Description
Gourmet caramel apples bring classic fall dessert magic to homemade treats. Crisp apples enrobed in rich caramel and creative toppings create a delightful seasonal indulgence for you to savor and share.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups (440 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup (240 mL) light corn syrup
- 1 14-oz (396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet or white chocolate chips (melted)
- Chopped nuts
- Crushed cookies
- Mini M&Ms
- Sprinkles
- Sea salt
- Wooden sticks or skewers
- Candy thermometer
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly wash apples under running water, removing any waxy film. Completely dry with paper towels to ensure optimal caramel adherence.
- Skewering: Firmly insert wooden skewers into apple cores. Arrange on chilled parchment-lined tray and refrigerate during caramel preparation.
- Caramel Creation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Temperature Monitoring: Attach candy thermometer and continue stirring until mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). This process typically takes 10-15 minutes of careful attention.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and gently fold in vanilla extract. Allow caramel to cool slightly for 3-4 minutes, achieving ideal dipping consistency.
- Coating Technique: Dip each apple into warm caramel, rotating to ensure complete coverage. Let excess drip off, carefully scraping bottom edge to prevent pooling.
- Decorating: Immediately apply toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies while caramel remains tacky. Melt chocolate using double boiler or microwave for artistic drizzling.
- Finishing: Place decorated apples on parchment paper, maintaining space between each. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set caramel and secure toppings. Store in cool environment or serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure Apple Dryness: Thoroughly dry apples to guarantee caramel adheres perfectly without sliding off, preventing potential coating failures.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit exactly 240°F, as slight variations can dramatically change caramel’s texture and consistency.
- Prevent Caramel Burning: Stir continuously during cooking and use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly, avoiding unwanted bitter flavors.
- Topping Application Technique: Add decorative elements while caramel remains slightly warm and tacky, ensuring maximum topping adherence and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 67
- Calories: 194
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 61 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg