Description
This Caramel Apples recipe is a delicious, festive treat perfect for autumn or any celebration. Crisp, cold small apples are coated in a creamy homemade caramel sauce enhanced with vanilla and sea salt. After dipping, the caramel apples are decorated with a variety of toppings like chocolate drizzle, crushed cookies, nuts, and sprinkles to add texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 10 small apples (cold)
Caramel Sauce
- 22 ounces soft caramels (624 grams; 2 (11-ounce) bags)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (57 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (3 grams)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2 grams)
Toppings
- Chocolate drizzle
- Crushed graham crackers
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Chopped nuts
- Mini chocolate chips or mini M&Ms
- Chopped candy bars
- Sprinkles or toasted coconut
- Chopped pretzels
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the 10 small apples. Make sure they are completely dry as water will prevent caramel from sticking. Insert a sturdy stick into the stem end of each apple for easy dipping and handling.
- Melt the caramel: In a heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the 22 ounces of soft caramels and ¼ cup heavy whipping cream. Stir constantly until the caramels are fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dip the apples: Holding the stick, dip each cold apple into the warm caramel, turning it to coat completely. Allow excess caramel to drip off before placing the dipped apple upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add toppings: While the caramel is still warm and sticky, sprinkle or roll the caramel apples in your choice of toppings such as crushed graham crackers, Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, sprinkles, toasted coconut, or chopped pretzels to your liking.
- Set the caramel: Let the caramel apples sit at room temperature until the caramel hardens and sets completely, about 30 minutes. For quicker setting, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes but be aware it may become a bit sticky at refrigerator temperature.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the caramel is firm, the apples are ready to be enjoyed as a tasty treat or packaged for gifting.
Notes
- For best results, use crisp, cold small apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to allow caramel to stick properly.
- If the caramel hardens while dipping, gently rewarm it over low heat.
- Customize toppings to suit your preference and make the apples festive.
- Store caramel apples in a cool place and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.
