These Homemade Green Caramel Apples are sweet and slightly tangy apples coated in a luscious layer of homemade caramel and then adorned with a colorful array of toppings. It’s like a carnival in your mouth!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the crisp freshness of apples with the rich, buttery goodness of caramel.
The green apples bring a zesty contrast to the sweet caramel, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Plus, it’s a fun and interactive treat to make, especially with friends or family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Easy and Fun: You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to make these. It’s like edible arts and crafts – dip apples, roll them in yumminess, and voilà!
▪️ Taste Explosion: Imagine the sweetest, chewiest caramel hugging a tangy, crisp apple. It’s a flavor party in your mouth!
▪️ Make It Yours: Get fancy with toppings! Be a sprinkle scientist, a nut ninja, or a chocolate champion. These apples are your canvas.
▪️ Share the Joy: They’re perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a family dessert night or a get-together with friends, these apples bring smiles.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
▪️ 6 Granny Smith Apples: These green apples have a little tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the caramel. They’re crisp and perfect for coating.
▪️ 1 1/2 cups of Granulated Sugar: This is for the caramel. Sugar makes it sweet and gooey.
▪️ 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: The butter adds a rich and creamy texture to the caramel.
▪️ 1 cup Heavy Cream: This makes the caramel silky and smooth. Think of it as the magic ingredient.
▪️ 1/4 cup Corn Syrup: Corn syrup helps keep the caramel smooth and prevents it from getting grainy.
▪️ 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma and extra flavor to the caramel.
▪️ A pinch of Salt: Just a little pinch to enhance all the flavors in the caramel.
▪️ Toppings: You can choose your favorites, like nuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or colorful sprinkles, to make your apples look and taste amazing. It’s like dressing up your apples in delicious clothes!
Making Of Homemade Caramel Apples
STEP 1: First things first, wash your apples thoroughly and give them a good drying with a clean towel. Now, take off the stems and stick some wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into the top of each apple. This part is fun; it’s like giving your apples a handle.
STEP 2: In a heavy saucepan, mix together your sugar, butter, heavy cream, a bit of corn syrup, and a tiny pinch of salt. Turn on the heat to medium, and stir it all together until the sugar says goodbye to its granules and gets all smooth.
STEP 3: Grab that candy thermometer and stick it on the side of your saucepan. Make sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Let the mixture bubble away until the thermometer says it’s hit 240°F (that’s about 115°C). While it’s cooking, you’ll see it change from sugary syrup to a beautiful golden color.
STEP 4: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Be careful here; it might make some noise when you add it.
STEP 5: Now comes the fun part! Hold your apple by the stick and dip it into the caramel. Give it a little twirl to make sure it’s all coated. Let any extra caramel drip back into the pot. Then, while the caramel is still warm and gooey, roll your apple in your favorite toppings.
STEP 6: Put your caramel-coated apples on a piece of parchment paper to cool off for about half an hour. We don’t want you burning your tongue on hot caramel! Once they’ve cooled and the caramel has set, it’s time to dive in. (Use toppings like crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or sprinkles)
Tips and Techniques
▪️ Work quickly when dipping the apples; the caramel can harden fast.
▪️ If the caramel gets too thick while dipping, you can gently reheat it for a smoother coating.
▪️ Get creative with toppings! Crushed pretzels, shredded coconut, or even drizzled chocolate are fantastic choices.
Serving Size
In this recipe, you’ll get 6 of these caramel treats. So, that means you can share the joy with 6 lucky people, or if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, maybe keep a couple for yourself for later munching.
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Try ’em with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra yummy dessert combo.
▪️ If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some chocolate sauce over them for a delightful chocolate caramel twist.
Variations
▪️ Roll your apples in crushed peanuts, almonds, or even toasted coconut for a crunchy, nutty contrast.
▪️ Experiment with different apple varieties, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, to discover new flavor combinations.
▪️ Infuse your caramel with a drop of your favorite extract (like maple or almond) for a unique flavor boost.
Storage Tips
To store your Green Caramel Apples, refrigerate them in an airtight container, ensuring they have space. Enjoy within a couple of days to maintain their ideal texture and flavor.
FAQ’s
Q. Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, feel free to use your favorite apple variety.
Q. How do I prevent sugar crystals from forming in the caramel?
The corn syrup in the recipe helps prevent sugar crystals. Just make sure to stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves before it starts to boil.
Q. Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can make them a few hours ahead, but for the best texture, it’s best to enjoy them the same day you make them.
Homemade Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 6 Granny Smith Apples
- 1 ½ cups of Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ¼ cup Corn Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- A pinch of Salt
- Toppings
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and insert wooden sticks into apples.
- Combine sugar, butter, cream, corn syrup, and salt. Cook to 240°F (115°C).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
- Dip apples in caramel, roll in toppings.
- Place on parchment paper, cool for 30 mins.
Notes
- Work quickly when dipping apples.
- Reheat caramel if it thickens.
- Get creative with toppings.