Ingredients:

  • 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 6 wooden popsicle sticks or sturdy candy sticks
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) sea salt flakes, plus extra for sprinkling
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) (optional)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Wash, dry, and insert sticks into the core of each apple. Place on prepared baking sheet.
  2. In the saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts completely and turns an amber color.
  3. Carefully add butter, stirring until melted and combined.
  4. Slowly pour in heavy cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until smooth.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and sea salt.
  6. Tilt the saucepan to create a deeper pool of caramel.
  7. Dip each apple into the caramel, swirling to coat evenly.
  8. Lift the apple and allow excess caramel to drip off.
  9. Immediately after dipping, roll the caramel-coated apple in desired toppings (optional).
  10. Place coated apples on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel to set.
  11. Sprinkle with additional sea salt flakes before serving.