Caramel Apple Slices

$- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or your choice) - 1 cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter - ½ cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon sea salt - Optional toppings: Chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, or walnuts), sprinkles, mini chocolate chips - Best apples for caramel: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji When making caramel apple slices, choosing the right apples is key. I suggest using Granny Smith apples. They balance the sweet caramel with a tart bite. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples also work great. The crunch adds texture to your treat. For the caramel, you need simple ingredients. Granulated sugar is your base. Butter adds richness, while heavy cream makes it smooth. A bit of vanilla gives a nice aroma. Sea salt enhances the flavor too. Optional toppings let you get creative. Chopped nuts add crunch. Sprinkles bring color, and mini chocolate chips add sweetness. Use what you love! Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you will have everything ready to go. You'll save time and enjoy the process. Happy cooking! - Wash and dry the apples. - Core and slice the apples into wedges. - Prevent browning with lemon juice. Start by washing the apples well. I like to use cold water to clean them. After drying, take a knife and core each apple. Slice them into wedges, about half an inch thick. This size makes them easy to dip. To keep them fresh, place the slices in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice. This step stops the apples from turning brown. - Melting the butter and combining with sugar. - Cooking until bubbly. - Adding heavy cream and stirring until thick. Now, let’s make the caramel. Grab a medium saucepan and put it on medium heat. Melt the butter and then add the granulated sugar. Stir it well and cook for three to five minutes. You want the sugar to melt and become bubbly. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up, so watch out! Keep stirring for five to seven minutes until it thickens. Once done, remove it from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and sea salt. - Dip apple slices in caramel. - Let excess caramel drip off. - Add optional toppings before caramel sets. Next, take your apple slices out of the lemon water and pat them dry. Dip each slice into the warm caramel. Let any extra caramel drip off back into the pan. Now, place the caramel-coated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the caramel sets, you can sprinkle on nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. To make the best caramel, cook it at medium heat. This helps the sugar melt slowly and evenly. Aim for a temperature of 240°F (115°C). This is the soft-ball stage. The right consistency is smooth and thick. If it's too runny, cook it longer. If it's too hard, you can add a bit more cream and heat it gently. For caramel apples, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They are tart and hold up well to the caramel. Organic apples are great if you want fewer pesticides. Conventional apples work too, but wash them well before use. Caramel apple slices pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also serve them with brownies for a fun dessert combo. For drinks, a warm cider or a cold glass of milk goes perfectly with these sweet treats. {{image_2}} You can make your caramel apple slices even more fun by adding chocolate. Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the caramel. It adds a nice touch and makes them look fancy. You can also use flavored chocolates. Try dark chocolate for a rich taste or white chocolate for a sweeter treat. Nuts can bring a great crunch to your slices. You can use chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts. Each nut has its own flavor, making each bite unique. If you want a twist, try using flavored or spiced nuts. Cinnamon or chili-spiced nuts can give your apples an exciting kick. You can change the flavor of your caramel to match the seasons. For fall, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel. This gives it a warm taste, perfect for chilly days. In summer, you can add fruits like berries or peaches to the mix. This adds freshness and a burst of color to your treat. - Store your caramel apple slices in an airtight container. - They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed helps prevent moisture and air from ruining the caramel. You want your treats to stay delicious and crunchy. If you don’t eat them all quickly, check every day to ensure they still taste great. - Yes, you can freeze caramel apple slices. - Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Freezing them preserves the taste, but the texture changes. The caramel may become grainy when thawed, so enjoy them fresh when possible. If you freeze them, eat them within a month for the best flavor. - Look for a change in color or a slimy texture. - If they smell off, it’s best to throw them away. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Fresh apple slices should feel crisp and firm. If they start to look dull or feel mushy, they have gone bad. Store them properly to maintain their freshness and enjoy your delightful treat longer! To keep caramel soft and smooth, work with warm caramel. Here are some tips: - Use low heat: Cook the caramel over medium heat to control its temperature. - Add cream slowly: When adding heavy cream, do it slowly while stirring to keep it warm. - Cover it: If you need to pause, cover the caramel to trap heat. - Reheat if needed: If the caramel sets, gently reheat it on low to soften. These steps help you have a perfect, gooey caramel every time. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel. Some great options are: - Caramel sauce: Look for a thick sauce in jars. Brands like Hershey's or Smucker’s work well. - Caramel candies: Unwrap and melt them according to package directions. - Squeeze packs: They are easy to use and perfect for drizzling. These options save time and still taste great with apple slices. Serving caramel apple slices can be fun and creative. Here are some tips: - Arrange nicely: Place slices on a fancy plate or wooden board for a nice look. - Add toppings: Sprinkle nuts, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles for extra flair. - Serve with dips: Offer extra caramel or a chocolate sauce for dipping. - Use sticks: Insert popsicle sticks for easy handling. These ideas make your caramel apple slices a hit at any gathering. To make great caramel apple slices, I shared essential tips and steps. From choosing the best apples to perfecting your caramel, these details matter. Don't forget to experiment with toppings and flavors. Remember to store your slices carefully to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these treats—your friends and family will love them! Create your tasty twists and share your results!$

Indulge in the sweet delight of homemade caramel apple slices that are perfect for any occasion! Follow this simple recipe to create crispy apple wedges covered in rich, buttery caramel. Add your favorite toppings like nuts or sprinkles for an extra touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, these tasty treats are sure to impress!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or your choice)

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon sea salt

Chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, or walnuts) for topping (optional)

Sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry. Core each apple and slice them evenly into wedges, about ½ inch thick. Place the apple slices in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, add the granulated sugar, stir until combined, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sugar is melted and bubbly.

Add Cream and Flavor: Carefully pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly, as the mixture will bubble up. Continue to stir for another 5-7 minutes until the caramel is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly.

Dip the Apple Slices: Remove the apple slices from the water and pat them dry. Dip each slice into the warm caramel, letting the excess drip off.

Add Toppings: Place the caramel-coated apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the caramel sets, sprinkle optional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.

Cool and Serve: Let the apple slices cool for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature until the caramel hardens. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4-6