Caramel apples are a delightful and nostalgic treat that evokes memories of autumn fairs, Halloween, and cozy fall days. These sweet and sticky treats are made by dipping crisp, juicy apples into a rich, homemade caramel sauce and allowing them to set into a glossy, irresistible coating. Perfect for parties or a fun family activity, caramel apples are a beloved classic.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Wooden sticks or skewers
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies, melted chocolate
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or residues. Dry the apples completely with a clean towel, as any moisture can prevent the caramel from sticking properly. Insert a wooden stick or skewer into the top of each apple, pushing it about halfway through to ensure it is secure.
- Make the Caramel:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir the mixture constantly to combine all the ingredients. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring that the tip is immersed in the caramel but not touching the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Caramel:
Continue to cook the caramel over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 248°F (120°C) on the candy thermometer (firm-ball stage). This process can take about 15 to 20 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent the caramel from burning. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dip the Apples:
Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel, swirling to coat it evenly. Allow any excess caramel to drip back into the saucepan. If you are adding optional toppings, immediately roll the caramel-coated apple in your desired toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies, while the caramel is still sticky. Place the coated apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool and set.
- Cool and Serve:
Let the caramel apples sit at room temperature until the caramel is completely set, which can take about 30 minutes. If you want to drizzle the apples with melted chocolate, wait until the caramel is fully set before adding the chocolate. Once the caramel and any additional toppings are firm, the apples are ready to be enjoyed.
Caramel apples are a festive and delicious treat that brings joy to both kids and adults. The combination of the crisp, juicy apple and the rich, chewy caramel creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel, while Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet and juicy contrast.
These caramel apples are perfect for Halloween parties, fall festivals, or simply as a special treat to enjoy with your family. The process of making caramel apples is fun and engaging, making it a great activity for kids to help with, especially when it comes to adding their favorite toppings.
Enjoy the timeless delight of caramel apples, and savor each bite of this sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible treat. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, caramel apples are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.