This sweet treat has been one of my fall favorites since I was very young. There is something about the buttery caramel and the crunch of a tart apple that makes me incredibly happy. In my twenties, I lived around the corner from a candy and chocolate shop and I used to buy a caramel apples once a week because I loved the taste so much! Once I had kids and introduced them to this sweet, I knew I had to start making them at home. Not only are they more fresh when you make yourself, but you can also add all the toppings that you love.

This recipe is for the simple classic caramel apple, but don't be shy to add in all your favorite toppings like melted chocolate, sprinkles, crushed nuts or more. 

Makes: 12-16 apples depending on size of apple

Active Time: 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins

Ingredients:

• 12-16 apples depending on size

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 cups light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat

2. When butter has melted, add sugar, corn syrup and salt and stir until sugar has dissolved. 
3. Add sweetened condensed milk and cream and continue to stir on low until it reaches a temperature of 240°. This can take 20-30 minutes.
4. When the caramel turns a golden brown color, take the saucepan off the heat.
5. Let the caramel cool until 190°. 
6. Stick the tops of each apple with a skewer stick. 
7. Dip each apple in the caramel and turn in a circular motion so the caramel covers the entire apple. 
8. Place the caramel apple on parchment paper and let cool.

Tips and tricks to making the best Caramel Apples:

1. If using store bought apples make sure to wash the apples with hot water. Store bought apples have a thin layer of wax and the caramel will not stick properly to the apple without it washed and dried. 
2. Have apples at room temperature before dipping. 
3. I did not have popsicle sticks on hand so I just used wooden skewer sticks and cut them in half. 
4. When making this recipe be sure to use a large pot so there is enough room for ingredients as well as room to dip the apples. 
5. This caramel can also be used for pouring on top of ice cream!
6. Other things to add after you dipped your apple: M&Ms, Crushed Nuts, White Chocolate drizzled, Salt Flakes, Sprinkles.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth