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Caramel apples with branch sticks sitting on a metal dish, with more in the background.
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5 / 6 votes

Halloween Caramel Apples

These caramel apples are enrobed in a buttery caramel coating made with butter, sugar, cream, maple syrup, and dark molasses. A great Halloween treat for the kids.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 to 12 apples
Calories: 322

Equipment

  • 10 to 12 popsicle sticks or twigs sharpened to a point at one end

Ingredients

  • 10 to 12 medium apples
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon blackstrap or other dark molasses
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Butter the foil or paper lightly. Insert a stick into each apple at the stem end. (I use the bottom of a heavy mug to “hammer” in the sticks, but be careful not to drive the handle all the way through the apple.)
  • In a deep, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, butter, cream, corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla, and salt. Stir gently with a wooden spoon from time to time to make sure no sugar is sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture registers 236°F (113°C) on a thermometer, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let the caramel cool to 180°F (82°C).
  • Working with 1 apple at a time, dip it into the hot caramel, let the excess drip off the bottom of the apple, and then place it on the prepared baking sheet. The caramel should cling to the apple. If the caramel slides off the first apple, let the rest of the caramel in the pan cool for a minute or so and try again. You may need to tilt the pan to dip the last few apples.
  • Let the caramel apples cool completely so the caramel sets. The apples will keep, uncovered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (But who are we kidding? They'll never last that long.)

Notes

  • When dipping your apples, use a wooden spoon to prop up one side of your saucepan for easier dipping.
  • If your caramel thickens too much before all your apples are dipped, rewarm it over low heat, frequently stirring to prevent scorching.
  • Any leftover caramel sauce makes a great dip for apple slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1apple | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 13mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 49g