Homemade Caramel Apples

These are quite literally THE BEST homemade caramel apples because they are made with HOMEMADE caramel. Crispy tart apples, buttery gooey caramel and crunchy chocolate candy bits. These are also easy caramel apples and I'm going to show you step-by-step how to make this caramel apples recipe.

Although you can make homemade caramel apples all year round, typically they are a traditional fall food! (and fair food ha ha) If you are looking for some more delicious fall apple food you must try this apple cake or this Starbucks caramel apple spice drink. 

Why This Caramel Apples Recipe Works

It's literally the best because 

• No two ingredients were made better for each other apple + caramel
• While many caramel recipes can be daunting this one is easy!!
• You probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now.
• It's a fun, gluten free recipe that kids and adults like.

What do I need to make Homemade Caramel Apples

• Apples: You want to use firm crispy apples. Green Granny Smith apples are very popular because their tart crispiness pair perfectly with the gooey sweetness of homemade caramel. However, you can also use firm red apples too that you love- like Gala, fuji or another variety you love.
• Sweetened condensed milk- I like sweetened condensed milk because of its flavor. It's also much more stable to cook with than heavy cream. you can find this in the baking isle of your store. It's a small can.
• Pantry items- sugar
• Butter- Adds the best flavor!
• Salt- Especially if you want these to have a "salted caramel" flavor
• Light Corn Syrup- Corn syrup is liquid sugar made from corn. Corn Syrup help makes the consistency nice and sticky to it adheres to the slippery apple skin. It is a necessary ingredient for making most candy.
• Lollipop Sticks- I've found these are the best for handles. You can also use a small popsicle stick.

How To Make Homemade Caramel Apples

In a few simple steps I'm going to show you how to prepare apples, make the caramel and store apples. 

Prepare Apples to become Caramel Apples

Many apples have a waxy film over them that make it hard for the caramel to adhere to their skin. Wash them throughly! I've also found that if you CHILL THE APPLES before dipping it helps the caramel adhere. 

PRO-TIP when sticking the apples:

1. Set apples on their base on their own, so they are not tipping over. It's ok it they are naturally a little lopsided- as long as they are sitting flat and not tipping over!!
2. Push the stick down the center of the apple so the stick is straight- again, its ok if the apple looks uneven (its nature!) the important thing is that the apple can sit flat without tipping over.

How To Make Easy Homemade Caramel for Caramel Apples

Now that your apples are ready lets prep for the homemade caramel. I love this homemade caramel recipe not only because of its flavor but also because it is EASY!

1. Place all your ingredients in a heavy bottom pan. You do NOT want a really thin pan. You will need a good heavy pan for homemade caramel.
2. On medium heat continually stir caramel until it boils and reaches 240 degrees.
3. If you are in need of a thermometer invest in this Thermoworks one. It does everything! including candy, meat, baking etc. If you don't have one then you MUST use a CANDY THERMOMETER. Once you insert the thermometer you cannot take it out, unless you clean it. Don't let it touch the bottom of the pan or you will get an inaccurate reading.
4. If your caramel is getting to hot you may start to see small dark brown flecks, remove from heat, still stirring and let the caramel cool for about 30 seconds. Return to stovetop and lower the temp.
5. Use a wood or silicone spatula- one that can withstand high heat without heating up. Never take this spatula out of the caramel if you do clean it off before inserting back in.

How to Dip Caramel Apples

I have a few pro tips to make your apple dipping a success! 

1. Prepare a cookie sheet with linked parchment paper.
2. Take one chilled apple and swirl it around in the caramel so it comes up close to the stick.
3. Lift apple out of caramel and continue to spin apple until it stops dripping.
4. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets. I like to place the apples immediately in the freezer to slow any further dripping/caramel sliding down the apple.

Now Dress Up Your Caramel Apples!

If you want to add candy to your caramel apple do that immediately after dipping while the caramel is still soft. 

For Halloween apples use a little black food coloring + candy corn for festive treats. Or try using this black licorice recipe for caramels- its amazing!

Can I Use a Slow Cooker To Warm My Caramel? 

Preheat your slow cooker while you are making your caramel. Make your caramel on the stove top and transfer to your slow cooker. Keep your caramel in the crock-pot on the low setting. Stir caramel every 10-15 minutes to keep butter from separating. 

How to Store Caramel Apples

If you are not eating caramel apples immediately you will want to store your apples in a ziplock back in the fridge. This will slow down your apple going bad, and keep it nice and crisp along with the other flavors.