How to Make Caramel Apples
There is nothing more quintessential of fall than making a big batch of homemade caramel. And what to do with all of that caramel? Homemade caramel apples!
OVERVIEW
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Components Used: Homemade Caramel Sauce
To make caramel apples, you could use a jarred caramel sauce from the grocery but did you know that making homemade caramel sauce is super simple? With only 4 ingredients!
A basic caramel sauce can be made in under 20 minutes and only requires granulated sugar, water, heavy cream, and salt! This is the real deal caramel sauce and you are going to want to make it all the time. The best part of this recipe is adding your own favorite toppings. I love to coat my caramel dipped apple with crushed candy pieces and salty nuts.
Why I love this recipe
- I love a recipe that is customizable! Do you like sprinkles? Do you like peanut butter cups? Coat them in caramel!
- This recipe is the perfect treat to make with kids as a Halloween or other fall-themed activity.
- Not only are these fun to make and fun to eat but they make great gifts for friends, neighbors, or even gifted to trick-or-treaters.
The Best Apples and Toppings to Use for Caramel Apples
The best type of apple to use for caramel apples is the one that you enjoy the most! Since the apples aren’t baked, it truly only depends on your apple preference. Grannny Smith’s are popular because they’re tart which pairs nicely with the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp is another great favorite of mine.
When it comes to toppings, you really can’t go wrong! Some of my favorites include peanut butter cups, chopped hazelnuts, toffee bits, and sprinkles. I like a crunchy texture to go with the smooth caramel.
MORE RECIPES FROM BAKER BETTIE!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like to try these other recipes that use homemade caramel sauce.
Caramel Apple Recipe
This homemade caramel apple recipe couldn't be easier with a quick caramel sauce and toppings!
Ingredients
- 6 apples (any variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- 6 wooden skewers
- Toppings (see ideas list below)
- 400 grams (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 227 grams (1 cup, 240 milliliters) water
- 470 grams (2 cups, 480 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons morton kosher salt (use 4 teaspoons if using diamond kosher salt)
Instructions
- PREP THE APPLES: prepare your apples (6) by giving them a rinse and drying them thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert a skewer into the area where the stem was. Make sure the skewer goes at least halfway through the apple.
- PREP THE TOPPINGS: gather any toppings you want to use. For larger items like candies, cookies, and nuts chop them to a fine to medium chop. Larger pieces will have trouble staying on the apple.
- PREP THE CARAMEL SAUCE: Before starting this recipe measure out all of your ingredients and gather anything you need so that once the sugar starts caramelizing you are ready to go. It moves quickly. It would also be wise to have a bowl of ice water nearby just in case the sugar spatters.
- In a heavy gauge saucepan at least 3 quarts in size (you can use a bigger pan, but do not use a smaller pan) add the sugar (400 grams) and the water (227 grams).
- Gently stir to completely saturate the sugar, being careful not to splash sugar granules up the side of the pan.
- Turn the heat on to medium. The sugar will start to dissolve in the water and will come to a boil. As the mixture boils, the water will begin to evaporate off and the liquid sugar will start caramelizing. Stay close by because when the caramelization process happens it moves very quickly. Do not stir during this process or you risk re-crystallizing the sugar resulting in a gritty texture. If the sugar is caramelizing unevenly, gently swirl the pan to even out the color.
- Once the sugar smells nutty and is a deep golden brown, carefully pour all of the heavy cream (470 grams) into the pan and stir vigorously. The mixture will bubble up quite a bit, so a long handled spoon or spatula is your best tool here.
- Add the salt (2 teaspoons) and continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Use a candy thermometer to reach 250°F (121°C). This will take at least 20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and and allow the caramel to cool to about 215°F (101°C) before dipping your apples.
- Dip your apples into the caramel and swirl it around to coat all sides. Go almost all the way to the top leaving about 1" of visible apple.
- WITHOUT TOPPINGS: Place coated apple on a piece of wax or parchment paper and let set.
- WITH TOPPINGS: after dipping, immediately dip the apple into your toppings. Place on a piece of wax or parchment paper and let set.
- STORE: loosely cover coated apples and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
To Reheat: Put the sauce in a heat proof bowl and set over a pan of boiling water (this is called a double boiler). Make sure the water is not touching the bowl. Stir until the sauce is warmed through. Alternatively, heat in the microwave at 50% power in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring in between.
Caramel Variations:
- Salted Caramel: Use up to 4 teaspoons of Morton Kosher Salt
- Vanilla Cinnamon Caramel Sauce: After the sauce has reached the desired texture, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Vegan Caramel Sauce (aka Coconut Caramel Sauce): Replace the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk.
- Bourbon Caramel Sauce: After the sauce has reached the desired texture, stir in 2 tablespoons bourbon off the heat.
Topping Ideas:
- Candies: M&Ms, Reese's, white or dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips
- Cookies: Oreos
- Nuts: peanuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts
- Shredded coconut
- Sprinkles
- Pretzels
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2 Comments on “How to Make Caramel Apples”
Just a question: every other recipe I’ve seen (or used) has corn syrup or glucose syrup and butter in the ingredients, but I’ve never made these with water. Does the caramel adhere better with this version?
Hi, the water in the recipe is to help the caramelization process. What makes it adhere to the apples is thoroughly rinsing and drying the apples so they have a matte appearance. Other caramel recipes work as well!