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Foolproof Homemade Chewy Caramel Apples

A glossy, freshly made caramel apple on a stick, sitting on a small white plate, with another apple blurred in the background.
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Make chewy caramel apples that stick every time using this straightforward recipe. This guide focuses on achieving the perfect caramel texture for your fall treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium firm apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for spiced caramel

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the core of each apple.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly grease the paper with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter.
  4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once it boils.
  5. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom.
  6. Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit (Firm Ball stage). This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Let the caramel cool for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  8. Tilt the pan and dip each apple into the caramel, rotating to coat completely. Lift the apple and allow excess caramel to drip back into the pan.
  9. Place the coated apples onto the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool completely at room temperature until the caramel sets, about 1 hour.

Notes

  • For best adhesion, chill the washed and dried apples in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before dipping. The cold surface helps the warm caramel set quickly.
  • If the caramel seems too thin after dipping, let it cool for another 5 minutes before dipping the next apple.
  • For gourmet finishing, immediately roll the dipped apples in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips before the caramel fully hardens.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/caramel-apple-recipe-foolproof-chewy-sticking/