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Classic Caramel Apples

Close-up of a glossy caramel apple on a stick, sprinkled with small crunchy bits.
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Learn how to make glossy, perfectly coated caramel apples with this foolproof guide. Includes tips for de-waxing apples, achieving the right caramel consistency, and creative topping ideas for your next fall party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended)
  • 6 wooden popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies

Instructions

  1. Wash apples thoroughly. To remove wax, dip each apple in boiling water for 10-15 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water. Dry completely. Insert a stick firmly into the stem end of each apple.
  2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  3. Stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Remove from heat. Carefully stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
  5. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble.
  6. Continue stirring until the caramel is smooth and glossy.
  7. Dip each apple into the caramel, tilting the pan to coat evenly. Let excess caramel drip off.
  8. Place coated apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Immediately add your desired toppings before the caramel sets.
  10. Let the caramel apples cool completely at room temperature, or chill briefly to speed up setting.

Notes

  • For a caramel apple bar, set out bowls of various toppings and let guests customize their own apples.
  • If your caramel becomes too thick, gently reheat it over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals.
  • Store caramel apples at room temperature for best texture; refrigeration can make the caramel hard.
  • A rough estimate for calories per caramel apple is around 400-500, depending on toppings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/caramel-apples-245f-foolproof-treat/