Did you know?
Caramel apples were actually invented by accident! Back in the 1950s, a Kraft Foods employee named Dan Walker was experimenting with leftover Halloween caramels. He melted them down and dipped apples into the gooey mixture—just for fun. What started as a spontaneous idea quickly turned into a fall favorite. Today, caramel apples have gone from simple treats to gourmet creations, loved by dessert lovers around the world.
🍏 Perfect Caramel Apples Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍬 Cook Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Cooling Time: 30–60 minutes
📦 Yield: 6–8 caramel apples
✨ Ingredients:
- 6–8 small to medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, sea salt
🧑🍳 Tools You’ll Need:
- Candy thermometer
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
- Wax or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Nonstick spray or butter (for lining)
🍏 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Wash and dry apples thoroughly. (Hot tip: Dip them briefly in hot water to remove the wax coating so caramel sticks better.)
- Insert sticks firmly into the top of each apple.
- Place on a wax paper–lined tray sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Make the Caramel:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine heavy cream, both sugars, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Clip on the candy thermometer and continue heating (don’t stir now) until it reaches 240°F (115°C) — this is the soft ball stage.
- Once it hits temperature, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for about 5–10 minutes, just enough to thicken slightly.
3. Dip the Apples:
- Holding the stick, dip each apple into the caramel, tilting the pan and rotating the apple to coat it evenly.
- Let excess caramel drip off, then twirl to avoid pooling at the bottom.
- Immediately roll in your desired toppings (if using).
4. Let Them Set:
- Place the dipped apples back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Let cool at room temperature for at least 30–60 minutes until the caramel is firm to the touch.
💡 Tips for Success:
- Always use a candy thermometer—temperature matters!
- If caramel slides off, your apples might be too waxy or warm.
- Store finished caramel apples in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
To discover more amazing recipes like Caramel Apples Recipe, check out our previous article for more delicious Food ideas!
