Trader Joe’s Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is a seasonal delight that makes it easy to create your own caramel-dipped apples at home. This kit is perfect for fall activities, whether you’ve just gone apple picking or are looking for a fun family activity. But how does it stack up in terms of ease of use, taste, and value? Let’s take a closer look.
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What is Trader Joe’s Caramel Apple Dipping Kit?
Trader Joe’s Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is a seasonal product that comes with everything you need to make caramel apples at home, except for the apples. Priced at $6.99, the kit includes caramel dip, wooden skewers, dry-roasted peanuts, and festive sprinkles. It’s designed to be a fun, interactive experience for both kids and adults, offering a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for autumn.
Taste and Texture
The caramel in Trader Joe’s Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is rich and buttery, with a smooth texture that coats the apples evenly. It has a sweet, classic caramel flavor without being overwhelming. Once set, the caramel remains slightly soft and sticky, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
The toppings add both flavor and texture—dry roasted peanuts provide a salty crunch, while the sprinkles add a festive, sugary pop. The contrast between the creamy caramel, the crisp apple, and the crunchy toppings creates a delightful eating experience that’s perfect for fall.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Ingredients:
- Caramel: Corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and salt.
- Toppings: Dry roasted peanuts (peanuts, salt), sprinkles (sugar, cornstarch, carnauba wax).
Nutritional Information (per apple, with caramel and toppings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
This kit is indulgent, with a higher sugar and fat content typical of caramel treats. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat, especially considering the caramel’s richness.
How to Prepare Trader Joe’s Caramel Apple Dipping Kit
Preparing the kit is straightforward, but adult supervision is recommended due to the hot caramel. Here’s how to make the perfect caramel apples:
Instructions
Here are the directions listed on the package.
Below are the visual instructions for those who need it:
- Step 1: Start by thoroughly washing and drying your apples. Any moisture left on the apples can prevent the caramel from sticking properly.
- Step 2: On a flat surface, push the wooden skewers into the top of each apple. Be sure to do this carefully to avoid injury.
- Step 3: Place the caramel tray in the microwave, following the package instructions. Heat for about 45 seconds, then stir. If the caramel isn’t fully melted, add another 20 seconds. Be cautious—the caramel will be very hot.
- Step 4: Once the caramel is smooth, dip each apple into the caramel, turning to coat evenly. Allow any excess to drip off before dipping into the toppings.
- Step 5: Roll the caramel-coated apples in the dry roasted peanuts or sprinkles, or both, depending on your preference.
- Step 6: Place the apples on parchment paper and allow them to set at room temperature. The caramel will cool and firm up slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways to enjoy your caramel apples:
- Classic Caramel Apples: Serve the caramel-dipped apples as they are for a traditional fall treat.
- Sliced Apples: For easier eating, slice the caramel apples into wedges and serve on a platter.
- Caramel Apple Slices: For a twist, slice the apples first, dip each slice in caramel, and then coat with toppings. This method is great for sharing.
- Dessert Boards: Include caramel apples on a fall-themed dessert board with items like pumpkin spice cookies, chocolate, and marshmallows.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverage Pairings:
- Apple Cider: Pair your caramel apples with a warm mug of apple cider for a classic fall combination.
- Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate complements the sweet caramel and crisp apple.
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing contrast, enjoy the caramel apples with a glass of sparkling water with a hint of lemon.
Food Pairings:
Ice Cream: Dice the caramel apples and use them as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
Cheese Plate: Serve caramel apple slices with a cheese plate featuring sharp cheddar or gouda for a sweet and savory combination.
Popcorn: Pair with popcorn for a fun and festive movie night snack.
Packaging
The packaging here is pretty clever. There is an additional cardboard piece that holds the caramel in place. Inside the box are the skewers, sprinkles, and chopped peanuts. Each one is in its own plastic bag.
Where to buy
Trader Joe's Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is a seasonal find and new for the 2022 season. Currently, you can only buy this in-store until supplies run out.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a classic fall treat at home. With rich, buttery caramel and fun toppings, this kit makes it easy to create festive caramel apples that the whole family can enjoy. While it requires some supervision due to the hot caramel, the result is a delicious and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for autumn. Be sure to grab a kit while it’s available, as it’s a seasonal item that won’t be around for long!
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Trader Joe's Caramel Apple Dipping Kit
Product Name: Trader Joe's Caramel Apple Dipping Kit
Product Description: Trader Joe's Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is a returning classic.
Price: $6.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Caramel Apple Dipping Kit is new for the 2022 Fall Season at Trader Joe's but returns each fall.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Fun Activity: Great for a family-friendly fall activity.
- Good Flavor: Rich, buttery caramel with complementary toppings.
- Convenient: Includes everything you need (except the apples) in one kit.
Cons
- Requires Supervision: The hot caramel can be dangerous, especially for younger children.
- Seasonal Availability: Only available in the fall, so it’s a limited-time treat.
- Caramel Texture: The caramel may remain slightly sticky, which might be a concern for those who prefer a firmer set.
Alek says
It's nice that they are generous with the toppings. But why cannot TJ's sell sprinkles? U know sprinkles in a jar. I love those crunchy sprinkles. Also I would just snack with apple slices; less hassle with the cores.
OOH! Brownies would be nice too for the kit usage. Make brownie pops.
becomebetty says
I totally agree! Thanks for sharing Alek!