Best Ever Caramel Apples For Fall

When I was a young warthog, or Brownie (not yet a Girl Scout), I really only did it for two reasons. 1. My troop leader, Connie, who was warm and inspiring, and later moved to a new town and I never went back to graduate. 2. Snacks. It’s always about snacks, don’t you think? I’m sure Girl Scout snacks were AMAZING and included magic elf cookies, but Brownies snacks were darn good. The most memorable one for me was making homemade caramel apples on the stove.

Of course there were a dozen eight-year-olds “helping” to make them, so there were probably a lot of fingers and Brownies badges that dipped or fell into that caramel mixture, but you know what? It was magic. That was an unforgettable and delicious memory, that I can’t help but recreate now. I’m more diligent these days. I’m no quitter. Even if they run out of troop leaders.

Best Ever Caramel Apples:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

What You Need:

6 large apples
1 cup butter
1 ½ cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

What You Do:

1 – First, line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper and set aside

2 – And then make sure to wash and thoroughly dry the apples

3 – In a large saucepan over medium heat stir the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk until combined

4 – Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook until a candy-thermometer reads 245 degrees Fahrenheit

5 – And then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract

6 – Then dip each apple into the hot caramel and immediately add toppings if desired

7 – Lastly, place on prepared baking sheet and allow to cool before serving

Some tips:

• The caramel will take about 25 minutes to reach desired temperature so it is important to stir it constantly in order to prevent it from burning.

• Once the caramel reaches 245 degrees, it will move very quickly so keep a close eye on things.

• Move quickly when dipping the apples. If the caramel is setting too quickly put the caramel back on low heat.

• Have fun with your toppings! Try sprinkles, nuts, decorative sugar/sugar crystals, chocolate drizzle, cookie crumbs, etc.

• Make sure the apples are free of wax/polish and thoroughly dry or the caramel will slip off.