Caramel apples are a sweet delicacy that we love to prepare at home or bring back from the fair when it’s Halloween. But when it’s caramel apple season, you might be wondering how to store caramel apples.
These tasty, sugary treats need to be stored correctly, or else they can cause you to have an upset stomach! You really don’t want this to occur when you’re supposed to be out trick or treating, so learning the best way to store caramel apples is essential!
In this article, we’ll explain the best ways to store caramel apples for fresher, longer-lasting sweet treats.
What are caramel apples?
Caramel apples are a deliciously sweet treat. Caramel apples are essentially just an apple that’s been dipped in hot caramel sauce, left to cool down, and then placed in the refrigerator to set. It’s crunchy, it’s sweet, it’s sugary, and it’s delicious. Caramel apples are usually placed on short sticks, and they can be coated in extra sugar and different toppings.
It’s a great Halloween or Thanksgiving special, and it’s super simple to prepare them at home. Around the world, caramel apples are also known as Toffee Apples (in the United Kingdom), Love Apples (in Brazil), and Glasierter Apfels (in Germany).
Because of their thick caramel coating, caramel apples can last a surprisingly long time before they go off. However, when they do go off, they have the potential to cause a very upset stomach!
How long do caramel apples last?
Caramel apples are great, and not just because of their sticky, sweet taste and texture. Caramel apples are actually remarkably well-preserved, and they’ll last longer than your average store-bought apple that hasn’t been caramelized.
At room temperature, caramel apples can stay fresh for up to two weeks - but they need to be stored correctly, not kept out on the counter in the sun!
Caramel apples can keep up to three weeks, but only if they are kept in chilled conditions. We highly recommend storing caramel apples in the fridge if you want them to stay fresh for longer.
How to store caramel apples?
Do caramel apples need to be refrigerated, or can they just be kept at room temperature? It’s an important question, because bad apples start to grow harmful molds and bacteria that can seriously upset our stomachs.
Should apples be refrigerated? Ideally, yes. They should be stored in the refrigerator. This avoids any unwanted growths while also keeping them fresh and chilled for longer. If you’re storing your caramel apples in the fridge, then make sure you place them into an airtight container or a ziplock bag. This helps to keep in even more freshness!
However, caramel apples can be stored at room temperature, but only in the right conditions. If you don’t have space in the fridge, then make sure you’ve wrapped your caramels up tightly in a ziplock bag or an airtight container to keep them fresh. Once stowed away, make sure your caramel apples are stored in a cool, dry place.
You must be mindful to keep your caramel apple away from direct sunlight, and away from any sources of heat (don’t store them next to the oven!). A pantry is the ideal room temperature location for storing caramel apples.
Can you freeze caramel apples?
Caramel apples shouldn’t be frozen, as they really don’t hold up well in the freezer.
We don’t recommend this method, as the apples can break down when thawed and become super soggy!
They are much, much fresher when kept in the refrigerator. If you have no other option but to freeze, then make sure you place the caramel apples into an airtight container or ziplock bag.
They’ll keep for 6 months in the freezer. When thawing, make sure you thaw them naturally on the side. This way, they won’t be quite so soggy as if you defrosted them in the microwave.
How can I make caramel apples last longer?
If you’re looking to make your caramel apples last longer, then there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make this happen.
The freshest caramel apples are homemade, so try to take the time to prepare them yourself, rather than purchasing ready-made caramel apples.
Caramel is a natural preservative, so be liberal when applying your caramel to the apples. Again, you can also prepare your own caramel sauce at home.
Don’t peel the skin (you won’t need an apple peeler for this recipe). Remove the skin from the apple, and it starts to break down quickly and become soggy.
How long does homemade caramel last?
If you’ve made too much caramel sauce, you might be wondering how long this lasts. Caramel sauce lasts for at least two weeks if it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It can also be stored for several months in the freezer!
How do you know if caramel apples are bad?
Caramel apples that have turned bad can show a number of signs of growth, molds, or bacteria on the outside. Throw these apples into the compost immediately.
Caramel apples might also be brown on the inside, but look okay on the outside. If you’re in doubt, cut the apple in half to see if there is discoloration on the inside.
How to store caramel apples: the last bite
How long are caramel apples good for? That depends on how you’re storing them! Prolong the shelf life of your sweet candy treats by keeping them sealed in airtight containers or wrapped up tightly in ziplock bags - and keep them refrigerated!
Caramel apples in the fridge can last for up to three weeks, ensuring that you can enjoy their sweet deliciousness for weeks to come. Remember, once a caramel apple has gone off, it can make you or your kids very ill, so if you are in doubt, throw a bad apple into the bin rather than risking it.
If you’re preparing caramel apples, then why not bookmark our guide to storing them at home?