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Caramel Apples with Toppings Recipe

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4.6 from 63 reviews

Classic homemade caramel apples featuring crisp refrigerated apples dipped in a rich homemade caramel sauce, then optionally coated with a variety of fun toppings like chocolate, nuts, and colorful sprinkles. This festive treat is perfect for autumn celebrations or whenever you crave a sweet and tangy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 6–7 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), refrigerated until cold

Caramel

  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) water
  • 1 ⅓ cups (255 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (255 grams) heavy cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

  • Melted chocolate
  • Reese’s Pieces
  • M&Ms
  • Oreos (crushed)
  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat deep enough to submerge an apple. Remove stems from each refrigerated apple and insert a popsicle stick 3/4 down into each apple. Once water is boiling, turn off the heat and submerge each apple for 15-20 seconds to remove wax. Place apples on parchment-lined sheet.
  2. Dry and chill apples: When apples are just warm to the touch, thoroughly dry each with a paper towel. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to dip them in caramel.
  3. Make the caramel base: In a medium heavy-duty stainless steel saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk frequently until sugar dissolves completely. Mixture will begin boiling after about 4 minutes.
  4. Cook caramel to amber stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the pan without touching the bottom. Let the syrup simmer, do not stir, until dark brown color and thermometer reads about 315°F, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add heavy cream carefully: Slowly pour cold heavy cream into the hot caramel mixture; it will bubble and pop vigorously. Stir continuously with a silicone whisk until caramel reaches 250°F, about 7-9 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles. The mixture will bubble slightly. Transfer caramel to a heat-resistant bowl and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes until just warm.
  7. Prepare toppings: While caramel cools, prepare your toppings like crushed Oreos, nuts, and sprinkles for easy dipping.
  8. Dip the apples: Hold each cold apple by the stick and quickly dip into the warm caramel, tilting to coat evenly. Let excess caramel drip off by swirling or tapping the bottom against the bowl edge. Place on parchment paper to set.
  9. Add toppings if desired: Immediately roll or sprinkle dip-covered apples with toppings before caramel sets. For a chocolate coating, wait about 10 minutes for the caramel to fully set, then dip or drizzle with melted chocolate.
  10. Reheat caramel if needed: If the caramel thickens due to cooling, gently reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften before continuing to dip apples.
  11. Set and store: Allow caramel apples to fully set at room temperature. Store wrapped individually in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let apples sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Cold refrigerated apples help the caramel adhere better and prevent immediate melting.
  • Submerging apples briefly in boiling water removes wax, improving caramel stickiness.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise caramel cooking; heating beyond 315°F will cause burning.
  • Be cautious when adding cold cream to hot caramel as it bubbles vigorously.
  • Do not over-stir caramel after adding vanilla to avoid air bubbles which affect texture.
  • If caramel sets too fast while dipping, brief microwaving softens it for easier coating.
  • Variety in toppings allows customization and makes these treats fun for all ages.
  • Store apples wrapped tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.

Keywords: caramel apples, homemade caramel, fall treats, candy apples, Halloween dessert

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/caramel-apples-with-toppings-recipe/