I have great childhood memories eating these delicious Caramel Apples recipe, on a stick, usually at a local country fair or farmer's market. Growing up in valley famous for growing apples, there were so many ways to enjoy apples. I remember lots of Red Candy Apples or Toffee Apples, but felt like they broke my teeth. I always looked for Caramel Apples at the Autumn Fair.
Easy Caramel Apples Recipe
It doesn't take very long to make caramel apples, only about 20 minutes, and you only need a few ingredients.
- Kraft Caramels
- Whipping Cream
- Apples
- Popsicle Sticks or Craft Sticks
Kraft Caramel Apples - Caramel Substitute
Chewy Caramel Apples are an American classic. I'm sure it was invented by Kraft foods, as this recipe is also known as Kraft Caramel Apples. Big companies always find ways to incorporate their products into recipes, like Caramel Rice Krispies Squares, using caramels instead of marshmallows.
Living in Australia, it's hard to find the Kraft Caramels, so what can you substitute caramels with? I usually use Werther's Caramels or Werther's Chewy Toffees as a substitute. They're basically the same thing, but cost more than Kraft, but they work well for this recipe. You can buy the popsicle sticks in the dollar store, or just save them when you eat popsicles!
What Apples Best for Caramel Apples?
You can use whatever type of Apples you like. I like sweeter apples like Gala, Fuji or Pink Lady. Granny Smiths which are traditionally used for caramel apples, are too sour for me, but others love the contrasting flavors. The video uses Granny Smith because they were on sale! I know I'm not the only person that shops items that are on sale!
I always say, use whatever apples are in season, fresh is best. Even better if apples are home grown or direct from the apple orchard, as they tend to be unwaxed. Unwaxed apples make it easier for the sticky caramel to stick to the apples. As you see in the video, I even use fresh strawberries to dip into the caramel sauce, another family favorite!
How to Wash Waxed Apples
It's always best to use unwaxed apples, but if you can't find them, here are my suggestions.
- wipe with apple cider vinegar, remember to rinse them to remove any vinegar residue before using
- dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds before wiping them with a paper towel
- mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of baking powder into some water. Dip and scrub the wax from the apples
Always remember to rinse the apples. Super important that the apples are completely dry, so the caramel sticks to the apples. I tend to use the hot water method to remove wax from store bought apples.
Wax Paper vs Baking Paper Life Hack
While the caramel apples are setting in the fridge, you need to place them on something to set. Most recipes call for wax paper, but can you use unwaxed paper? Wax paper is used for cold foods and baking paper is for hot foods. Wax paper is hard to find here in Australia, so here is a bit of life hack. If you use baking paper or parchment paper, spray the surface with cooking spray. This allows you to place the Caramel Apples with minimal sticking. So don't rush out to buy extra wax paper if you don't have it in your cupboards.
Autumn Apple Recipes You'll Love!
- Hot Apple Cider Made From Scratch
- Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry
- American Apple Pie
- Easy Russian Apple Cake
This Caramel Apples recipe is a family autumn favorite, perfect for halloween, parties or just a treat for the kids. An easy fall classic the whole family will love - Kraft Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 6 apples unwaxed
- 14 oz /400g Soft Caramels
- 2 tablespoons milk or whipping cream
- 6 popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Wash and wipe the apples until they are completely dry (not even a drop of moisture!). Remove the stems from each apple and insert a popsicle stick into the top of each apple.
- Unwrap the caramels into a saucepan, add milk/whipping cream and place over medium-low heat. Cook until the mixture is melted, usually about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Dip the apples into the melted caramels. Use a tablespoon to spoon over extra caramels over the apples if needed. Allow excess caramel to drip off, and scrape any excess caramel from the bottom of the apples. Place on the prepared wax paper sheet.
- Refrigerate the Caramel Apples for at least 30 minutes.
Video
©PetersFoodAdventures.com
