DIY Caramel Apple Bar Ideas

8 tips for creating an amazing Caramel Apple Bar for your a Fall party, wedding, bridal, or baby shower.

EASY DIY CARAMEL APPLE BAR IDEAS

If you need a really simple and really delicious treat for a Fall party, have a caramel apple bar!

When I planned my sister’s “Fall-en In Love” themed bridal shower, I knew this would be the perfect Fall dessert. 

Because what says Fall more than a diy apple bar? Especially with the most amazing homemade caramel dip. 

DOWNLOAD THE CUTE CARAMEL APPLE BAR KIT HERE 

8 TIPS FOR A DELICIOUS CARAMEL APPLE BAR

1| USE A VARIETY OF APPLES

There are so many delicious varieties of apples.  (That’s why we had an apple tasting party to determine our favorite). 

You may like them sweet, others like them sour.  Pick a variety of apples for your caramel apple bar.

Good red apple varieties include: Pink lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp. Stay away from Red Delicious. They are usually the cheapest, but they get too mushy, in my humble opinion. 

For green apples, I’d recommend Granny Smith. 

2| USE A SOFT CARAMEL DIP (THAT STAYS SOFT)

While whole caramel apples are super fancy, plan on using apple slices for your caramel apple bar. That way, your guests can try all the different toppings! 

There are a million and one caramel dip recipes out there, but this is the absolute best caramel apple dip recipe ever.  

Trust me, I have tried so many recipes and this is hands down, the best one for flavor and softness.  My sister-in-law gave us this recipe and it’s the one I always use. 

It’s easy to make, stays soft in the fridge for weeks, without reheating, making a great dip for your caramel apple bar. And it’s not just tasty for apples. Bananas, oranges, strawberries are delicious dipped, too.

No slow cooker or fondue required to keep this soft! Just pull it out of the fridge before your party and it will be ready to eat! 

Grab the recipe for The Best Caramel Apple Dip here. (Makes an amazing caramel apple appetizer!)

One batch will make 7 cups worth of delicious caramel dip. 

3| USE AN APPLE SLICER

No one likes brown apples!  For this reason, you should set out whole apples and an apple slicer. 

This apple slicer is the perfect since it will cut 16-thin slices.  

Buy my favorite apple slicer here: 

You can also get an inexpensive Ikea apple cutter, but the slices will be bigger if you use that one. 

4| SET OUT A VARIETY OF CARAMEL APPLE BAR TOPPINGS

The sky is the limit when it comes to caramel apple toppings. But these seem to be the most popular:  

• marshmallows
• toffee bits
• chocolate chips
• holiday colored M&Ms
• crushed Oreos
• pretzels
• salted peanuts
• butterscotch chips

The Oreos and crushed toffee bits were the most popular. 

5| LABEL THE TOPPINGS

Some of the toppings you choose to serve may be pretty obvious, but some might not be! Label all your toppings so  your guests will know what they are putting on! Plus, labels add a cute, festive touch.

I made my own labels, but you can grab cute labels ready to print right here. 

6| USE CLEAR JARS FOR TOPPINGS

Speaking of toppings, place them all in clear jars for a a pretty (and practical!) display. Don’t forget to put out spoons for toppings that need a scoop.

I use these little jars all the time for caramel apple bars and other ice cream sundae bars. 

 7| DON’T FORGET THE EXTRAS

Don’t forget to set out small dessert plates, napkins, paper straws for dipping, or forks for your guests to use if they desire.

8| DECORATE & STYLING 

Don’t forget to decorate the area where your bar will be set up.  Grab this complete ready-to-print kit with signs, banner, and topping labels. 

DOWNLOAD THE CUTE CARAMEL APPLE BAR KIT HERE 

These tips will work for a caramel apple bar wedding dessert, bridal shower, or Fall party! 

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PARTY SUPPLY SOURCES

• Banner- Target dollar spot
• Trifle dish- Walmart
• Little jars- Ikea (used here)
• Apothecary jar with lid- Marshalls
• Napkins and plates- Walmart
• Tags- homemade
• Baker’s Twine- Pick Your Plum. com
• Burlap table runner- Target dollar spot