These caramel apple grapes don’t actually have apple in them. So I should probably just call them caramel grapes. However, when I do that, somehow the word “apple” just slips in there. Maybe that’s because I’m so used to saying, “Caramel apples.”

Since these are also called “taffy apple grapes,” I realize I’m not the only person who thinks of apples when I make them. I’ve also heard them called “taffy grapes.”

Speaking of apples … when you make these, you can add apples to the mix. Although you’ll be getting a bit of sugar, there’s some fruit in there as well, making this a semi-nutritious treat. And who doesn’t love caramel apples?

Fruit Table Ideas

If you’re just making these grapes for your family, you’ll enjoy the process as much as the final product.

However, if you’re trying to come up with a fruit table display for a special occasion or get-together with friends, you might want more than caramel apple grapes.

You can put out a spread of a variety of bite-size fruit with dips (including caramel).

One of our favorite dips is this chocolate chip fluff dip that we enjoy on pieces of fruit as well as cookies and graham crackers.

Another dip we enjoy is yogurt. We normally use vanilla yogurt, but fruit-flavored yogurt is good too.

Ingredients

You don’t need much to make these caramel apple grapes. I used large white (actually green, but they’re called white) grapes. There’s definitely a trend of using a different name with these grapes.

Now, back to the ingredients. The coating is a mixture of caramel bits and heavy cream.

You also need some nuts. I used salted peanuts and unsalted cashews. The salt really adds an extra dimension of flavor.

How to Make Taffy Grapes (or Caramel Apple Grapes)

First, you need to wash the grapes and completely dry them off. Otherwise, the coating won’t stick.

After you dry them with a paper towel, set them aside.

Next, melt about 1/2 of a cup of caramel bits with a tiny bit of cream. I used the microwave, but you can melt them in a saucepan on the stovetop.

You’ll need crushed nuts. So if you purchase them whole or in halves, just put them in a zip lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Afterward, pour the crushed nuts into a small bowl. I’ve found that the smaller the bowl the better because it’s easier to roll the grapes around the coatings.

Stab one of the grapes in the end with a toothpick. Then dip it in warm caramel.

Once you have the bottom third of the grape coated, roll it in the crushed nuts.

Place it on waxed paper and leave it there until the caramel cools and the nuts set.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by clicking on the “print” button.

Easy Sweet Treat

The first caramel grapes I made were completely covered in caramel and nuts. They were actually a lot prettier than the ones I wound up with … at least at first.

But then after I set them aside, the caramel and nuts slid right off of them. Then they weren’t so pretty.

So I tried covering about one-third of the grape, and the coating held much better. Maybe the problem was the weight of the caramel and nuts.

At any rate, they’re absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants an easy-to-make treat. In fact, they’re so easy to make, you can make it a family project.

It’s always fun to get the kids in the kitchen. I think that cooking with my kids and grandkids brings us closer.

I mean, it’s super fun, and you can have some great conversations. Even if someone messes up, it gives you something to laugh about later. Just don’t forget to teach them how to clean up afterward.

What is a Taffy Grape?

After seeing this term rather frequently, I decided to do a little research. It appears that the original taffy grape was first rolled in white chocolate and then nuts. However, any candy coating, either with or without nuts, qualifies it to be a taffy grape.

More Delicious Recipes

Another tasty treat we like around our house is this 2-ingredient apple cake. You’ll love this densely packed treat!

We also enjoy this 3-ingredient chocolate cake. It’s perfect for someone who follows a gluten-free diet. But other people enjoy the light texture.

Every now and then, I get the urge for these oven-fried plantains. They are delicious dipped in yogurt.

When I want something different, I go for these muddy buddies from my friend Julie’s Back to My Southern Roots blog. Bet you can’t eat just one!

While you’re snacking, make sure you have plenty of this delicious Chex party mix. I leave out one of the more traditional ingredients to make it gluten-free.

This recipe is shared at Full Plate Thursday.

Please feel free to share!