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The Best Foolproof Homemade Caramel Apples

A close-up of a glossy caramel apple dipped in crushed nuts, with caramel dripping down the side.
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Make classic, chewy homemade caramel apples with this easy recipe. The caramel sauce sticks well to crisp apples, creating a gourmet fall treat perfect for parties or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 12 wooden or parchment-lined lollipop sticks
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a stick firmly into the core of each apple. Set aside on parchment paper.
  2. For best caramel adhesion, briefly dip the bottom of each apple in boiling water for 5 seconds, then dry completely.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Return to low heat and stir constantly until the mixture reaches 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Remove from heat immediately. Let the caramel cool for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple into the caramel, rotating to coat completely. Lift the apple and allow excess caramel to drip off.
  8. Immediately roll the coated apple in your chosen toppings, if using.
  9. Place the finished caramel apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool and set completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or chill briefly if needed.

Notes

  • To stop the caramel from sliding off, ensure the apples are completely free of wax and moisture before dipping. Wiping them with a little white vinegar before drying helps remove any residual wax.
  • If you prefer chocolate caramel apples, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Dip the cooled caramel apples into the chocolate and let them set.
  • Store finished caramel apples individually wrapped in plastic wrap at cool room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/caramel-apple-recipe-homemade-easy-tutorial/