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As the leaves change color and a crispness fills the air, the arrival of fall brings with it a wave of nostalgia. One of the quintessential autumn treats that many of us cherish is the caramel apple. This delightful confection has been a staple at fairs, festivals, and Halloween gatherings for generations, evoking memories of childhood excitement and seasonal joy. The combination of tart apples and rich, buttery caramel creates a flavor profile that is not just delicious but also deeply comforting.

Homemade Caramel Apples

Celebrate the arrival of fall with homemade caramel apples! This nostalgic treat pairs tart Granny Smith apples with rich, buttery caramel for a comforting flavor. Crafting them at home allows for customization—experiment with toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle to create your unique version. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect caramel and discover tips for a flawless finish. Gather family and friends for a fun, delicious autumn tradition!
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Ingredients
  

6 medium-sized Granny Smith apples

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, peanuts, or pecans) - optional

6 wooden sticks or popsicle sticks

Instructions
 

Preparation of Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple and set them aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    Making the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble. Once it bubbles, stop stirring and let it boil for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches a light golden brown color.

      Incorporating Cream: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up when you add the cream. Stir until the caramel is smooth and well combined.

        Coating the Apples: Hold each apple by the stick and dip it into the hot caramel sauce. Rotate the apple to ensure an even coating. Let the excess caramel drip off before placing the apple back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

          Topping the Apples (Optional): If you wish to add toppings, immediately sprinkle the chopped nuts over the caramel-coated apples before the caramel sets.

            Setting the Caramel: Allow the coated apples to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the caramel hardens. For even quicker results, you can place them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

              Serving: Once the caramel is set, your homemade caramel apples are ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh or wrap them individually in cellophane for a delightful gift!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 6 servings