The Best Caramel Apples

This yummy caramel apple recipe coats tart apples with rich caramel. Sprinkle with nuts, crushed cookies, or whatever you desire for a sweet treat!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 799 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 8 large tart apples
• 8 wooden chopsticks for handles

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Insert sticks into the bottom of each cooled apple through the core for a handle.

Step 2

Gather all ingredients.

Step 3

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), stirring constantly to prevent burning, about 25 to 30 minutes. A teaspoon of caramel dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball.

Step 5

Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6

Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle.

Step 7

Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot.

Step 8

Let caramel apples cool on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 hour. Use caution, caramel is very hot.

Step 9

Remove any wax from apples to help caramel stick better: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, using a slotted spoon, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside to cool completely, about 30 minutes.