Apples coated in gooey, sticky caramel are a classic fall treat that can be enjoyed in many forms. From caramel apples on a stick to fresh apple slices dipped in caramel sauce, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing these two delicious ingredients. However, getting the caramel to properly coat and adhere to the apples can be tricky. With the right techniques and recipes, you can easily make perfect caramel apples and other apple treats at home.
Choosing the Right Apples
Not all apple varieties are created equal when it comes to caramel apples. The best apples for caramel apples are firm, crisp ones that can stand up to the thickness of the caramel coating. Soft, mealy apples will not hold the caramel well and can become a mushy mess.
Some of the best apple options for caramel apples include:
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm, these green apples are a classic choice.
- Honeycrisp – Sweet and crisp, these apples have an addictive crunch.
- Fuji – Sweet and juicy, these apples pair nicely with the rich caramel.
- Pink Lady – Firm and tangy sweet-tart flavor.
- Braeburn – Crisp texture and slightly tart flavor.
Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, McIntosh, and Gala. Stick with crisp, firm varieties for the best texture and for holding the caramel coating.
Picking the Right Caramel
Using a high-quality, thick caramel will help ensure it adheres properly to the apples. Thin, runny caramel will just slide right off. There are a few options for obtaining caramel for apples:
- Make homemade caramel from scratch – This allows you to control the thickness and flavor.
- Purchase ready-made caramel candies and melt them – Look for candies marked as “caramel” without extra flavors added.
- Buy pre-made caramel apple dip – Many brands make commercial dips just for caramel apples.
No matter which type of caramel you use, look for one with a thick, viscous texture that clings to the apples. Stirring in a bit of corn syrup or condensed milk can help thicken runny caramel as well.
Preparing the Apples
Properly preparing the apples is one of the most important steps for getting the caramel to stick. Follow these tips:
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly – Any moisture will make the caramel slide right off.
- Remove the stem and insert a lollipop stick or wood skewer into the top – Push it deep enough into the apple so it is secure.
- Lightly grease the apple surface – Brush a thin layer of oil, butter, or non-stick cooking spray onto the entire apple surface. This helps the caramel adhere better.
- Chill the apples – Place them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before dipping. The cold temperature helps set the warm caramel.
Taking these steps ensures the apple surface is clean, dry, and slightly greased – perfect for the caramel to stick to!
Dipping Methods
Once your caramel and apples are prepped, it’s time to dip! Here are two techniques for getting a good coat of caramel on your apples:
Dipping into a Caramel Pot
This method is ideal when making homemade caramel or melting down caramel candies.
- Pour melted caramel into a deep pot, making sure you have enough caramel to fully coat each apple.
- Hold the apple stick and dip the apple into the hot caramel, swirling and spooning the caramel over the surface to coat completely.
- Allow excess caramel to drip off, then place apple on an oil-greased baking sheet.
- Repeat dipping with remaining apples, reheating caramel on stove if needed to keep it liquid.
Drizzling with Caramel Sauce
This method works well when using a thinner, pourable caramel sauce.
- Place apples on an oil-greased baking sheet, spacing apart.
- Spoon or drizzle caramel sauce over each apple, turning to coat all sides.
- Use a spoon to scoop up extra caramel sauce and continue drizzling over any thin spots to get full coverage.
The key with this method is having enough sauce to generously coat each apple.
Decorating Caramel Apples
After dipping or drizzling your apples with caramel, you can leave them plain or add toppings for extra flavor and crunch. Decorating ideas include:
- Chopped nuts – Peanuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds
- Sprinkles – Rainbow or chocolate sprinkles
- Crushed candy bars – Chop up chocolate bars or butterfingers
- Crushed cookies – Oreo, chocolate chip, peanut butter cookie crumbs
- Coconut flakes
- Chopped dried fruit – Raisins, cranberries, apricots
- Granola
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed pretzels
Press decorations gently into the warm caramel on the apples right after dipping. Let cool completely before serving.
Storing Caramel Apples
Caramel apples taste best fresh, but you can store them for a short time if needed. Here are some tips:
- Let the coated apples cool and set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before storage.
- Store caramel apples at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
- Cover loosely to prevent sticking. Avoid wrapping tightly in plastic wrap.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor.
- Apples can weep liquid – blot gently with paper towel if needed.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
With proper storage, caramel apples can last for a couple days. After that, the caramel will start to weep and slide off the apples.
Troubleshooting Caramel Apples
Even with the best recipes and techniques, you may still run into some issues when making caramel apples. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Caramel is too thin/runny | Bring to a boil and cook longer to thicken. Stir in corn syrup or sweetened condensed milk. |
| Caramel is too thick/sugary | Add a small amount of water, cream, or milk and reheat gently, stirring until smooth. |
| Caramel won’t stick to apples | Ensure apples are completely dry. Grease surface lightly before dipping. Reheat caramel if too thick. |
| Caramel drips off apples | Allow excess to drip off after dipping. Cool dipped apples thoroughly before moving. Thicken caramel with corn syrup if too thin. |
| Caramel weeps/oozes | Store apples in a dry area at room temperature. Gently blot with paper towel. |
| Crystalized sugar on surface | Caramel cooled too quickly. Gently reheat in warm oven to smooth surface. |
With some tweaking to ingredients, temperatures, and techniques, you can troubleshoot any caramel apple challenges. The results are well worth the effort for this classic fall dessert!
Other Caramel Apple Ideas
Beyond the classic caramel apple on a stick, there are lots of fun ways to enjoy the apple and caramel combo:
Caramel Apple Slices
Cut apples into wedges or slices and drizzle with caramel sauce. Top with desired spices, nuts, chocolate chips or other toppings. Arrange on a platter for an easy party treat.
Baked Caramel Apples
Core and stuff a whole baked apple with caramel candies or sauce. Bake until tender and serve warm with ice cream and toppings.
Caramel Apple Pizza
Top a pizza crust with sliced apples, caramel sauce, and sweet toppings like marshmallows, chocolate chips, brown sugar and nuts. Bake until heated through for a shareable dessert.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Swirl homemade or jarred caramel sauce into cheesecake batter before baking. Top with apple slices and an extra drizzle of caramel.
Caramel Apple Milkshake
Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, sliced apples and caramel sauce for a cool, creamy treat. Top with whipped cream and apple slices.
The pairing of apples and caramel is extremely versatile. Let your imagination run wild coming up with new ways to enjoy this classic fall flavor combination!
Conclusion
With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily make perfect caramel apples at home. Choosing firm, crisp apple varieties and using a thick, sticky caramel will ensure maximum adherence. Properly preparing the apples by drying, lightly greasing, and chilling them before dipping allows the caramel coating to stick straight to the surface. Drizzling spooning warmed caramel over the apples to generously coat them is key. Troubleshoot any issues with runny caramel by boiling it longer to thicken or adding corn syrup. Caramel apples taste best fresh, but can be stored at room temperature for a couple days when loosely covered. Beyond the classic caramel apple on a stick, you can find endless ways to enjoy apples and caramel together. Whip up a batch of caramel-coated apples this fall for a sweet seasonal treat!