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Creamy Soft Caramel Apples with Sea Salt

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A cozy autumn treat featuring crisp apples dipped in creamy, soft caramel with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet and savory balance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium-sized crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 85g), softened
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (200g)
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup (60ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
  • Wooden popsicle sticks or skewers for dipping and holding the apples

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 6 medium apples thoroughly. Insert a wooden stick firmly into each apple’s stem end.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to hold the dipped apples.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
  4. Add 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Stir constantly until smooth and gently bubbling, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Cook the caramel to the soft ball stage (235°F/113°C) or test by dropping a bit into cold water to form a soft, pliable ball.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt.
  7. Dip each apple into the warm caramel, swirling to coat evenly. Allow excess caramel to drip back into the pot and place the apple on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each caramel apple.
  9. Let the apples cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the caramel firms but remains soft. Optionally chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning. Stir constantly to avoid crystallization. Test caramel readiness with cold water if no thermometer is available. Work quickly when dipping apples to avoid caramel hardening. Rewarm caramel gently if it thickens too much. Sprinkle sea salt when caramel is slightly cooled to preserve texture. For dairy-free, substitute butter and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apples, sea salt caramel, autumn treat, homemade caramel, soft caramel, fall dessert, easy caramel apples

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/creamy-soft-caramel-apples-with-sea-salt-easy-homemade-autumn-treat/