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Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe

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This Homemade Caramel Apples recipe offers a deliciously sweet and tangy treat made by dipping crisp Granny Smith apples into a rich, homemade caramel sauce. Perfectly set with various toppings, these caramel apples make a fun dessert or festive gift for any occasion.

Ingredients

Apples

  • 10-15 Granny Smith apples

Caramel

  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (Optional)

  • White candy melts
  • Cinnamon-sugar
  • Crushed pretzels
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Mini M&M's
  • Crushed Oreos
  • Toasted coconut
  • Melted dark, milk, or white chocolate
  • Chopped mini Reese's peanut butter cups
  • Chopped Butterfingers
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the Granny Smith apples thoroughly to remove waxy residue, then dry completely. Insert a tongue depressor firmly into the top of each apple to hold them securely. Place the skewered apples on the baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes to chill while preparing the caramel.
  2. Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk using a wooden spoon. Cook the mixture, stirring almost constantly, until it reaches 235-240°F on a candy thermometer (approximately 12-15 minutes). Be careful to avoid burning the caramel by stirring continuously.
  3. Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. The caramel may bubble when the vanilla is added; continue stirring until smooth and well combined.
  4. Dip Apples in Caramel: Retrieve the chilled apples from the freezer. Dip each apple into the hot caramel, letting excess caramel drip off. Quickly flip the apple upside down for about 20 seconds to allow the caramel to set on the cold surface before placing it right-side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all apples.
  5. Apply Toppings (Optional): Before the caramel sets completely, roll or sprinkle the caramel-coated apples with desired toppings such as crushed pretzels, nuts, candy, or chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
  6. Set the Caramel Apples: Transfer the dipped apples to the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the caramel to fully firm up.
  7. Wrap and Store: Once set, wrap the caramel apples loosely in cellophane and tie with a ribbon to gift or store until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Using a candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the correct caramel consistency.
  • Freezing the apples before dipping helps the caramel set faster and prevents it from sliding off.
  • Customize your caramel apples with a variety of toppings to suit your taste and occasion.
  • Store caramel apples in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
  • Be careful when handling hot caramel to avoid burns.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/homemade-caramel-apples-recipe/