The Best Caramel Apples

4.8
(155)

This amazing caramel apple recipe was given to me by a close friend when I was searching for a recipe to make homemade caramel apples for the very first time. My family and friends loved these delicious treats! Sprinkle with nuts or whatever you desire while the caramel is still warm, but work quickly as the caramel sets very fast.

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A plate of caramel apples on sticks, with some covered in chopped peanuts
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 8 large tart apples

  • 8 wooden chopsticks for handles

  • 2 cups packed brown sugar

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 cup butter

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make caramel apples

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, using a slotted spoon, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

    A large pot of water with apples, with one apple being removed with a slotted spoon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Insert sticks into the bottom of each cooled apple through the core for a handle.

    Apples with sticks inserted in the bottoms

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

    A pot with sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter being stirred together with a silicone spatula

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), stirring constantly to prevent burning, about 25 to 30 minutes. A teaspoon of caramel dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball.

    A pot of caramel with a candy thermometer, next to a small glass of water with a round ball of caramel

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

    A rubber spatula stirring vanilla extract into a pot of caramel

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle.

    A hand dripping an apple on a stick into a pot of caramel

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  8. Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot.

    A parchment paper-lined baking sheet with a caramel apple, with a hand sprinkling chopped peanuts over a caramel apple

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  9. Let caramel apples cool on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 hour. Use caution, caramel is very hot.

    A plate of caramel apples on sticks, with some covered in chopped peanuts

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note

Each stove differs as far as temperature and how long you will need to cook the caramel. It only took 21 minutes for me, but it took my friend 39 minutes — so it can vary greatly.

Because the caramel requires constant attention when cooking, and you will be in a hurry when coating the apples, prep everything beforehand. Have your parchment paper laid out, your toppings ready in bowls, etc.

245 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

799 Calories
28g Fat
142g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 799
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g 35%
Saturated Fat 17g 87%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 269mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 142g 51%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 113g
Protein 5g 9%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 210mg 16%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 491mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.