Description
A classic autumn treat, caramel apples combine the tartness of fresh apples with the sweetness of buttery caramel. Perfect for fall festivals, Halloween parties, or a fun family activity, these caramel apples are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as nuts, chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or sea salt. This recipe is designed to give you the perfect caramel consistency for a beautiful, glossy coating on each apple. 🍏🍯
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramel:
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 🧈
- 2 cups packed brown sugar 🍯
- 1 cup light corn syrup 🌽
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 🥛
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍨
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed nuts 🥜 (such as pecans, walnuts, or peanuts)
- Mini chocolate chips 🍫 or melted chocolate for drizzling
- Sprinkles 🌈
- Crushed cookies 🍪 (Oreo or graham crackers)
- Pretzel pieces 🥨
- Shredded coconut 🥥
- Sea salt 🧂
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax or residue that could prevent the caramel from sticking.
- Insert wooden sticks or skewers into the core of each apple through the stem end. Make sure they’re secure enough to hold while dipping.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches 240°F (115°C), known as the soft-ball stage. This will take around 10-15 minutes. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Dip the Apples
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly (but not too much, or it will harden). Holding the apple by the stick, dip each apple into the warm caramel, twirling it around to ensure an even coating. Let the excess caramel drip off.
- Place the dipped apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If using toppings, immediately roll the apples in toppings like crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles while the caramel is still soft.
Step 4: Let the Caramel Set
- Once all the apples are coated, transfer them to the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
- If adding a chocolate drizzle, wait until the caramel is fully cooled before drizzling with melted chocolate.
Notes
- Tip for Sticky Caramel: If your caramel is too sticky or hard to manage, adding a tablespoon of water or cream while cooking can help soften it.
- Toppings Variety: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can even dip apples in crushed candy bars or roll them in crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-like flavor.
- Caramel Temperature: Be careful not to let the caramel cook past 240°F, as this could make it too hard to work with.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g (depending on apple variety)
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg