Recipe: Caramel Apples π
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful treat of homemade Caramel Apples straight from your kitchen! This easy-to-follow recipe yields a batch of six succulent caramel-coated apples, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a cooking time of just 20 minutes, you’ll have these irresistible goodies ready to enjoy in no time.
- Category: Candy
- Cuisine: Dessert
- Keywords: Dessert, Apple, Fruit, Low Protein, Kid Friendly, Halloween, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
- Yield: 1 batch (6 servings)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Apples |
| 2 | Cups Sugar |
| 2 | Teaspoons Salt |
| 1 | Cup Dark Corn Syrup |
| 1/2 | Cup Unsalted Butter |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 772.3
- Fat Content: 37.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 23.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 129mg
- Sodium Content: 463.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 115.2g
- Fiber Content: 4.4g
- Sugar Content: 92.8g
- Protein Content: 2.2g
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment:
- 3 qt heavy-bottomed pan
- Ice (a couple of pounds)
- Candy Thermometer
- Wooden sticks/dowels (1/4 inch, 7-8 inches long)
- Greased baking dish or pan
- Potholders
- Food-grade cellophane wrap
Instructions:
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Prepare Equipment: Gather all the necessary equipment: 3 qt heavy-bottomed pan, ice, candy thermometer, wooden sticks/dowels, greased baking dish or pan, potholders, and food-grade cellophane wrap.
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Fill Sink with Ice: Fill the bottom of your sink or a large bowl with ice cubes. This will be used to cool the caramel quickly.
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Heat Ingredients: In the heavy 3 qt pan, combine sugar, salt, dark corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
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Monitor Temperature: Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature of the mixture. Continue stirring almost constantly until the thermometer reads 245Β°F, approximately 12 minutes.
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Check Consistency: You will notice the syrup thickening as it reaches the desired temperature. Avoid clipping the thermometer to the side of the pan; instead, hold it in place to check the temperature without touching the bottom of the pan.
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Cool the Caramel: Once the mixture reaches 245Β°F, remove the pan from heat and place it on top of the ice to halt the cooking process.
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Dip Apples: Remove the pan from the ice and promptly begin dipping the apples into the caramel mixture, rolling them to coat the sides evenly. Optionally, use a spoon to cover the tops of the apples with caramel.
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Set Caramel: As the caramel begins to thicken rapidly, work quickly to coat all six apples. Place the caramel-coated apples on a greased pan to cool completely.
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Optional Nuts: If desired, sprinkle nuts onto the caramel-coated apples before the caramel sets completely. Avoid dipping into the nuts immediately to ensure the caramel remains pliable.
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Serve and Store: Enjoy the caramel apples within two days for optimal freshness. You can refrigerate them to further set the caramel if needed.
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Scaling Up: If you need to make more than six apples, either repeat the recipe or double it in a larger, deeper pot. Avoid using wider pots, as they may cause the caramel to cook faster and become harder to control.
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Wrap for Presentation: Once cooled and set, wrap the caramel apples in food-grade cellophane and tie a ribbon around the sticks for a decorative touch.
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Consider Weather Conditions: Note that the caramel may not set up properly if made on a humid day. Aim for a dry day for best results.
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these homemade Caramel Apples for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy the sweet crunch of fresh apples enveloped in luscious caramel, creating a delectable treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, hosting a party, or simply craving a sweet snack, these Caramel Apples are guaranteed to be a hit!
