Description
These homemade caramel apples feature crisp, tart apples coated in rich, buttery caramel for the ultimate fall treat. Perfect for Halloween, fairs, or autumn gatherings, these easy caramel apples are customizable with nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle. With step-by-step instructions, this recipe guarantees a festive, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
8 large tart apples
8 wooden chopsticks for handles
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Remove wax from apples by briefly dipping them in boiling water, then dry completely. Cool for 30 minutes.
- Insert wooden chopsticks into the core of each apple to form handles.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until mixture reaches 248°F (120°C), about 25–30 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Dip each apple into hot caramel, coating evenly, and let excess drip off.
- Optional: Roll apples in nuts, sprinkles, or toppings while caramel is warm.
- Place apples on parchment-lined sheet and let cool for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Make sure apples are dry and wax-free for caramel to stick.
- Twirl apples after dipping to prevent caramel pooling at the bottom.
- Reheat caramel gently if it cools too quickly.
- For a shortcut, melt store-bought caramel candies with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel apple
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 68g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
