Ingredients
- 10 to 15 Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup salted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, toasted coconut, mini chocolate candies, crushed sandwich cookies, graham cracker crumbs, melted dark chocolate, melted white chocolate, cinnamon sugar, mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the apples thoroughly to remove wax and dry them completely.
- Insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops of the apples.
- Place the apples on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter completely.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Cook while stirring frequently until the caramel reaches 235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dip each chilled apple into the caramel, turning to coat evenly.
- Allow excess caramel to drip off and hold the apple upside down briefly to help the caramel set.
- Place the coated apples onto the parchment paper.
- Add desired toppings before the caramel fully sets.
- Refrigerate for about 15 minutes until firm.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired before serving.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work best because their tart flavor balances the sweet caramel.
- Cold apples help the caramel stick and set more quickly.
- Wash apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating before dipping.
- If the caramel becomes too thick, gently reheat it over low heat while stirring.
- Store caramel apples in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Allow apples to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for softer caramel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel apple
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
