It’s not fall without caramel apples. Instead of paying too much for them at the state fair, make your own at home with family or friends. Our recipe starts with homemade caramel and Granny Smith apples, making for the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
How to Make It
Wash and dry apples. Remove stems, and insert a craft stick in center of each apple. Place apples on a small baking sheet, and chill while making caramel.
Stir together brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and sweetened condensed milk in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium. Insert a candy thermometer, and cook, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 245°F (firm ball stage), about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Let stand 5 minutes before dipping apples.
Remove apples from refrigerator, and dry well with paper towels. Working with 1 at a time, carefully dip and roll apple in caramel and allow excess to drip off bottom. If adding toppings: Let apple stand 1 minute, and then roll in desired toppings. Place apples on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Chill at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour before serving.