The Best Caramel Apples

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Description

The best caramel apple recipe coats tart apples with rich, thick caramel. Sprinkle with nuts, crushed cookies, or whatever you desire for a sweet treat!

Ingredients

8 large tart apples
8 wooden chopsticks for handles
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1 Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in water for a few seconds with a slotted spoon to remove any wax from skins; dry with paper towels. Let cool.
2 Insert sticks through bottom core of each apple.
3 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
4 Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), stirring constantly to prevent burning, 25 to 30 minutes. A teaspoon of caramel dropped in a glass of cold water should form a firm ball.
5 Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
6 Working quickly, dip each apple into caramel to completely coat apple and about 1/2 inch of the handle.
7 Sprinkle apples with desired toppings while still hot.
8 Let cool on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 hour. Use caution, caramel is very hot.