Caramel Apples are the quintessential fall treat, blending the crispness of fresh apples with the rich sweetness of homemade caramel 🍏. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night at home or hosting a festive gathering, these delectable delights are sure to be a hit. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of kitchen magic, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in no time!
Ingredients:
- 8 apples 🍏
- 1 cup chopped peanuts 🥜
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Prepare the Apples:
- Start by washing the apples thoroughly and drying them completely. This ensures that the caramel will adhere smoothly to the surface of the apples.
- Next, insert a stick into the stem end of each apple. The sticks will serve as handles for dipping the apples into the caramel later on.
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Prepare the Work Surface:
- Line a 9-by-inch or 7-by-11-inch baking pan with foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan.
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Prepare the Nuts:
- Spread the chopped peanuts evenly into the lined pan. The nuts will add a delightful crunch to the caramel-coated apples.
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Make the Caramel:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of heavy cream, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and sugar.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Over high heat, cook the mixture until it reaches 280°F (firm ball stage). At this point, the syrup will take on a rich golden hue, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.
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Add Vanilla:
- Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
- Carefully swirl in the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot and may splatter.
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Coat the Apples:
- Working quickly while the caramel is still hot, dip each apple into the caramel, turning it to ensure even coating. Allow any excess caramel to drip off the apples before proceeding to the next step.
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Add Nuts:
- After dipping the apples in caramel, immediately dip the bottoms into the chopped peanuts. The nuts will adhere to the warm caramel, adding both flavor and texture to the finished treats.
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Let Dry:
- Arrange the caramel-coated apples on a nonstick or waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Allow the caramel apples to dry completely before serving or storing. This step ensures that the caramel sets properly, resulting in a perfect combination of gooey sweetness and crunchy goodness.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 568.3 per serving
- Fat Content: 31.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 71.3mg
- Sodium Content: 37.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 72.5g
- Fiber Content: 4.9g
- Sugar Content: 48.7g
- Protein Content: 5.8g
Recipe Notes:
- Variations: Feel free to customize your caramel apples with your favorite toppings, such as crushed cookies, sprinkles, or drizzles of chocolate.
- Storage: Store leftover caramel apples in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Presentation: For an extra-special touch, consider packaging your caramel apples in decorative cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. They make delightful gifts for friends and family or party favors for special occasions.
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of homemade caramel apples and create unforgettable memories with loved ones 🍎. Whether you’re enjoying them at a fall festival, Halloween party, or cozy night in, these treats are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and joy. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the sweet aroma of caramel fill your kitchen!
