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Caramel Apples with Chocolate and Toppings Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 caramel apples 1x

Description

Delight in these classic homemade caramel apples, featuring a rich, buttery caramel coating made from brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Each tangy Granny Smith apple is dipped in decadent caramel and optionally adorned with melted semisweet chocolate and your favorite toppings for a festive treat perfect for fall gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel

  • 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apples

  • 12 Granny Smith apples
  • 7-inch apple sticks

Chocolate and Toppings

  • 1 pound semisweet chocolate chips
  • Various toppings such as candy pieces, nuts, or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir until melted and combined smoothly.
  2. Add Condensed Milk and Cook: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring the mixture. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the temperature reaches 245°F (soft-ball stage), being careful not to burn the caramel.
  3. Finish Caramel and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before dipping the apples to prevent them from sliding off.
  4. Prepare Apples: Insert 7-inch apple sticks into the cores of the Granny Smith apples. Line half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray for easy removal.
  5. Dip Apples in Caramel: Dip each apple into the warm caramel, coating them evenly. Place the dipped apples on the prepared parchment-lined pans and let the caramel harden in a cool place.
  6. Add Chocolate and Toppings: If desired, dip the caramel-coated apples into melted semisweet chocolate or drizzle chocolate over them. While the chocolate is still wet, roll or sprinkle your chosen toppings over the apples. For candies like M&M’s, wait for the chocolate to harden slightly before pressing candies to prevent sliding.
  7. Set and Store: Allow the caramel and chocolate coatings to fully set by letting the apples dry in a cool location. Once set, package the apples in clear bags, secure with twist ties, and store in the refrigerator or a cool area that is not freezing.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness that complements the sweet caramel.
  • Stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning and to achieve a smooth texture.
  • If the caramel cools too much and thickens, gently warm it again before dipping.
  • For an extra touch, consider adding nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or candy pieces as toppings.
  • Store caramel apples in a cool place to maintain freshness but avoid freezing, which can alter texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apples, homemade caramel, fall dessert, Halloween treat, candy apples, caramel coating, Granny Smith apples, chocolate dipped apples

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Find it online: https://tastewithrafael.com/caramel-apples-with-chocolate-and-toppings-recipe/