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Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe

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4.3 from 65 reviews

This Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe combines crisp Granny Smith apples with a rich, creamy caramel coating made from brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, dark corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Perfect for fall treats, these caramel apples are dipped, rolled in toppings, and cooled to create a deliciously sticky and sweet snack that’s fun to make and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

Apples and Preparation

  • 10 medium Granny Smith apples
  • 2 tablespoons table salt
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 10 wooden apple sticks or thick skewers
  • Softened butter for brushing the pot

Caramel

  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Candy thermometer

Instructions

  1. Soak the Apples: In a large bowl, Dutch oven, or plugged sink, dissolve 2 tablespoons salt and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in hot water. Submerge the apples fully and soak for 20-30 minutes to help clean and prepare the skin for caramel coating.
  2. Prep Stations: Line a baking sheet with a nonstick silicone baking mat (preferred) or greased parchment paper. Prepare and separate any toppings into bowls to have ready beside your caramel-dipping station.
  3. Remove the Wax Coating: Drain the apples and use a kitchen cloth to vigorously rub each apple’s skin under warm running water to completely remove the wax coating. This ensures the caramel sticks properly.
  4. Add Sticks: Dry the apples thoroughly, remove stems, and insert wooden sticks about three-quarters through the core to make handles. Refrigerate apples until ready to dip; chilling helps the caramel adhere better.
  5. Prepare Caramel Station: Place a glass of water and a silicone pastry or basting brush near the stove. Brush the sides of a heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan with softened butter to prevent sugar crystallization.
  6. Combine Caramel Ingredients: In the prepared saucepan over medium-high heat, melt together 2 cups brown sugar, the can of sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 cup dark corn syrup, 16 tablespoons cubed butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon.
  7. Cook Caramel: Once butter has melted, reduce heat to medium. Attach a candy thermometer ensuring it doesn’t touch the pan bottom. Stir often, including under the thermometer, and occasionally brush the sides of the pan with water to prevent crystallization. Cook until caramel reaches 245°F (firm-ball stage).
  8. Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove from heat and gently stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract without over-mixing. Allow the caramel to cool to between 200°F and 205°F. Meanwhile, wipe condensation off chilled apples.
  9. Dip Apples: Holding each apple by the stick, dip it into the caramel, rotating 360° to coat evenly. Lift straight out, swirling vertically to let excess caramel drip off, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet or roll in toppings.
  10. Add Toppings: Quickly roll or sprinkle caramel-coated apples in your desired toppings to prevent caramel from setting before toppings adhere. Optionally, after caramel sets, drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flair.
  11. Cool: Let the apples cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes to let the caramel firm up. Alternatively, stand apples stick-side down in a glass to avoid caramel puddling at the base.
  12. Repeat and Reheat Caramel as Needed: Repeat dipping with remaining apples. Reheat caramel as it thickens while cooling to maintain it between 190°F-200°F for optimal dipping consistency.

Notes

  • Chilling the apples before dipping helps caramel adhere better.
  • Removing wax from the apple skin is crucial for the caramel to stick properly.
  • Use a candy thermometer to monitor caramel temperature precisely for the perfect consistency.
  • Working quickly during dipping and rolling toppings prevents caramel from setting too soon.
  • Reheat caramel gently if it becomes too thick during the process.
  • Silicone baking mats prevent apples from sticking after dipping.
  • Optional: drizzle with melted chocolate after caramel sets for added flavor and decoration.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/homemade-caramel-apples-recipe/