How to Make Caramel

See how to turn sugar into caramel, then browse our caramel apple toppings bar.

From: Food Network Magazine
Related To:
How To Candy Recipes and Ideas Caramel Apple

Centerfold for Food Network Magazine

Photo by: Karl Juengel

Karl Juengel

Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved in the water before the mixture boils; stray granules will turn your caramel gritty.

Centerfold for Food Network Magazine

Photo by: Karl Juengel

Karl Juengel

The mixture will thicken and change color as it cooks. Remove the caramel from the heat when it is just light amber; it will darken as it cools.

Photo by: Karl Juengel ©Candy; Candy Apple; Food Network Magazine

Karl Juengel, Candy; Candy Apple; Food Network Magazine

Heavy cream makes the caramel soft and sticky, rather than brittle. Be careful: The cream will bubble and splatter when you add it to the hot caramel.

FNM-AppleCaramel-028.tif

FNM-AppleCaramel-028.tif

Photo by: Karl Juengel ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Karl Juengel, Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Caramel Apples

FNM-Caramallows-009.tif

FNM-Caramallows-009.tif

Photo by: Karl Juengel ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Karl Juengel, Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Caramelize This: Use the caramel sauce above for more than just apples.

Caramel Apple Toppings

See All Photos

Perfect Caramel Apples

Don't let fall go by without biting into at least one really great caramel apple.

Photo By: Karl Juengel ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Ballpark Blend

Roll apple in: Salted peanuts and caramel popcorn. The salty-sweet combination can't be beat.

Photo By: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Cookies and Cream

Roll apple in: Crushed Oreo cookies and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Almost any dessert is better with crushed Oreos on it.

Photo By: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Tropical Twist

Roll apple in: Toasted shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts. This tropical mix is a no-fail flavor combination.

Photo By: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Health Nut

Roll apple in: Chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Try this for a "healthier" treat.

Photo By: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Asian Fusion

Roll apple in: Diced crystallized ginger and toasted sesame seeds. Try this for a surprising, Asian twitst on classic fall flavors.

Photo By: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Cheddar Crunch

Roll apple in: Crushed cheese crackers. This creative topping riffs on apple pie with a cheddar cheese crust.

Photo By: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Next Up

How to Make Roasted Garlic

How to Make Roasted Garlic: A Step-by-Step Guide from Food Network

Make Spooktacular Halloween Cupcakes This Year With These Essentials

It's a baking smash!

Corn Cob Cookie on 'It's Pinteresting!!'

Learn how to decorate a corn cob cookie.

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Edible Slime

Break out the black light to make this bright-green edible slime glow. Our icky, sticky recipe makes the perfect sensory play activity for kids — and adults.

Cupcake Costume

Learn the basics and advanced cooking techniques from Food Network with how-to advice on everything from cooking or carving a turkey to grilling corn.

50 Caramel Sauce Treats

Food Network Magazine dreamed up dozens of new ways to use a jar of caramel sauce. 

Bean Count: The Great Jelly Bean Debate

Black is the only flavor jelly bean sold by the whole bag. Do you leave the black jelly beans behind?

America's 50 Best Candy Stores

Walmart's Candy Bouquets Are the Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift

Now you don’t have to choose between flowers and chocolate.

All-Pink Starburst Packs Are Back — This Time with a Clothing Line

Never let anyone treat you like a yellow Starburst.
More from:

Halloween

Latest Stories

7 Mummy-Themed Treats You’ll Want To Unwrap This Halloween Oct 18, 2019

The Best Pre-Black Friday Deals to Shop on Amazon Right Now Oct 18, 2019

Ever Wanted to Know More About Fruitarians? Oct 18, 2019

6 Breakfast Bowls That Are Ready in 15 Minutes or Less Oct 18, 2019

Does Protein Impact Heart Health? Oct 18, 2019

The Best Pre-Black Friday Sales and Deals We've Seen This Week Oct 18, 2019

Yes, You Can Freeze Pecan Pie Oct 18, 2019

How Many Pounds of Turkey Should You Order Per Person? Oct 18, 2019

Black Friday Came Early! The Coravin Is On Super-Sale on Amazon Right Now Oct 17, 2019

The Best Roasting Pans, Tested by Food Network Kitchen Oct 16, 2019

Food Network Kitchen's Ultimate Thanksgiving Toolkit Oct 16, 2019

Kylie Jenner Says the Champagne Vending Machine in Her Office Is ‘Everything’ Oct 17, 2019

Wendy’s Has Unveiled Its Full New Breakfast Menu Oct 17, 2019

Is This the Start of the Farm-to-Airplane-Seatback-Table Movement? Oct 17, 2019

Ree Drummond's New Instant Pots Are Definitely Going to Sell Out Oct 16, 2019

How to Throw a Totally-Not-Tacky Halloween Party Oct 16, 2019

The Secret to a Perfect Cheese Tray Oct 16, 2019

If You're in the Market for an Air Fryer, Maybe Buy This Instead Oct 16, 2019

Our Top Fan Favorites This Week Oct 15, 2019

10 Sweetest Day Gifts Under $25 that Show Just How Much You Care Oct 16, 2019

I'm a Health Editor and These Are the Nut-Free Snacks I Swear By Oct 15, 2019

What’s the Most-Popular Halloween Candy in Your State? Oct 15, 2019

Kim Kardashian Is As Obsessed with Ice Cream As You Are Oct 15, 2019

PSA: You Can Freeze Pumpkin Pie Oct 15, 2019

Hurry! It's Your Last Chance to Shop Sur La Table's Anniversary Sale Oct 14, 2019

Even Victoria Beckham Enjoys Cutting Loose with a Cocktail Oct 14, 2019

7 Easy Sides — and What to Pair Them With Oct 15, 2019

Our Favorite Outside-the-Box Waffle Topping Ideas Oct 14, 2019

Jennifer Garner’s Son Shares Her Spicy Sense of Humor— and Other Foodie Celeb News Oct 16, 2019

Kristen Bell Endorses Carbs as Brain Food Oct 11, 2019

Load More