Carnival Caramel Apples

Step right up and indulge in a nostalgic treat with these Carnival Caramel Apples—perfect for celebrations, fall festivals, or a whimsical dessert at home! Crisp, tart Granny Smith apples get a decadent makeover as they're dipped in velvety homemade caramel, made with a luscious blend of granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a hint of vanilla. The caramel's rich, buttery flavor clings perfectly to each apple, and the texture is heavenly—silky smooth with just the right stickiness. Personalize your creation with tantalizing toppings like chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is as simple as it is sensational, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Whether you're hosting a fall carnival or looking for a sweet and festive snack, these caramel apples are a feast for both the eyes and taste buds!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 whole Granny Smith apples (or preferred variety)
• 6 Wooden popsicle sticks
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.25 cup Light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 1 to taste Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies, melted chocolate

Directions

Step 1

Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to remove any wax coating. Insert one wooden popsicle stick into the stem end of each apple and set them aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is fully combined.

Step 3

Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue to cook the caramel mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). This process typically takes about 10–15 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly, about 3–5 minutes, so it thickens but is still pourable.

Step 5

Hold each prepared apple by the stick and dip it into the caramel, turning to coat it evenly. Allow any excess caramel to drip back into the saucepan.

Step 6

Optional: Immediately roll the caramel-coated apple in your desired toppings (e.g., nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies). Gently press the toppings onto the caramel to ensure they stick.

Step 7

Place the coated apples upright on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The caramel should set and become firm to the touch.

Step 8

Once the caramel is fully set, serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1800.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2978.8

Total Fat 94.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 244mg	0%
Sodium 699.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 556.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.8g	0%
Total Sugars 517.6g
Protein 4.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 208.3mg	0%
Iron 2.5mg	0%
Potassium 1520.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.4%

Protein: 0.6%

Carbs: 71.9%