A Caramel Apple is a delectable treat. Perfect for Halloween or as the ultimate autumn delight!
There are a handful of very specific treats that are associated with Halloween. There’s candy in general, of course. There’s candy corn, which everyone apparently loves or hates. And then there’s the much less divisive Halloween treat that, unlike candy corn, probably won’t start a fight: caramel apples!
Caramel apples are believed to have come into existence sometime in the early 1900s. They pop up in magazines and recipe books, with different variations of “apple on a stick.” One recipe even recommends shredded coconut as a topping, which is a delightful idea!
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s straightforward and simple with only a few ingredients, and it saves you the hassle of trying to buy a candied apple during Halloween. I cannot overstate how often these babies sell out close to Halloween at my local grocery store, so having the ability to make my own is such a relief. I can also make these treats year-round, when the stores don’t offer them at all!
The perfect apple
Choosing the right apple is very important when you’re cooking with apples, of course! Different recipes can call for different levels of firmness or different levels of sweetness versus tartness. For this recipe, you want apples that won’t get mushy when dipped into hot caramel. Tart apples also work well as a Halloween flavor, so my first recommendation is Granny Smith apples. However, if you’re not a fan of Granny Smith, or you’d rather have a red candy apple, try Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
You can absolutely make these treats in advance or store leftovers with ease. Keep them in the fridge, wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or so.
Serving suggestions
A caramel apple works best among a spread of delicious treats for a Halloween party or any other party. Desserts like Rainbow Rice Krispies Treats or Candy Corn Halloween Parfait look beautiful next to candy apples. Some other good choices are Reese’s Cheesecake Bars or Spooky Witch Finger Cookies, if you’re going for a Halloween theme. If you’re making caramel apples for something else, like Valentine’s Day, choose a red apple for this recipe and pair them with something sweet like Red Velvet Cupcakes and beautiful like this Valentine’s Day Cheese And Peanut Butter Ball Board.
Caramel Apple
Ingredients
- 8 large tart apples washed and wax removed
- 8 wooden sticks
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or nuts optional
Instructions
- Dry the apples thoroughly. Remove stems and insert wooden sticks into the tops.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and butter. Stir continuously until mixture boils.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until a candy thermometer reads between 240°F-248°F, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Dip each apple into the caramel, turning to coat evenly. Allow excess caramel to drip off. Dip in nuts or sprinkles if using. Place on prepared baking sheet to cool.
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