How to Make Caramel

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

From: Food Network Magazine

Related To:

Get our caramel recipe

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

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

Karl Juengel, Hearst Communications Inc., 2009

Caramel Apples

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.

Tropical Twist

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

Health Nut

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

Sweet Ginger

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

Cheddar Crunch

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

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