How to Make Caramel Apples
Learn how to make homemade caramel apples from scratch, then dress them up with chocolate, nuts, sprinkles, or cookies for a fun fall treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 caramel apples
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop + Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 medium apples
¾ cup filtered water
2 cups granulated sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 tsp salt
1⅔ cups heavy cream, chilled
Optional toppings: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cookie crumbles, sprinkles, candy bar pieces
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry apples thoroughly. (Homesteading Hack: dip store-bought apples briefly in boiling water and wipe with a paper towel to remove wax.)
Insert popsicle sticks into the apples. Chill in refrigerator.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the Caramel:
4. In a stainless steel pot, combine sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Cook without stirring 8–10 minutes, until sugar turns golden brown.
6. Slowly add chilled cream (it will bubble vigorously). Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 248°F.
7. Transfer caramel to a heat-proof bowl and let cool slightly (but not below 215°F).
Dip & Decorate:
8. Dip chilled apples into caramel, coating evenly.
9. Roll in toppings or sprinkle toppings over the caramel while warm.
10. Place on prepared baking sheet and refrigerate 30 minutes to set.
Serve & Store:
11. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition values exclude toppings.
For richer caramel, cook sugar slightly darker before adding cream.
Works best with tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/how-to-make-caramel-apples/
