Name: Caramel Apple Grapes
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound seedless green grapes, washed and thoroughly dried; 1/2 cup soft caramel (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup crushed peanuts (or crushed pretzels for nut-free option); Toothpicks

These Caramel Apple Grapes are the perfect bite-sized treat for parties, after-school snacks, or holiday gatherings. I love how they combine the classic flavors of caramel apples in a fun, no-bake, mess-free format that everyone seems to enjoy. Crisp green grapes dipped in soft caramel and rolled in crushed peanuts or pretzels create a sweet-and-salty combo that’s impossible to resist. They’re festive, easy to make, and kid-approved.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound seedless green grapes, washed and thoroughly dried

1/2 cup soft caramel (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup crushed peanuts (or crushed pretzels for nut-free option)

Toothpicks

Directions

I start by inserting a toothpick into the top of each grape and set them aside.

Then I line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.

I warm the caramel just enough to make it dippable—careful not to overheat it.

I dip each grape about 3/4 of the way into the caramel and let the excess drip off.

Then I immediately roll the caramel-coated portion in crushed peanuts or pretzels.

I place them on the prepared tray and repeat the process until all grapes are coated.

Finally, I chill them in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so the caramel sets properly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 30 caramel apple grapes, perfect for a party platter or quick snack.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: About 42 kcal per grape

Variations

I sometimes use red grapes for a slightly sweeter twist.

Crushed graham crackers or mini chocolate chips work well as alternative coatings.

For a gourmet feel, I drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the finished grapes.

A dash of sea salt on top adds a great salty-sweet contrast.

I’ve even experimented with flavored caramels—like maple or cinnamon—for a fall twist.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The caramel holds well once chilled, but I avoid leaving them out too long at room temperature to prevent stickiness. There’s no reheating required since these are best served chilled.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make caramel apple grapes?

I usually make them up to a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge so the caramel stays firm and the grapes fresh.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Absolutely. I often use homemade caramel for a richer flavor, just make sure it’s soft and not too thick for dipping.

What if I don’t have toothpicks?

You can use small skewers or even leave them out and use a fork to dip and serve. But toothpicks make them easier to handle and more party-friendly.

Do I need to dry the grapes completely?

Yes, I make sure the grapes are thoroughly dried—caramel won’t stick well to wet fruit.

Are there any nut-free options?

Yes, I replace the peanuts with crushed pretzels for a great nut-free version that still has that salty crunch.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Grapes are one of those treats that always impress without much effort. I love how easy they are to customize and how well they fit into any occasion—from school snacks to holiday parties. They bring together the best of both worlds: fruity freshness and indulgent sweetness, all in a fun bite-sized package.

Recipe: