Frans Caramel Apples Recipes

THE BEST CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside; when completely cool, insert a wooden chopstick firmly into the bottom of each apple for a handle.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Stir butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), 25 to 30 minutes; stir constantly to prevent burning. A teaspoon of the syrup, dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball. Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle. Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot. Let caramel apples cool on the parchment paper. Use caution, caramel is very hot.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Remove apple stems, rinse the apples under very hot water for a few seconds, then scrub dry with a paper towel to help remove the wax around the apple. If possible, place the apples in the refrigerator for several hours or days in advance so they are well chilled before dipping.
• Insert the craft sticks vertically into the apples. Line a pan with parchment paper and place the apples on it. Make space in your fridge to fit the pan. Add all of your toppings to plates or shallow bowls so they are ready to go. (If adding melted chocolate and then toppings, wait for the caramel to set on the apples before dipping them in melted chocolate).
• Make homemade caramel (this will take approximately 70 minutes), or melt store-bought pre-wrapped caramels (wrapper removed) in a large saucepan with 2 tablespoons of milk. Melt over medium heat until smooth. (See notes.)
• Allow the caramel to cool for 3-5 minutes before dipping the apples. If it's too hot it will slide off the apples more easily.
• Holding an apple by the stick, dip it into the caramel, gently swirling it around to coat all sides. Lift up and continue to swirl it as you allow any excess caramel to drip off. Place on parchment paper lined pan. Work carefully and quickly to dip all of the apples, and immediately add toppings, if desired.
• Repeat with remaining apples. Store dipped apples immediately in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• In a heavy 3-qt. saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and milk; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until mixture reaches 248° (firm-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 30-40 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Insert wooden sticks into apples. Dip each apple into hot caramel mixture; turn to coat. Set on waxed paper to cool. If desired, roll the bottom of the dipped apples into chopped peanuts.

FRAN'S APPLE CAKE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Add to butter mixture.
• Stir in apples and nuts, if desired.
• Bake in greased bundt pan for 65-70 minutes at 325°.
• For sauce, heat sugar, butter and evaporated milk over medium heat.
• Add extract.
• Chill.
• Pass sauce with cake.