National Caramel Apple Day is celebrated every year on October 31st, sharing the calendar with Halloween and honoring one of autumn’s most beloved treats: a crisp apple coated in rich, gooey caramel.
History of the Caramel Apple
A popular origin story credits a Kraft Foods employee, often named as Dan Walker (though some sources say Fred W. Sanders), with inventing the caramel apple in the 1950s after melting down leftover Halloween caramels and dipping apples into the mixture. It’s a tidy, often-repeated story, but newspaper archives tell a more complicated tale. Advertisements from Illinois newspapers show caramel and taffy apples being sold commercially as early as 1923, decades before the Kraft story supposedly took place, suggesting the treat’s true origins are older and less documented than the popular legend suggests.
What is clear is that caramel apples became closely associated with fall and Halloween throughout the 20th century, growing into a seasonal staple at fairs, carnivals, and trick-or-treat celebrations. The exact origin of National Caramel Apple Day as an observance is also undocumented, with no clear founder or sponsoring organization on record, though it has been recognized on food holiday calendars for decades.
Simple Homemade Caramel Apple Recipe
Ingredients (makes 6 apples):
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith works well for a tart contrast)
- 6 wooden sticks or skewers
- 14 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles
Instructions:
- Wash and thoroughly dry apples, removing any waxy coating so the caramel sticks properly.
- Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple where the stem was.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Dip each apple into the melted caramel, turning to coat evenly, and let excess drip off.
- If using toppings, roll the coated apple in nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles immediately.
- Place apples on parchment paper and refrigerate until the caramel sets, about 30 minutes.
Fun Facts About Caramel Apples
- Newspaper advertisements show caramel and taffy apples being sold commercially as early as 1923, well before the popular 1950s Kraft origin story.
- Caramel apples are sometimes called “taffy apples,” and historically, that name was actually more commonly used in early 20th century newspapers.
- Tart apple varieties, like Granny Smith, are popular choices since their acidity balances the sweetness of the caramel coating.
- Removing the natural wax coating from apples helps caramel adhere better during dipping.
- Caramel apples are often rolled in additional toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate, or crushed candy for extra flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Caramel Apple Day?
National Caramel Apple Day is celebrated annually on October 31st, the same day as Halloween.
Who invented the caramel apple?
A popular story credits a Kraft Foods employee in the 1950s, though newspaper records show caramel apples were already being sold commercially by 1923, suggesting the true origin is older and less documented than the popular legend.
What’s the difference between a caramel apple and a candy apple?
Caramel apples are coated in soft, chewy caramel, while candy apples are coated in a hard, glossy sugar syrup shell, giving each a distinctly different texture.