How To Eat Caramel Apples Without Breaking Your Teeth

Caramel apples are one of the many sweet fall treats you should make at home. But, they're also delicious any time of year, too; not to mention, they're incredibly easy to make. Slather crisp Granny Smith apples in buttery caramel for a palate-pleasing contrast of tartness and sweetness. Or, you can use Fuji or Gala apples for the sweetest-tasting snack on a stick you've ever had. You can even add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed graham crackers all over to take the yummy goodness factor up a notch. 

Ready to sink your teeth into your fruit masterpiece? Not so fast. The only downside to this scrumptious treat is that caramel apples can be messy and rather tough to eat, especially with all the added toppings. Fortunately, there's a better way to enjoy them, and it involves slicing them into pieces. Doing so will let you avoid sticky fingers and, perhaps, even damaged teeth. (Your dentist will thank you later.) 

Whether you opt for a plain caramel apple or one coated in sprinkles or cookie crumbles, the best way to indulge in this tasty treat is by cutting it into easy-to-eat slices. Simply place the tricked-out apple onto a cutting board and slice it in half by cutting right beside the stick. Then, take the portion with the stick still inside and cut it in half again; this should make the stick easier to pull out. Next, chop everything into bite-sized pieces or slices for easy snacking. 

Another hassle-free cutting tip: Use an apple wedge slicer. Not to be confused with a peeler, apple slicers (or apple cutters) are designed to, well, slice and core the fruit. All you have to do is place the device over the treat — ensuring the stick goes through the center hole of the tool — and press down for even slices with one simple stroke. 

In addition to being a mess-free way to enjoy the treat, cutting caramel apples into slices also makes serving them a breeze; of course, sharing is optional.

If you've made a batch of caramel apples and sliced them up, but can't finish it all, fret not. You can easily store caramel apples like a pro by placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also place wax paper in between the apples in order to keep them from sticking together. It's important to note that, if you don't plan on eating them within two hours of preparing, they must be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to avoid any contamination, per Penn State. 

Promptly placing them in the fridge is imperative because the caramel-covered fruit can actually be a breeding ground for bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes. If the caramel apples are stored at room temperature or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time, the bacteria may fester. Plus, putting them in the fridge can help any toppings like chopped nuts and sprinkles adhere to the surface better so they're ready to be served at any fall parties, or as an after-school snack.