How to Make The Best Caramel Apples - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something about the combination of sweet, crunchy apples and rich, buttery caramel that just screams fall. Whether you're indulging in them at a carnival, making them with friends on a cozy weekend, or giving them out as Halloween treats, caramel apples are a beloved seasonal treat that never goes out of style. And while making caramel apples might seem intimidating, it's actually quite easy with the right recipe and a few simple tips.

There are a few key components to making the ...

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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

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, using a slotted spoon, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Insert sticks into the bottom of each cooled apple through the core for a handle.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Stir brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), stirring constantly to prevent burning, about 25 to 30 minutes. A teaspoon of caramel dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball. Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle. Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot. Let caramel apples cool on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 hour. Use caution, caramel is very hot.
  • Nutrition

    799 cal.

    • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 17g
    • Cholesterol: 78mg
    • Sodium: 269mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 142g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 113g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 11mg
    • Calcium: 210mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 491mg