel apple toppings chocolate drizzle
og-vision//Getty Images

This simple topping is perfect for chocolate lovers! Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate, then melt it and drizzle right over the apples! Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect—it’ll taste delicious no matter what!

14

Candy Corn

bowl of halloween candy corns with jack o lanterns and spider decoration on rustic wood table
mphillips007//Getty Images

This is the easiest way to dress your caramel apples up for Halloween! Just be careful not to add too many pieces as they could weigh down the caramel.

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