Caramel Apples – Classics with a Twist

July 7, 2012April 24, 2014 dotcomwomen

All you ever wanted to know about making classic and modern version caramel apples is here for you.

Caramel Apple Recipes

Basically, Caramel Apples are made by dipping apples-on-a-stick (usually a tart variety that provide a contrast to the sweetness of the caramel) into hot caramel and sometimes double-dipped in chocolate and coated with assorted ingredients. How you make the caramel and what you coat them with, is what makes each recipe different. We give you here the classic recipe as well as the modern versions of it.

Classic Caramel Apples Recipe

Ingredients:

6 small apples, any tart variety (Granny Smith is generally preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar (granulated)
1/4 cup corn syrup, dark
2 tbsp. white (unsalted) butter
6 Wooden Sticks (Craft Sticks work well)

Directions:

Mix in a saucepan cream, butter, sugar and corn syrup and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes till temperature reaches 245 degrees on a candy thermometer. Immediately place the saucepan in ice water to stop further cooking or the caramel might get burnt. Meanwhile, remove stems and insert sticks into the apples and dip them in the caramel. Use a spoon to coat the apples evenly with the caramel upto three-fourths. Refrigerate or leave in a cool place on parchment or buttered wax paper till completely set.

Caramel Apples Using Ready-Made Caramels

Ingredients:

6 small apples, any tart variety (Granny Smith is generally preferred)
14 ounces unwrapped soft caramels, (about 50 pieces)
2 tbsp. milk or water

Directions:

Combine caramels and milk in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water till the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and let the caramel sit for a couple of minutes before dipping the apples. Now, dip the apples like the above recipe and set.

Microwave Variation: Microwave caramels and milk for 2 minutes, stirring once in between.

Double-Dipped Caramel Apples in White/Milk/Bittersweet Chocolate

Ingredients:

10 ounces chopped white/milk/bittersweet chocolate
Basic Caramel Apples Prepared according to one of the above recipes

Directions:

Melt chocolate in microwave or a double-boiler and dip the caramel apples in the chocolate and swirl to coat evenly or use a spoon. When chocolate is slightly set, roll in one of the following toppings and allow to set completely.

Topping Ideas for Chocolate Dipped Caramel Apples

The chocolate covering over the caramel can hold many toppings over the apple. Here are some favorite ideas to roll your chocolate-dipped caramel apples in: