Caramel apples are a classic fall treat that brings together the sweet, tangy crunch of apples with the rich, buttery goodness of caramel. They’re perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any cozy autumn occasion, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are hard to resist.
To make these apples, you start by selecting firm, crisp apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provide a perfect balance of tartness and crunch. The apples are washed and dried thoroughly, and the stems are removed, often replaced with wooden sticks for easy handling.
The caramel coating is made by melting together butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that will coat the apples beautifully. Once the caramel is melted and has reached the right consistency, the apples are dipped into the sauce, ensuring they’re evenly coated. The caramel will set quickly, forming a thick, shiny layer around each apple.
For added flair, the apples can be rolled in toppings like crushed nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts), mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. These toppings not only add extra texture and flavor but also make the apples visually appealing, turning them into an indulgent treat that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.
These apples are best enjoyed fresh, with the sweet caramel paired with the tartness of the apple creating a satisfying contrast in every bite. They’re a nostalgic fall treat that brings back memories of carnival stands and crisp autumn days.
For drinks, pair wonderfully with hot apple cider, a glass of warm spiced wine, or even a creamy vanilla milkshake for a sweet indulgence.
Whether you’re making them for a fall party, as a gift, or simply to enjoy at home, caramel apples are a delicious and festive treat that never fails to bring a smile.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples washed and dried thoroughly
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool slightly until the caramel is thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Hold each apple by the stick and dip into the caramel, turning to coat evenly. Allow any excess caramel to drip off, then place on prepared baking sheet to set.
- Let the caramel apples cool completely at room temperature before serving or decorating as desired.
Nutrition
These caramel apples turned out AMAZING! The caramel was so gooey and delicious! My kids loved them. Definitely making again!
I tried this recipe but the caramel didn’t set right. It was too runny. Maybe I cooked it wrong? Not sure. Disappointed.
I’ve had issues with caramel too! It’s tricky sometimes. Make sure you let it cook long enough to reach that soft-ball stage, or it might not set properly. Don’t be too hard on yourself!
i tried and it came out burnt. maybe i need a new pan? idk, but still going to try again!
These caramel apples are amazing! They turned out perfectly and were a hit at the party.
Yummy. Good. Apple. 🍏
I dunno, sounds kinda messy to me. Aren’t caramel apples hard to eat?
Totally agree! Caramel and apples are the best combo! 🍏🍬
Soo sweet and sticky! My kids loved them. We had fun making them together.
I don’t understand why people make these. Too sweet! What’s wrong with just eating an apple?
Honestly, I don’t see the point either. An apple is just fine without all that sugar. It’s like adding chocolate to salad! 🤷♂️
I get what you’re saying, but caramel apples are a classic treat! Sometimes you just gotta indulge a little. 😋
Best caramel apples ever!!
What do you mean 240 degrees? Isn’t that too hot? I thought caramel needed to be cooler!
240 degrees is indeed the right temp for making caramel! That’s the soft-ball stage. Don’t worry, it’ll work out perfectly if you follow the recipe! 🍏
I love caramel apples! But the ingredients seem like a lot. Why the heavy cream? Can’t I just use sugar and water? 🤔
The heavy cream adds richness to the caramel! Just sugar and water won’t give you that smooth texture. Trust me, it’s worth it! 😊
I found the caramel too sticky and hard to work with. Not sure what I did wrong, but it didn’t turn out like the pictures.
Such a fun recipe for fall! My kids loved dipping the apples and it made for a nice family activity. Will make again!!
These are the best caramel apples I’ve ever made! The caramel was perfect and so easy to work with. Definitely a new favorite! 🍏✨
Great recipe! Just a heads up, corn syrup is kinda hard to find where I’m from.
Yummy! Just what I needed for fall. I added some nuts on top, really good!
The caramel didn’t set for me. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure what went wrong…