5 from 36 votes
Homemade Caramel Apples
This recipe creates classic homemade caramel apples using large apples dipped in a smooth caramel cooked to the firm ball stage. The crisp, fresh apples pair with a thick, slightly chewy caramel coating that hardens after chilling. Rolling the coated apples in chopped nuts or sprinkling sea salt adds an optional crunchy or savory contrast. The method involves chilling the apples before dipping to help the caramel set properly and using wooden skewers for easy handling.
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings:
6
to 12 apples
Calories:
116 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 6 large apple or 8-12 smaller
- 1 recipe apple cider caramel , cooked to 245-250 degrees F.*
- wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- walnut if desired, chopped walnuts; flaked sea salt; toppings
- peanut
- sea salt
Instructions
- Wash and de-stem apples and dry thoroughly. Insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the center of each apple, where the stems were, pushing down until firmly secured. Refrigerate apples until well-chilled, at least 30 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet or tray with wax paper. Dip chilled apples into the caramel, rolling to coat up the sides. Let excess caramel drip back into the pot. If you don't want a "foot" on your caramel apples, use a rubber spatula to gently scrape any excess caramel from the bottom.
- If the caramel starts to get too thick to smoothly dip the apples, gently rewarm it on the stove. As you get toward the end of your caramel supply, use a spoon to pour the caramel over the apples.
- If desired, roll the dipped apples in chopped nuts or lightly sprinkle with flaked sea salt and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Chill apples until caramel is firm before enjoying, about 15 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Any homemade caramel recipe cooked to the firm ball stage (245-250°F) can be used for dipping apples.
- Ensure apples are thoroughly dried and chilled before dipping for best caramel adherence and setting.
Nutrition Information
Calories
116kcal
(6%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Sodium
2mg
(0%)
Potassium
238mg
(5%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
23g
(46%)
Vitamin A
120IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
10.2mg
(11%)
Calcium
13mg
(1%)
Iron
0.3mg
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 to 12 apples
Amount Per Serving
Calories 116
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 116kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Sodium | 2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 238mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 23g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 120IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 10.2mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.