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The BEST Foolproof Homemade Caramel Apples

Close-up of a shiny, sticky caramel apple on a white plate, with a second green apple visible in the background.
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Make rich, gooey caramel apples that actually stick with this no-fail recipe. This guide covers the technique for perfectly coated apples, ideal for fall festivities or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium Granny Smith apples
  • 12 wooden or paper lollipop sticks
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. You can soak them in warm water with a splash of vinegar for 10 minutes, then dry them completely. Insert one stick firmly into the core of each apple.
  2. Prepare the dipping station: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set out your chosen toppings in shallow bowls.
  3. Make the caramel: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, corn syrup, condensed milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
  4. Cook the caramel: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once it boils.
  5. Use a candy thermometer and continue to cook the mixture until it reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit (firm ball stage). This usually takes 15 to 25 minutes after boiling begins.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately once the temperature is reached. Let the caramel cool slightly, about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. The caramel should thicken slightly.
  7. Dip the apples: Tilt the saucepan slightly. Dip one apple into the caramel, turning to coat completely. Lift the apple out and allow excess caramel to drip off.
  8. Coat with toppings: Immediately roll the bottom half or the entire apple in your desired toppings, or leave plain for classic caramel apples.
  9. Set the apples: Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheets to cool and set completely, about 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature.

Notes

  • For the caramel to stick, the apples must be completely dry and the caramel must cool slightly after cooking before dipping.
  • If the caramel becomes too stiff while dipping, return the pan to low heat briefly to soften it, stirring gently.
  • For a double-dipped look, allow the first layer of caramel to set completely before dipping a second time.
  • To make caramel apple slices, cut the apples into thick wedges, insert toothpicks, and dip the slices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/best-foolproof-homemade-caramel-apples/