When it comes to making caramel apples, I have had really bad luck over the years. I’ve tried several recipes, and either ended up with caramel that was so thick it stuck to your teeth, or caramel that slid off the apple into a puddle. I thought I was doomed to failure. Then I got this recipe from a friend who is a Caramel Apple making pro. She also gave me some tips, and now I can make perfect caramel apples every single time. Thanks Michelle!!
The caramel on these apples is divine, and they seriously are the best caramel apples I have ever had. They rival the ones that you have to spend over $5 for at gourmet shops. They are so, so good, and a must make for fall! We made them for a church activity with about a dozen girls, and it was a ton of fun. We set out a bunch of toppings and let everyone customize their own apples. My favorites are white chocolate with cinnamon sugar, or toffee bits. Both so yummy!
Best Ever Caramel Apples
1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
dash salt
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
12 apples
Prepare your apples and insert sticks. Set aside. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil; about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the milk. Cook and stir till a candy thermometer reads 240°. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool a couple minutes, then dip apples into caramel. Add additional toppings as desired.
Topping suggestions:
-White chocolate with cinnamon/sugar mixture
-Mini chocolate chips
-Toffee bits
-Crushed M&M’s
-Crushed Oreos
-Chopped Snickers
-Sprinkles
-Chopped nuts (we like peanuts and pecans)
Tips for caramel apple making:
-Let the caramel mixture cool for a couple minutes before dipping apples, but don’t wait too long.
-Make sure apples are room temp, or condensation causes caramel to slide off. (I’ve ruined bunches of apples before because I din’t know this trick.)
-Spray plates or wax paper with non stick spray to prevent caramel from sticking.
-Dipping the bottoms of the caramel apples in the goodies before placing on plate will also make them easier to pick up.
-If you get really shiny apples, you can lightly sand them with fine grit sandpaper. It helps the caramel stick better. Just make sure you rinse and dry them completely after sanding! 🙂
I love caramel apples and I have a caramel recipe very similar to this, so I know these are great!! I love how beautifully yours turned out!
Thanks Elizabeth! It’s always a bonus when something can be tasty and pretty at the same time, right?
I have never actually tried making caramel apples before because I am always afraid the caramel will just ooze right off. But this looks like a good one to try so I will have to give it a shot! 🙂
You really should Renee! If a bunch of teenage girls can have success, I’m sure you can master caramel apples with this recipe! 🙂