Ingredients
Apples
- 8 large Granny Smith apples
Caramel
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- ¼ pound butter (1 stick)
- 1 ¼ cups corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Toppings (optional)
- Dark and white chocolate chips
- M&M’s
- Crushed candy bars
- Nuts
- Sprinkles
- Coconut
Instructions
- Prepare and clean apples: Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, dip each apple in the boiling water for a few seconds to loosen and remove any wax from the peel. Dry thoroughly with paper towels and set aside to cool completely.
- Insert sticks: Once apples are cooled, insert a wooden stick firmly into the bottom of each apple to serve as a handle for dipping and eating.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place the dipped apples on for cooling and setting.
- Make the caramel: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the evaporated milk, whipping cream, butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Cook caramel to temperature: Continue stirring constantly and cook the caramel until a candy thermometer reads 248°F (120°C), approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, test readiness by dropping a teaspoon of syrup into cold water; it should form a firm ball.
- Finish caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the caramel evenly.
- Dip the apples: Working quickly while the caramel is hot, dip each apple into the caramel, covering it completely up to about ½ inch of the wooden stick handle.
- Add toppings (optional): Immediately after dipping, sprinkle your choice of toppings such as chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed candies over the caramel-coated apples while still sticky. Alternatively, dip the apples into melted chocolates for an extra layer.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which balances the sweet caramel and holds up well after dipping.
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to help caramel adhere better.
- Working quickly when dipping the apples is important as the caramel hardens fast once removed from heat.
- Store caramel apples at room temperature for short periods; refrigerate if storing longer, but be aware caramel can become sticky when chilled.
- Customize toppings based on preference for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
