Gourmet Caramel Apples
Indulge in autumnal decadence with these Gourmet Caramel Apples, a mouthwatering treat that elevates the classic fair favorite with rich, buttery caramel and a medley of customizable toppings. Perfectly tart and crisp Granny Smith apples are dipped in a luscious homemade caramel made from brown sugar, butter, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, skillfully heated to the soft-ball stage for the ideal silky texture. Finish these beauties with a sprinkling of sea salt and your choice of toppings, from crushed nuts and mini chocolate chips to colorful sprinkles or shredded coconut, for a personalized touch. With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, these irresistible caramel apples are a fun and versatile dessert, perfect for parties, seasonal gifts, or a family-friendly kitchen project. Serve them fresh for maximum wow-factor and store any leftovers for up to three days—though they might not last that long!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Granny Smith apples
- 6 pieces Popsicle sticks (or sturdy skewers)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoons Sea salt
- 2 cups (combined, optional) Assorted toppings (e.g., crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, shredded coconut)
Instructions
Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel.
Insert a popsicle stick or skewer firmly into the top of each apple, ensuring it is secure for dipping. Set the apples aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble.
Once bubbling, insert a candy thermometer into the caramel mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). This should take about 10-12 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
Allow the caramel to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes so it thickens but remains pourable.
Hold each apple by the stick and dip it into the caramel, tilting and rotating the apple to ensure an even coating. Let the excess caramel drip off into the saucepan.
If desired, immediately roll the caramel-coated apple in your choice of toppings (e.g., nuts, sprinkles) or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Place the finished apples back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes or refrigerate for quicker results.
Serve and enjoy your beautiful gourmet caramel apples! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 244.7 g | 314% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.8 g | 569% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 259 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 1482 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 840.5 g | 306% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 58.2 g | 208% | |
| Total Sugars | 715.4 g | ||
| Protein | 67.1 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1486 mg | 114% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 3660 mg | 78% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
