Learn how to make Homemade Caramel Apples for a festive and tasty fall treat. The caramel recipe is decadent and perfectly coats the apples.
Caramel Apples from scratch take very little time to make and turn out much better than store bought. If you enjoy this classic fair and carnival treat, you will love enjoying this no bake dessert recipe at home.
It’s one of our favorite Easy Apple Desserts that I make every year along with Caramel Apple Slices and Crock Pot Apple Crisp. Another favorite is Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
The rich taste of caramel is so delicious combined with fresh and crispy apples. Once you try homemade caramel, the difference is amazing from store-bought caramel sauce.
I love the savings of homemade caramel apples and can make an entire batch for a fraction of the price compared to the store price.
Ingredients
- Apples. The tart flavor of Granny Smith is perfect with the sweetness of the caramel.
- Sticks. Make sure they are sturdy enough to support the apples.
- Heavy Cream. This is the base for the caramel and provides a rich texture.
- Corn Syrup. You need this to make the caramel stick to the apples. If you omit the light corn syrup, the caramel will fall off the apples.
- Butter. Always use real butter.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla is recommended.
- Toppings of Your Choice. We love nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts), sprinkles, Oreos, graham crackers, coconut, candy coating (Reese Cups, mini M&M, butterfingers), pretzels and more.
Get the complete ingredients for this recipe at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Drizzle Chocolate. You might also like to drizzle melted chocolate on the apples. You can use white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Apple Variety. Granny Smith or Gala work great.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. Start by heating water in a pot until hot. You do not want it boiling. Then add the white vinegar to the hot water.
Step 2. Next, place a stick into the stem end of each apple. Remove any wax on the apples by dipping in water. Swirl to melt and remove any wax. Wipe with towel to dry and remove any remaining wax. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Step 3. Get out a saucepan. Add the heavy cream, corn syrup, butter and sugar and stir with wooden spoon. Heat the mixture until it reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit using a candy thermometer. This is firm ball stage. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the remaining cream and the vanilla.
Step 4. Dip the apples into the caramel. Twirl so the entire apple is coated.
Step 5. Allow the excess caramel to drip off.
- Step 6. If you are using toppings, roll the dipped apple in the toppings before the caramel sets.
- Step 7. Finally, place apples on the lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set. Then serve.
Storage
Wrap in cellophane once set for gift giving. Refrigerate the apples up to 1 week.
Pro Tips
- Allow to set. If you plan to add a drizzle of melted chocolate to the apples, let the caramel set first.
- Prepare the apples. Make sure to wash and remove any wax coating that might prevent the caramel from sticking to the apples.
- Use a candy thermometer. It’s important that the caramel mixture reaches a certain temperature before using.
- Heavy cream is a must. This is the base for the creamy caramel mixture. Don’t substitute it for milk or half and half. It won’t turn out the same.
- Keep a close eye on caramel. Don’t walk away while cooking. This needs to be monitored closely so it does not burn.
- Add topping before caramel dries. It is optional but toppings are so much fun. If you plan to use candy, cookies or similar toppings, make sure to add it before the caramel sets or it won’t stick.
More Apple Recipes
Make gourmet caramel apples today for a tasty treat. Once you try this caramel apple recipe, please leave a comment and star recipe rating. I love to hear from you!
Homemade Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 6 Apples
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- 6 Sticks
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Toppings of Your Choice peanuts, sprinkles, candy, etc
Instructions
- Heat water in a pot until hot (but not boiling). Add the white vinegar to the water.
- Insert a stick into the stem end of each apple.
- Dip apples in water and swirl to melt and remove any wax. Wipe with towel to dry and remove any remaining wax.
- Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- In a saucepan, add ¾ cup of the heavy cream, corn syrup, butter and sugar.
- Heat until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenhet (this is firm ball stage).
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in the remaining cream and the vanilla. Be careful as it is very hot and it may splatter.
- Then dip and twirl the apples in the caramel to coat the apples with the caramel.
- Let any excess caramel drip off.
- Then roll the dipped apple in the toppings of your choice.
- Place apples on the prepared cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set caramel.
- Then the apples are ready to serve and enjoy!
So easy and much better than store bought.