Sweet, creamy caramel adds a touch of “OMG this is so good” to everything you add it to. You can make your own caramel sauce to use in recipes, or you can use store-bought caramel in the form of caramel sauce, caramel ice cream sauce, or caramel candies that get melted down. Using store-bought isn’t cheating; it’s simply taking a shortcut. These recipes are some of the best uses of that delicious, sweet, and sometimes-salty shortcut.
Caramel Apples
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Sue Mitchell
“I have been making these caramel apples for a while now. The trick to getting the apples covered is to turn them while dipping them. I have used crushed oreo cookies, graham crackers, sprinkles, candy corn, nuts, and chocolate chips.” —LESNDESI
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
“This is a great recipe. Not only a time saver but delicious! Of course I served it with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel. Yum!” —Melissa Hammersley
Caramel Apple Bars
Photographer: Jason Donnelly / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
“These were delicious. I made them according to the recipe and they turned out great. They were actually better the 2nd and 3rd day.” —Sally Pawloski
Caramel Apple Éclair Cake
AllRecipes / Ana Cadena
“Made it exactly as directed, but put a thin layer of cool whip over the caramel. It was a big hit at work!” —Lisa Marie
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
“Amazing! I have never made a cheesecake before, this recipe was simple and foolproof. If I can do it, anyone can. I got lots of compliments.” —isavem_medic
Skor Creamy Caramel Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Awesome! Everyone absolutely loved it. I also added a layer of chocolate morsels.” —Kristen Watson Hoffield
Best Ever Caramel Apple Crisp
Yoly
“Best apple crisp I ever made. My son has Celiac Disease, so used gluten free flour and certified gf oats. It was amazing!” —lovetobake
Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Perfect as is. We had half a pan leftover so I put it in the freezer. Sliced it first. Every bit as good frozen and don’t have to worry about the bananas going bad.” —SturdyStir7726
Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake
Allrecipes member
“I made this cheesecake for a Super Bowl family party. It was a real hit. People took seconds! I substituted Splenda for the sugar and used sugar-free caramel sauce. Nobody knew any different.” —Louise Orsetti Leck
Caramel-Filled Chocolate Cookies
Allrecipes member
“I used Dove caramel chocolates inside and topped with shredded coconut. Gooey and delicious. I had to keep making them as they kept disappearing!!!” —Laramie Rich
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This was so easy, and so delicious! We ate it with apples, vanilla wafers, and ginger snaps. I will definitely make this again.” —OHSunshine
Caramel Brownies
“Very good, but couldn’t find 18 oz cake mix, only 15 oz. Therefore, I adjusted butter to 1/2 cup. Otherwise, everything the same.” —Jessica
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Copycat
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“The recipe was easy to make and turned out delicious. I used almond milk instead of low-fat, and it still turned out great. I also used Torani syrup instead of sugar.” —ProMead5890
Caramel Peanut Fudge
“Pretty easy if you just take the time to let every layer set up. I added sea salt on top of the caramel layer. HUGE hit at my office this year!” —Veronica Hennessey
Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake
“This was so excellent. Everyone loved it. Instead of having all chocolate, I swirled it in for a mix of vanilla and chocolate. Very rich!” —sgessner
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
“They are very good and one of my family’s favorites. I use Kraft Carmel cooking bits for mine.” —Lov2Cook
Caramel Cake
“This icing is absolutely amazing!! I have been trying to find a copy cat of my husband’s favorite caramel cake icing that we get at a quaint store that is an hour’s drive from our home. This is even better! I did not change a thing.” —dnjones23
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
“If I could give this recipe 6 stars I would. These are awesome. Such a delicious twist on the plain old krispie treats!” —ReneePaj
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Stephanie Hunter
“These caramel apple cinnamon rolls are fluffy cinnamon rolls amped up with a sweet apple and caramel filling. Serve them with a drizzle of warmed caramel sauce.” —Emily Nienhaus
Caramel Apple Dip
“Absolutely DELICIOUS! This caramel dip was the hit of the party!” says SUZIE. “Will make this again and again!”