- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (don’t skip this!)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Toppings of your choice (chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips)
Equipment Needed
- A medium saucepan
- A whisk or wooden spoon
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A sharp knife for slicing apples
- Toothpicks for dipping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I like to start by prepping my workspace. I wash and slice my apples into thick wedges, aiming for about 1-inch pieces. The apples need to be crunchy but not too thick to make the caramel stick well. If you’ve never tried cutting apples this way, trust me: it makes for easier dipping and munching! Once my apples are prepped, I lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, which helps the caramel from sticking too much.
Next, I turn my attention to the caramel. I grab my medium saucepan and combine the sugar, butter, and salt over medium heat. As the mixture starts to melt, I gently stir it with my wooden spoon, and oh, the sweet aroma that envelops my kitchen is heavenly. I keep an eye on it, aware that sugar can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat! After the butter has melted, I let the mixture simmer until it turns a lovely golden color, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Don’t walk away—just a moment too long can mean disaster!
When I’m satisfied with the golden hue, it’s time to add the heavy cream and vanilla. I do this carefully, as the mixture can bubble and splatter. Once I’ve mixed it all together, I let it cool slightly before I begin dipping the apple slices. Here’s a little tip: using toothpicks makes this process so much easier, especially for little hands helping around the kitchen! I dip each apple slice into the caramel and make sure it’s nicely coated before placing it back on the baking sheet. (See the next page below to continue…)