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Best Homemade Caramel Apples

Best Homemade Caramel Apples
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Enjoy the nostalgic sweetness of the Best Homemade Caramel Apples, combining crisp, fresh apples with rich, buttery caramel. This easy and customizable recipe is perfect for family bonding, festive parties, and special occasions, delivering a perfect balance of crunchy and smooth textures with a delightful homemade touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 6 firm, crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional

  • 6 wooden sticks or skewers
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, sea salt, crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them completely. Remove the stems and insert wooden sticks into the top center of each apple. Ensuring the apples are dry helps the caramel adhere properly.
  2. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture melts and reaches a smooth, thick consistency, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  3. Dip the Apples: Working quickly, dip each apple into the warm caramel, turning to coat evenly. Allow excess caramel to drip off before placing each apple on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Add Toppings (Optional): While the caramel is still tacky, sprinkle or roll the apples in chosen toppings such as chopped nuts or candy for added texture and flavor.
  5. Chill and Set: Place the coated apples in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes until the caramel firms up. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or gift.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture contrast.
  • Pat apples completely dry to prevent caramel from sliding off.
  • Monitor the caramel temperature carefully to avoid burning or graininess.
  • Work quickly as caramel hardens fast after dipping.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during chilling.
  • Store caramel apples in a cool, dry place or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apples, homemade caramel, fall treat, caramel apple recipe, easy caramel apples, family snack, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/best-homemade-caramel-apples/