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The Best Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe

Close-up of a bright green apple covered in thick, dripping caramel sauce, ready to eat as a caramel apple.
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Create classic, chewy homemade caramel apples with this reliable recipe. This guide provides simple steps for making a rich caramel that sticks perfectly to crisp apples, ideal for fall parties or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large, firm apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 6 wooden or paper lollipop sticks
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick firmly into the core of each apple.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring once boiling. Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan.
  5. Continue to boil until the caramel reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the caramel cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the apple well.
  7. Tilt the pan and dip each apple into the caramel, turning to coat completely. Lift the apple out and allow excess caramel to drip off.
  8. If using toppings, immediately roll the coated apple in your desired toppings or place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Place the finished caramel apples in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • For the caramel to stick, the apples must be completely free of wax and moisture. You can briefly dip them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then dry them immediately and completely before inserting the sticks.
  • If the caramel becomes too stiff while dipping, return the pan to low heat briefly to loosen it, but do not let it boil again.
  • For chocolate dipped caramel apples, let the caramel set completely, then dip the bottom half in melted chocolate and let it set again.

Nutrition

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