How to Make Caramel Apples

Article by Laura Denby

Apples and caramel are a timeless combination, and homemade caramel apples are a fall-favorite for kids and adults alike. Though it might seem like an intimidating process, learning how to make caramel apples at home is quick and easy. In fact, all you need are crisp, fresh apples and some simple ingredients that you probably already have — like sugar, butter, heavy cream and corn syrup. Read on for our expertly-tested candy apple recipe that’s easy for anyone to master.

How to Make Caramel Apples Like a Pro

Choose the right type of apples: When making any candy apple recipe, it’s essential to pick very crisp apples. Crisp apples are easier (and tastier!) to eat raw, and they give that juicy crunch that caramel apples are known for. Some great options include Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Cosmic Crisp, Pink Lady or Granny Smith.

Make sure the apples are clean: If you’re wondering how to make candy apples that taste professionally-made, the key is clean apples. Before submerging the apples in homemade caramel sauce, make sure the apples have been washed and dried thoroughly. Clean apples without dust or dirt will result in smooth, creamy caramel.

Make homemade caramel: A deep, rich caramel makes for a classic shiny caramel apple. The key to making this caramel is to use corn syrup and to heat the caramel to 375 to 380 degrees F so it can grip the apple — at a lower temperature it would just slide off. Sometimes stovetop burners can cook unevenly which can cause a scorched spot, but here's how to save the caramel: if you see a little scorched spot starting to form then give the pan a few gently swirls to evenly disperse.

Dip the right way: Make sure to completely submerge each apple in the caramel, then use a spatula to remove large blobs of caramel. Doing so prevents the caramel from pooling around the bottom of the apple when you set it down on a baking sheet.

Prepare the toppings in advance: Although this caramel apple recipe is delicious on its own, dipping your apples in fun toppings is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Some fantastic options include chopped nuts, rainbow sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. Whichever topping you choose, be sure to prepare them properly so you can dress the apples while the caramel is still wet. For best results, place the toppings in a bowl or on a plate. After you dip the apples in the caramel dip, place the apple directly into the topping so it adheres to the wet caramel.

Let the apples harden: Once the apples are covered in caramel, transfer them to a lined baking sheet and let the apples harden before serving. Be sure to let the caramel sauce cool completely before serving.

Ingredients In Homemade Caramel

Making caramel dip for apples is easier than you might think. All you need are a few simple ingredients: sugar, butter, corn syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, water and kosher salt. Simply combine the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. The sugar and corn syrup combine to create a sweet, homemade caramel sauce, while the butter adds rich creaminess and the vanilla extract adds deep flavor.

The Best Tools for Homemade Caramel Apples

When making homemade caramel sauce, there are a few tools that make the process much quicker and easier. First, you’ll need a heavy-duty candy thermometer. At the Food Network Kitchen we rely on candy thermometers to achieve exact temperatures, resulting in perfect candy that’s smooth and creamy, rather than burnt or bitter. You’ll also need a heavy-bottomed saucepan that’s sturdy and capable of reaching high heats. Lastly, a flexible silicone spatula is a great tool for stirring homemade caramel while it’s on the stovetop.