8 Tips for an Awesome Caramel Apple Bar!

8 tips for creating a simple and classy Caramel Apple Bar for your next party, bridal or baby shower, or family/friend gathering. 

HOW TO CREATE A SIMPLE CARAMEL APPLE BAR

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 we needed to have a caramel apple bar for dessert.

Because what says Fall more than caramel apples? Especially with the most amazing homemade caramel dip. 

8 TIPS FOR A DELICIOUS CARAMEL APPLE BAR

1. Use a variety of apples.

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

For green apples, I’d recommend Granny Smith. 

Tip: While whole caramel apples are super fancy, they aren’t very practical to eat in my opinion. So instead, I set out apples,  the best caramel apple dip  (that doesn’t have to be kept warm!) and a variety of toppings.

2. Use a soft caramel dip that doesn’t need to be reheated.

My sister-in-law introduced us to the BEST caramel apple dip a few years ago and we’ve never looked back since. I hesitate to claim something as THE BEST and have only done a few times (like the BEST chocolate chip cookie bars and the BEST chocolate cake), but I will most certainly claim that this caramel apple dip is the very best.

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. Grab the recipe for The Best Caramel Apple Dip here.

3. Don’t forget an apple cutter. 

Be sure to set out an apple cutter which will allow guests to choose their apple and cut it when they are ready so that the apples don’t brown.

I use and love an Ikea Apple Cutter, but I have my eyes set on this thin apple slicer because it can cut thinner slices.

4. Choose a variety of toppings. 

Set out plenty of different toppings. Our favorites included: 

• 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.

6. Put all toppings in clear glass jars. 

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.

You can find cheap jars at IKEA or the dollar spot at Target.

 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. Add some simple decorations.

Now that you’ve got the caramel apple bar figured out, here comes the fun part: styling!

Grab some burlap from your favorite fabric store to make a simple runner or use it to cut triangles to make a banner.

There you have it! A simple and adorable caramel apple bar!

…

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

*I am very picky when it comes to buying party supplies. I look for things that are basic and classic, so that I can reuse them again and again. Occasionally I will buy party-specific items, but most of the time, you will see my party supplies in other posts because I don’t like storing too much, nor do I have an never-ending party budget.