14 Creative Toppings For Caramel Apples

The fall season brings a slew of delicious treats to our tables, ranging from decadent apple pies to warm and comforting pumpkin and lentil soup. But one of our all-time favorite treats of the season is caramel apples. It all starts with the fruity base autumn is known for — bonus points if you know it's recently been picked fresh. Cover it in a rich and luscious sticky caramel sauce, and you turn that basic piece of fruit into an unforgettable dessert.

What really makes a caramel apple shine, though, is the toppings. Not only can toppings add another new texture to the mix, but they can also change up the flavor profile, either offering even more sweetness to the snack or introducing just the right amount of saltiness to balance things out. That's why we've compiled this list of the most creative toppings to add to your caramel apples. Whether you're making an entire caramel apple on a stick or you just want to dip slices of apples into different accoutrements, these ideas will have you covered.

Sure, plenty of caramel apples come covered in a slew of chocolate, but what if you're looking for a subtler flavor profile? That's when you need to pull out the toasted coconut. It's a really delicious addition to your caramel apples because not only are you getting more fruitiness in the dessert, but you're also adding an interesting, toasty complexity to the apple. Yes, you could always use plain shredded coconut, as you'll see in other caramel apple recipes, but that toasted flavor feels cozy and decadent.

But you don't have to stick with toasted coconut alone. If you want to elevate your caramel apple even more, consider adding some white chocolate too. These flavors also pair well together and taste amazing alongside that sticky caramel. You can either drizzle some over top or include white chocolate chips on the exterior of the apple. Or, you can opt for a Samoa-style caramel apple with a drizzle of milk chocolate instead. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate toasted coconut into your caramel apple recipe, you're in for a treat.

Salted caramel has been all over the past few years. We even have our own recipe to make delicious salted caramel sauce. If you've had salted caramel before, then you probably understand the appeal: When you bring the sweetness of caramel together with a salty element, the caramel tastes even better, richer, and more intense, while also cutting down on its intense sweetness. So, you can see why salted peanuts are such an ideal, creative pairing. Yes, you're getting that nice crunch of peanuts, but their saltiness steals the show. Although you can technically use unsalted peanuts if you don't like the combination of sweet and salty foods together, we prefer to embrace this treat as a swalty snack.

Plus, peanuts have a pretty strong flavor on their own, which goes well with both caramel and apple. And since many caramel apple recipes call for nuts, this addition just makes sense. For the best results, chop your nuts quite finely. After all, you don't want them falling off of your apples because they're too big to hang on tight.

Want to add some color to your caramel apples? Then there's one candy you absolutely have to get your hands on: mini M&M's. You could use larger M&M's, but we think the mini ones are better because they're not as heavy; therefore, they'll stay attached to the caramel more easily, and also because they provide just the right amount of chocolate in every bite. For an even more creative touch, you can use other (larger) types of flavored M&M's by crushing them and then rolling the caramel apple in the crumbs. You don't want the candy to be the star of the show, after all. This way, you get a tiny dose of chocolatey flavor, which doesn't compete with the other elements of the dessert. And all of those colors mixed together make for an undeniably appealing treat.

You get a little taste of chocolate and an added layer of crunch with this kind of candy. Even though the coating on M&M's Minis is thin, it still has a slight crispness that can instantly make your caramel apple more interesting.

It's not every day that you see cereal on caramel apples. It may not be the most conventional of toppings, but it's one that adds a lot of texture to your dessert, all while delivering a burst of flavor as well. If you're trying to double down on the fruitiness in your caramel apples, then sprinkling Fruity Pebbles cereal (or similar types of fruity cereal) on top can make for a really interesting twist. Yes, you'll get that artificial fruity flavor, along with a sugary intensity that makes this treat feel even more indulgent. But you also get a lovely crisp that pairs well with the rich creaminess of the caramel itself. The crispiness pairs exceptionally well with the silky, almost velvety texture of the caramel glaze, creating a dynamic texture.

You can keep the cereal pieces larger and more intact if you want the cereal to appear more obvious. But if you're trying to capture that fruitiness and a bold, bright color, then you can crush the cereal to create a colorful, fruity-flavored dust instead. Either way, it'll make one of the most creative caramel apples you've ever had.

If you want a different M&M's flavor profile on your caramel apples, look no further than Reese's Pieces. It's not a caramel apple candy topping you see every day, but it is an especially perfect candy for the season because it kind of leans into those fall colors. Not only that, but it packs a similar cocoa-flavored punch to M&M's along with a peanut butter touch that instantly adds complexity to the equation. That note of peanut butter creates a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the caramel, and we already know that you get a tasty flavor combo from apples and peanut butter — there's a reason the combo is a classic snack. To round things out, you also get a subtle crunch from the presence of that candy coating.

Keep the Reese's Pieces whole if you're looking for a more put-together look. However, if you don't want to contend with those larger chunks of candy, crush them instead. This will leave you with a more jagged and varied texture, which can play beautifully with that signature caramel creaminess. For caramel apple lovers who are also fans of Reese's candies, there's nothing better.

There are many candy-forward options on this list, but what about when you're looking for something less chocolatey but that delivers lots of texture? Granola might just be the perfect topping for you, even if it's not the most conventional caramel apple topping. Since apples are sweet on their own and that sweetness is only enhanced by a thick layer of caramel, you may not want to add a ton of additional sweetness to the mix. Although some granola is slightly sweet, most of it isn't overwhelmingly so, meaning that you get a more balanced overall flavor for your dessert this way. For an even more creative touch, you can also choose flavored granolas if you want to introduce even more depth and interest to the dish.

The real appeal of granola as a topping for your caramel apples, though, is the crunch. You're not going to find many ingredients that offer the same level of crunch as granola does, which is why it's a top choice for those who are really prioritizing texture above all else. Just make sure that you break down big chunks of granola — it'll be way easier to attack a caramel apple that has small, crumb-like pieces spread across its surface rather than intimidating chunks.

We've already introduced the creative idea of incorporating fruit into your caramel apple recipe, but no, Fruity Pebbles isn't the only cereal you can use. When you want something that leans into those warming, cozy flavors, Cinnamon Toast Crunch should be at the top of your list. Of course, this cereal has an intense cinnamon flavor and a decent dose of sweetness. Since apple and cinnamon are such a typical flavor combo — especially during the fall months — it makes sense that they would work well together here too. Crushing the Cinnamon Toast Crunch ensures that you get an even coating on the caramel apple and that none of the cereal falls off, all while delivering more uniform crunchiness throughout the treat.

Just keep in mind that you're working with a lot of sweetness here: sweet fruit, but that layer of caramel on top is generally quite sugary. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is coated with crunchy sugar granules, which not only adds to that sweetness but also provides a novel textural element in the dessert — you're not going to get this quality from most other types of cereal. When you bring these flavor and textural elements together, you get a delightful, creative, and unexpected treat.

Sometimes, toppings aren't about flavor at all but rather just play an aesthetic function, and that's obviously the case when it comes to sprinkles in just about any dish. But that's why we love sprinkles so much: They're there just to make us happy, and that's a reason to celebrate. And even though you might think of caramel apples as the kind of food that has a more neutral, earthy color palette, that doesn't mean you can't layer on the sprinkles for a creative touch. In some cases, sprinkles might even provide a touch of crunch. You can specifically seek out crunchy sprinkles to make every bite even more impactful.

Of course, there are so many different types of sprinkles out there, so you can go with the typical, bright, multicolored variety or stick with earth tones, like browns, that may better match the tone of the apple and caramel. Even though these tones may not be as common, we think they offer a beautiful, sophisticated touch to caramel apples. When you really want to lean into the creativity and novelty even more, consider using glitter sprinkles for caramel apples that shine and shimmer.

For fruit lovers, there's arguably no better caramel apple topping than dried fruit. Raisins, craisins, and dried cherries are good options if you want a chewier consistency, and you can even chop up dates and add pieces of them to the outside of your caramel apples if you want to take an even more creative direction. 

But you can always go a crunchier route by using freeze-dried fruit like strawberries or blueberries. In the case of the latter, you'll want to break down the freeze-dried fruit until you have crumbs that are fine enough to create a coating on top of that caramel layer. For an even sweeter touch, you can also use candied fruit, like candied orange peel, for an extra pop of boldness.

Enjoy dried fruit on your caramel apple all on its own, or pair it with other treats to create even more interesting, complex flavors. Nuts can add a bit of extra crunch to the equation, which is especially tasty when paired with chewy dried fruits. Chocolate or white chocolate, on the other hand, may be a solid accompaniment to freeze-dried fruit to temper those tart, fruitier flavors.

We've discussed a lot of crunchy toppings for your caramel apples, but what about softer, chewier ones? You can't go wrong with mini marshmallows when you want a texture that creates an interesting contrast with the juicy crunchiness of apples. Their pillowy and soft texture is responsible for their true appeal. Use the smallest variety you can find so they more easily stay affixed to the caramel. Don't worry — there are plenty of great marshmallow brands to try. And although standard, unflavored marshmallows are a relatively common addition to caramel apples, you can get even more creative by using different flavored varieties. Fruity marshmallows in flavors like strawberry, orange, and lime can lean into the fruity base of this dessert and create an even more decadent treat.

For another creative application, try melting the marshmallows down into the glaze instead of attaching them to the caramel; this steps up the sweetness ante even more. It doesn't offer the same exciting texture, but it still gives you an extra sweet, marshmallow-forward flavor and can also be a nice touch if you're tired of plain caramel sauce.

Not everyone can get down with gummy bears on caramel apples. After all, this isn't exactly the most conventional topping out there. But it's one that's undeniably colorful, and that's why we're such big fans of it. Not only do gummy bears come with a sweet, fruity flavor, but they also have that squishy, bouncy texture to them that makes them so fun to eat and sets them apart from most other caramel apple toppings you'll find out there. Pair that with the crunch of an apple and the silky creaminess of caramel sauce, and you have an unforgettable dessert. Plus, this gives you a lighter caramel apple option that doesn't depend on richer, more chocolate-forward flavors so heavily.

Caramel apples are all about having a good time — they're kind of a silly, impractical food, and that's exactly why we love them. Gummy bears fit into the same category. Combining two desserts that are downright delightful on their own is bound to result in something magical. Make this style of caramel apple for the kids in your life if you want to put a smile on their faces.

Nearly any dessert tastes better if you sprinkle crushed Oreos on top. Caramel apples certainly aren't an exception. This ingredient brings a bit of the chocolate-forward flavor you may want in your dessert but without requiring you to melt any chocolate (and without chocolate becoming the focus of the whole treat). Those plain, cocoa-flavored cookies are sweet, yes, but they also have a slight bitterness to them, which creates a bit of balance with the sweetness of the caramel sauce. Then, you have the Oreo filling, which just adds to that sweetness even more. But why settle with a basic dusting of Oreos? Switch things up even more by using a different Oreo flavor than the original. Toffee Crunch Oreos are a great option if you're looking for more depth of flavor, while Golden Oreos are better suited to a lighter profile. Even Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Oreos can offer a delightful nuttiness.

Like with most caramel apple toppings, you can opt for a chunkier or finer sprinkle, depending on what kind of texture you're going for. Don't want a lot of crunchiness and prefer to focus on the flavor of the Oreos instead? Then crush your Oreos into a fine dust to create a coating on the outside of the apple. On the other hand, when you may want to retain more of that crunch, use larger pieces of cookies for a more recognizable topping.

When we introduced the idea of topping your caramel apples with salted peanuts, we highlighted the gloriousness of a salty and sweet flavor combo. However, not everyone likes the flavor of peanuts, and not everyone can have nuts in general. If you're still trying to capture those sweet and salty flavors in a single snack (and are craving an even better crunch), topping your caramel apples with crushed pretzels is the way to go. Pretzels have a neutral flavor, so they're not going to clash with any other toppings or ingredients you're working with, and depending on the type you use, they can offer an especially bold crunch. It's a creative way to add both texture and saltiness to your caramel apples, which creates the kind of contrast that really elevates the treat.

Saltiness is pretzels' greatest trait, though, and that's how they transform your caramel apples. This is absolutely not the time or place to be using unsalted pretzels. If you don't feel like committing to entire caramel apples (after all, they can be huge once you've finished layering all the toppings on), you can also try making caramel apple pretzel bites. This option offers the same textural and flavor experience in a toothpickable bite.

Of course, you can choose from so many different kinds of nuts to use as toppings, and seeing nut-covered caramel apples isn't unusual. But there are some nuts that may seem too large or crunchy to include on your caramel apples at first glance. For example, maybe you like the flavor of almonds but don't want to have to chomp on whole almonds attached to your treat, where they'll ruin the texture of the overall dessert. Going for chopped nuts is an option, of course, but they're not a super creative addition to caramel apples. However, slivered almonds feel more unique and elevated in this context. They may not be as crunchy as their whole, intact counterparts, but they have a sort of snappy creaminess that creates a whole new textural experience that you don't often find at places selling caramel apples.

The almonds' flavor is subtle enough that it won't compete with the caramel, letting that glaze shine through as the most important ingredient. Whether you want a topping that just makes for a really beautiful caramel apple or you're on the hunt for a more understated flavor, slivered almonds should be on your must-try toppings list.