If you’ve never made caramel apples, then it’s time you tried. They are actually tons of fun to make, and easier than you might think. Plus, they make excellent gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, and family!
Here’s HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLES THE EASY WAY!
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PREPARE THE APPLE
The apples need a little prep before you start adding the fun stuff like the caramel. Apples naturally produce a waxy coating that protects them from moisture loss, keeps them firm, and slows down decay. The wax also keeps the caramel from sticking to the apple, so the wax has to go. To remove the wax from the apple, fill your sink with about 5 inches of water. Then add about a tablespoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda to the water. Submerge your apples in the water and then scrub them using a vegetable brush.
Rinse and dry the apples and then remove the stems. Next, insert a candy apple stick in each apple, pressing in about an inch.
Great apples to use for caramel apples are Jonagold, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Cameo, and Pink Lady.
MAKE THE CARAMEL SAUCE
Don’t tell anyone how easy it is to make this version of caramel sauce for easy caramel apples. (smiling) To make the caramel sauce, just empty a bag of Caramel Bits plus 2 tablespoons of milk into a microwave-safe bowl. I like to use Caramel Bits because I prefer not peeling wrappers from the caramel pieces – if you don’t mind doing that, use Kraft Caramels. Microwave until the caramel is melted, stirring after each minute. Do not overheat or you’ll burn the caramel!
ROLL THE APPLES IN MELTED CARAMEL
Once you’ve heated your caramel, dip/roll your apples in the caramel. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Now, if you are making extra fancy caramel apples, you’ll need to add a step or two. If you want to add toppings to your caramel, after you roll your apple in caramel, dip your apple in your topping. Your topping should already be prepared if you are planning on using toppings. If you want to go a step further and drizzle chocolate on your apples, then heat up your chocolate after you dip your apples in the caramel and the topping.
TOPPING IDEAS
- Chopped Peanuts
- Sprinkles
- Crushed Graham Crackers
- Mini M&M’s
- Crushed Oreo’s
- Mini Marshmallows
- Chopped up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
FANCY DRIZZED CHOCOLATE
If you want to make your caramel apples fancy and drizzle chocolate on them, Wilton candy melts work really well. You can put a handful in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 15-second increments. Or, you can use your favorite melted chocolate chips. There are tons to choose from including semi-sweet, white chocolate, peanut butter, and more. Applying the drizzled chocolate can be tricky. You have to work quickly before the chocolate cools off. If you have a plastic squeeze bottle on hand, they work great for dispensing the melted chocolate.
STORE IN THE REFRIGERATOR
Store your apples in the refrigerator for up to 2 1/2 weeks!
Do you have any great caramel apple making tips I’ve missed?
Want more? Look here…
10 Amazing Candy Apple Recipes
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~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
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