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The Best Homemade Caramel Apples

Three perfect caramel apple treats coated in thick caramel and chopped nuts, resting on a white plate.
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Make foolproof, chewy homemade caramel apples with a reliable dipping sauce that sticks perfectly to crisp apples. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and ideal for fall parties or holiday gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 12 wooden or parchment-lined skewers
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Optional Toppings: chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert skewers firmly into the top of each apple.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Let it boil for exactly 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Carefully whisk in the sweetened condensed milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer (firm ball stage). This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes after adding the milk.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the caramel cool for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Dip each apple into the warm caramel, tilting the pan to coat evenly. Lift the apple and allow excess caramel to drip off back into the pan.
  8. Immediately roll the dipped apple in your chosen toppings, if using.
  9. Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool completely at room temperature until the caramel is firm, about 1 to 2 hours.

Notes

  • For best adhesion, wipe the apples with a paper towel dipped in white vinegar before inserting the sticks. This removes any wax or residue.
  • If the caramel becomes too stiff while dipping, return the pan to low heat briefly to soften it. Do not let it boil again.
  • For a chocolate layer, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the set caramel layer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/caramel-apple-recipe-homemade-easy/