(without the corn syrup!)
This year go old-school with your own caramel apples. The sweet and tart, soft and crisp combo can’t be beat by any of today’s artifcially sweetened treats. Plus, it’s a great activity to do with kids on a blustery fall day! Follow this simple recipe for a healthier, homemade version of the old classic that doesn’t use corn syrup.
Ingredients
8 apples (choose tart & crunchy varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
8 chopsticks or caramel apple sticks
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup honey
4 Tbsp. butter
OPTIONAL DECORATIONS:
Chopped nuts
Crushed pretzels (plain or chocolate covered)
Dried cranberries
Shaved coconut
Granola
Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds
Sprinkles
Melted white or dark chocolate
Preparation
1. Wash apples* and dry thoroughly. They need to be totally dry for the caramel to stick.
2. Combine all ingredients except apples and decorations in a heavy saucepan. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely and butter is melted.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and cook caramel at a rolling boil. Continue to stir slowly until a candy thermometer registers 236°, or until a spoonful of caramel dropped in a bowl of cold water forms a firm little ball.
4. Pour caramel into a metal bowl and cool for 5–10 minutes.
5. While caramel is cooling, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Push a chopstick into the stem-end of each apple.
6. Holding the chopstick, dip apples one at a time into the caramel, submerging all but at the very top. Lift each apple out, allowing excess caramel to drip back into bowl. Turn and hold for several seconds to help set caramel before setting apples on prepared parchment paper.
7. Chill apples on sheet until caramel partially sets (15 minutes). If desired, roll caramel-coated apples into additional decorations. Or drizzle with melted chocolate.
8. Chill until caramel and decorations are fully set (about 1 hour). Enjoy right away or cover and chill for up to 1 week!
*PRO TIP! Take a piece of sandpaper and gently score the outside of apples prior to dipping. This will help the caramel stick!
