Apples are in full swing right now, and caramel is always amazing. Need I say more?
Now, I am all about buying pre-packaged caramels and melting them for an easy apple dipping sauce, but if you find yourself needing a home-made version, this one is pretty great.
You can roll these babies in whatever toppings your heart desires, but we opted for mini M&M's, home made granola, coconut, sliced almonds, and drizzled chocolate.
Caramel Apples
Recipe from Our Best Bites
1 lb. dark brown sugar (about 2 cups packed)
2 sticks butter
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 c. dark corn syrup (I used honey)
1/3 c. pure maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
Apples (covers at least 12)
popscicle sticks
assorted toppings of choice
Thoroughly wash and dry apples.
Place sticks in apples and place in a dish or baking sheet in the fridge to chill.
Prepare toppings in bowls.
To make the caramel, combine the first 8 ingredients in a large nonstick saucepan.
Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves (about 15 minutes), occasionally wiping down the sides of the pan.
Increase heat to medium-high.
Cook caramel at a rolling boil, stirring constantly but slowly, until candy thermometer registers 236 degrees (about 10-15 minutes).
Pour caramel into a deep, skinny bowl, large enough to fit an apple.
Dip chilled apples in caramel mixture, and roll in desired toppings.
Reheat caramel if it becomes too thick to dip.