Gourmet Salted Caramel Apples

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy sinking your teeth into a dreamy, autumn-inspired treat? I think everyone loves a good caramel apple recipe . This ain't your average fairground special. Get ready for a salty-sweet explosion.

Brief Overview

Right then! , let's talk caramel apples. This classic American treat is often linked to Halloween. Our gourmet caramel apple recipe is moderately tricky.

It takes around 50 minutes, plus an hour to chill. This recipe will give you six delicious apples.

Main Benefits

These Halloween caramel apples are a real autumnal hug in a bite. Plus, apples are a good source of fibre.

This recipe makes a batch to share with friends. Okay, let's get this show on the road!

Gourmet Salted Caramel Apples Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6

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:

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

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

All About the Apples

Granny Smith caramel apples are my personal favourite. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness. But you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji too.

You need six medium-sized apples. Wash them really well and dry. Remember to remove the stems and stick in the wooden sticks.

This is a key step.

The Salted Caramel Sauce Situation

Our secret weapon is homemade salted caramel sauce. Forget the jars. This is like Mary Berry quality. For the caramel dipping sauce for apples , you'll need a cup of sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt.

Honestly , making caramel from scratch is easier than you think. You need a candy thermometer to be precise.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Okay, let's get this show on the road! Right then! Preparing your ingredients and equipment is super important. Think of it like getting your ducks in a row before the main event.

And trust me, making these gourmet caramel apples is definitely an event!

Main Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Apple Recipe

Here's what you'll need for this homemade caramel apple adventure:

• Apples:
  • 6 medium apples, like Granny Smith caramel apples , Honeycrisp, or Fuji (about 900g total). Quality is key! Look for firm, shiny apples. No bruises allowed!
  • 6 wooden sticks. I like popsicle sticks.
• Caramel:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Plain ol' white sugar does the trick!
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter. Proper butter, none of that spread stuff!
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream. This gives the caramel that lush texture.
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Get the good stuff.
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) sea salt flakes. Maldon is my go-to.
• Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, you choose!)
  • Mini chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is always a winner.
  • Sprinkles. Because who doesn’t love sprinkles?

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Essential spice combos can elevate your Halloween caramel apples . A pinch of cinnamon in the caramel is chef's kiss . Seriously, try it! For flavor enhancers, a dash of bourbon works wonders.

You know? It adds a little something special. If you don't have vanilla extract, a tiny bit of almond extract can work in a pinch.

The best caramel apple recipe is one that you love.

Equipment Needed for this Candy Apple Recipe

Honestly, you don't need a ton of fancy kit.

• Medium saucepan. Non-stick is best.
• Candy thermometer. Essential for perfect caramel.
• Baking sheet.
• Parchment paper. This will avoid a sticky situation!
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.

A big benefit of using a candy thermometer is that the homemade caramel apple recipe will get it spot on .

Right then! Armed with this you're all set to create some seriously impressive autumn dessert recipes . I hope that makes you want to create the best salted caramel apple recipe possible!.

Let's Make Some Gourmet Caramel Apples!

Right then! Who doesn't love a good caramel apple recipe ? But we're not talking about those sad, shop-bought ones.

Oh no, darling. We're making proper, decadent salted caramel apple treats. Okay, let's get this show on the road! It's easier than you think, honestly! Think Mary Berry but, you know, a bit more relaxed! Get ready for a homemade caramel apple experience that's pure autumn bliss.

I am going to share my amazing caramel dipping sauce for apples .

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, let's get organised. We need our mise en place , darling! Wash and DRY your apples. I can't stress that enough! Stick a lollipop stick firmly into each apple.

Now get all the stuff for that lush caramel ready – butter, sugar, cream, and don't forget the salt. Safety first: keep a close eye on kids – hot caramel is no joke!

Get Ready to Caramel-ize!

Here's how to turn those apples into works of art, perfect Halloween caramel apples , and an easy autumn dessert recipes :

1. Wash , dry, and stick those apples (6 in total).
2. Melt 1 cup sugar in a pan on medium heat until golden amber. Stir constantly, I'd suggest, with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in 6 tablespoons of butter, then slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Be careful it might splutter!
4. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Now you're ready to dip!
5. Dip each apple in the caramel, tilting the pan to coat it fully.
6. Roll in your favourite caramel apple toppings – chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips are divine!
7. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
8. Sprinkle with a little extra sea salt and serve with some Granny Smith caramel apples .

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Honestly, the key is patience with the caramel. Don't rush it. Common mistake to avoid : using damp apples. The caramel will slide right off, and nobody wants that, do they? To take a shortcut you can purchase pre-made caramel candies to melt in the microwave for 2 minutes, but make sure to stir every 30 seconds .

If the caramel cools too much during dipping, warm it gently in a pan to 118° C. You will get your very own easy caramel apple recipe with my trick.

You could even make the caramel a day ahead! Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when needed for a candy apple recipe .

And there you have it a beautiful batch of apples.

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Caramel Apple

Okay, let's get this show on the road! You've got the caramel apple recipe down. Right then! But before you dive headfirst into making the gourmet caramel apple , let's chat about some essential details.

I've made enough homemade caramel apples to know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't. Honestly, a little prep knowledge can save you from a sticky situation, you know?

Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibe!

Presentation matters! Think beyond just plopping a Granny Smith caramel apple on a plate. Slice it up. Arrange on a fancy platter with a drizzle of extra caramel dipping sauce for apples , and a sprinkle of sea salt.

For the little ones, maybe serve it with a small bowl of mini marshmallows for dipping? As for drinks, a chilled glass of milk or a mug of spiced cider complements the sweetness perfectly.

It’s like autumn in every bite.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive

These Halloween caramel apples are best enjoyed fresh, no doubt about it! However, if you have leftovers, wrap them individually in parchment paper and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.

But, honestly, they're never going to be as good as when you first made them. I wouldn’t recommend freezing these.

Reheating can be tricky. The caramel might melt and make the apple a bit soggy.

Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It!

Want a healthier twist on this decadent treat? Use a sugar-free caramel recipe and low-sugar toppings. Sorted. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of bourbon to your salted caramel apple recipe ! For my nut-free pals, chopped sunflower seeds or coconut flakes work wonders as caramel apple toppings .

There are so many different autumn dessert recipes that can be done. Oh my gosh!.

Nutrition Basics: Sweetness with a Side of Knowledge

Let's keep it real, these aren't exactly health food. But here's the gist: expect around 350 calories per apple. But you can adjust this depending on your ingredients.

Apples are a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. The caramel? Well, it's a treat. So enjoy in moderation.

And remember, everything in moderation!

And that's that. I hope this easy caramel apple recipe helps you. Go on, give it a go. You’ve got this!